‘Air is our Guru, water our father, and the great earth our mother.’
Eleanor Nesbitt finds herself among Sikhs in the 'Thought for the week'
‘Highest is truth, higher still is truthful living’
These words of Nanak Dev Ji, Sikhs’ first Guru, resonate with Friends.
As I write, thousands of Sikh pilgrims are crossing the border from India into Pakistan. For seventy-two years they have been denied easy access to Kartarpur Sahib, the gurdwara that marks the place, just across the Ravi river from India, where Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539), lived and died.
What has made it possible for Sikhs to visit Kartarpur Sahib again is an agreement between the Muslim prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, and Narendra Modi, the Hindu prime minister of India. The bridge, destroyed in conflict between the two nations, has been rebuilt and a safe land corridor has been constructed. This momentous peace initiative was timed to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Nanak’s birth, and it perfectly fits his emphasis on integrity and dialogue and a transcending of religious labels and loyalties.
Nanak travelled widely. According to Sikh tradition he reached Makkah as well as Sri Lanka and the Himalayas and the north-east of India. As he travelled he sang the words (the bani) that came to him. We can read his compositions (in translation) more easily than ever before thanks to the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, being online.
Nanak’s poetry is full of lively images from nature and human activities. He is ironically critical of outward shows of wealth, status and religiosity. He emphasises the importance of living life ‘in the world’ while at the same time remaining centred on the ultimate reality (which he calls ‘nam’ – the divine name) rather than being preoccupied with one’s ego.
Sikhs’ celebrations began with conferences and other events several months ago and will be continuing for some time. In many cities the Guru Granth Sahib will be carried in spectacular street processions (nagar kirtan) this Sunday. Sikhs are also honouring Nanak’s birth anniversary by tree-planting as well as the vegetarian hospitality for which they are so famous.
They are finding fresh inspiration for environmental initiatives in Nanak’s words: ‘Air is our Guru, water our father, and the great earth our mother.’
Do find your nearest gurdwara and experience Sikhs’ worship and their welcome (remember, head coverings are provided for men but women need to take a headscarf).
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