Daya
Daya
or Compassion is a very important quality that needs to be part of a Sikhs Mind Set and must accompany the Sikh at all times. The other four qualities in the arsenal are: Truth (Sat), Contentment (Santokh), Humility (Nimrata) and Love (Pyar). These five qualities are essential to a Sikh and it is their duty to meditate and recite the Gurbani so that these virtues become a part of their mind.
The importance of Daya can be seen from the following Shabads from SGGS:
| SGGS Page 903 Full Shabad |
| You have no compassion; the Lord’s Light does not shine in you.
You are drowned, drowned in worldly entanglements. (4) |
It is clear from the Shabad above that if one does not have Compassion, then you will not by blessed by the Lord. You will not achieved any progress in your spiritual development and you will drown in Worldly Entanglements or Maya. It is mandatory to not ignore tragedies that take place in the world but to face them head-on and do whatever is possible within ones means. As a Sikh you must feel the pain and suffering of other people involved in any tragedy. These days, in addition to natural disasters, we have many Man-inspired violence and destruction. Most of this crazy action is the result of peoples lack of understanding and due to a complete loss of compassion for humanity. The Devil runs the mind of these people. Let’s learn from Gurbani as only then can we make sense of the world.
In Japji sahib, the most important Bani for the Sikhs, Maharaj says:
| SGGS Page 3 Full Shabad |
| The mythical bull is Dharma, the son of compassion; this is what patiently holds the earth in its place. One who understands this becomes truthful. What a great load there is on the bull! |
meaning that Dharma or Religion is the son of Compassion. Putting it another way: There would be no religion if there was no compassion. This highlight how important this quality is and that it is central for religion to function. So make no mistake, and make sure that as a Sikh, this virtue is always in your mind and that you analyse your feelings and actions whenever you seen any injustice or suffering taking place. If your heart is not moved seeing the starving in Africa, or the sufferings of the victims of terrorist bombing, then you have much intra-inspection to do to move forward with Sikhi.
| SGGS Page 822 Full Shabad |
| Truth, contentment, compassion, Dharmic faith and purity - I have received these from the Teachings of the Saints.
Says Nanak, one who realizes this in his mind, achieves total understanding.(2,4,90) |
If you desire to achieve total understanding, then make sure you practise Truth, contentment, compassion, Dharmic faith and purity at all times. That is the message of the Gurus!
