I read somewhere that spirituality is beyond religions, so how are the Sikhism practices in relation to Spirituality. Kindly share your perspective in the light of Gurbani

Respected Brother/Sister,

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!

In response to your question, the undersigned wants to say that Guru Granth Sahib doesn’t teach religion but spirituality, as also a way of life to live in the Hukam of Akalpurakh (Divine Law) and become a righteous (ਸਚਿਆਰ)/ virtuous (ਗੁਣਵਾਨ) person.

This goal of becoming a righteous/virtuous person was laid down by the First Guru Person, Guru Nanak Sahib, when he said in the first Pauri, of the Jap Baani, itself:-

Kiv Sachiara hoiey, Kiv Kude Tute Pal, Hukam Rajai Chalna, Nanak likhya Naal.

ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥

According to Prof. Sahib Singh ji, who gave meanings of all the Shabads, included in Guru Granth Sahib, the entire Guru Granth Sahib is explanation of the above two Pangtis.

Further, in the 21st Pauri of Jap Baani, Guru Sahib makes it absolutely clear that without becoming a righteous/virtuous person, meditation/worship can’t be possible:-

ਸੁਣਿਆ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ ॥ ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

For a Sikh, becoming righteous/ virtuous, is not a one day affair but a continuous effort (day in and day out) encompassing the entire life. In doing this, there is no place for any kind of karamkands/show business and the life has to be actually lived, as per teachings of Guru Granth Sahib.

This, however, has actually not happened, in case of many Sikhs because they have just read Guru Granth Sahib but have not applied the teachings in their life.

So, the Sikhs have to get rid of vices, become righteous/virtuous (Gurmukh), become one with Akalpurakh and Shabad Guru, who are embodiment of each other, reach the stage of spiritual equipoise (ਆਤਮਿਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ) & spiritual bliss (ਆਤਮਿਕ ਆਨੰਦ) and finally achieve spiritual emancipation/salvation in this life itself (ਇਸੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਿਚ ਆਤਮਿਕ ਤੌਰ ਤੇ ਮੁਕਤ ਹੋ ਜਾਣਾ).

Hope it helps. If you have any further questions, please do ask. If you find any deficiencies, please point out the same, for improvement in future.

Regards,

Your Brother