Guru Granth Sahib on meat: Difference between revisions

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(Misinterpretation of Gurbani on meat issue)
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Why is it so hard to understand? Gurbani is very clear about this issue. Nobody will be a sinner just because he/she ate meat. Water is the source of life on this earth and you drink water everyday, it also has life. Vegetation also has life. If you are thinking one life is greater then other then you are wrong. Also, Gurbani does not tell you that by eating meat you will become a better Sikh. It clearly says that lust of anything is wrong. The summary is very simple - meat eating is neither encouraged nor discouraged in Sikhism. If you need it, eat it. If you feel bad eating it, just don't eat it but don't call others as less Sikhs. Just by eating or not-eating meat you cannot be one with the Akaal.
Why is it so hard to understand? Gurbani is very clear about this issue. Nobody will be a sinner just because he/she ate meat. Water is the source of life on this earth and you drink water everyday, it also has life. Vegetation also has life. If you are thinking one life is greater then other then you are wrong. Also, Gurbani does not tell you that by eating meat you will become a better Sikh. It clearly says that lust of anything is wrong. The summary is very simple - meat eating is neither encouraged nor discouraged in Sikhism. If you need it, eat it. If you feel bad eating it, just don't eat it but don't call others as less Sikhs. Just by eating or not-eating meat you cannot be one with the Akaal.


 
--[[User:A._S._Aulakh|A. S. Aulakh]]  <sup> [http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=User_talk:A._S._Aulakh Talk]</sup> 15:15, 15 July 2007 (EDT)


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Revision as of 13:15, 15 July 2007

This article is based entirely on the views expressed by the Sikh GuruGurbani – and does not rely on any outside views. The message expressed by the Guru are clear and unambiguous and anyone who understands Gurmukhi will be able to come to the same conclusion. Gurbani or the writings within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (or SGGS) are the most important guidance for a Sikh as this is regards as the Guru or Spiritual teacher for the Sikh. (banee guroo guroo hai banee vich banee amrit saaray.…sggs p982) To be a Sikh is to consider the SGGS as ones only spiritual guide. The message within the Guru Granth Sahib is the universal and moral guide for all of humanity and in particular for all Sikhs. No Hukamnama (order, directive or decree) by anyone other than the Sikh Guru can move the Guru's Sikh away from this stand (hukam rajaa-ee chalnaa naanak likhi-aa naal....sggs p1). Gurbani offers clear guidance on this important issue. The following quotes from Varan Bhai Gurdas and Sri Guru Granth Sahib give the Sikhs clear and concise direction on what a Sikh should eat or not eat and other aspect of this important facet of a person's spiritual and moral life.

Bhai Gurdas ji was the first scribe of the Adi Granth. He was responsible for writing the first compilation of the Holy Granth. While Guru Arjan Dev ji dictated the Bani, Bhai Sahib put the words to paper. He probably spent many years in gathering and then scribing the words of Gurbani. He is recognised as the first "Scholar of Sikhism" and his own writings, called the Varan Bhai Gurdas were called by Guru Arjan Dev, "the Key to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib". The Varan also offer clear guidance on this subject to the Sikh as well.

Despite this article outlining the fact that eating meat is prohibited for a Sikh, it should be very clear to all that whether one eats meat or not, is only one aspect of the life of a Sikh. So no greater importance should be given to this issue at the expense of the many other issues which are of equal importance to a Sikh. It is not an issue where one should engage in heated argument - Read Gurbani and make your own decision on this matter. This topic is very emotive and many Sikhs who cannot read or understand the original Gurmukhi text are unable to understand the Guru's clear message and will use their own Manmat (entrench personal stand) to propagate their own views or views of other who have not relied on the Guru's word.

However, let us remember that to begin with, SGGS has placed emphasis on three foundation aspects of life - ie

This set of three fundamental holy concepts being the very root of Sikhism & all other Gurmat Principles, it is very important for every sikh & the Sikh Panth(society) to see these as the basic issues which encompasses all other important issues guiding the Sikh way of life in today's fast changing times.


Shabads from Guru Granth Sahib

Shabads referring to "Eat a Simple Diet"

SGGS Page 467 Full Shabad
ਓਨ੝ਹ੝ਹੀ ਮੰਦੈ ਪੈਰ੝ ਨ ਰਖਿਓ ਕਰਿ ਸ੝ਕ੝ਰਿਤ੝ ਧਰਮ੝ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥
ਓਨ੝ਹ੝ਹੀ ਦ੝ਨੀਆ ਤੋੜੇ ਬੰਧਨਾ ਅੰਨ੝ ਪਾਣੀ ਥੋੜਾ ਖਾਇਆ ॥

onHee mandai pair na rakhi-o kar sukarit Dharam kamaa-i-aa.
onHee dunee-aa torhay banDhnaa ann paanee thorhaa khaa-i-aa.

They do not place their feet in sin, but do good deeds and live righteously in Dharma.
They burn away the bonds of the world, and eat a simple diet of grain and water.

Shabads with the word "Kill"

Shabad page 723

SGGS Page 723 Full Shabad
ਬੰਦੇ ਚਸਮ ਦੀਦੰ ਫਨਾਇ ॥

ਦ੝ਨਂ​”ੀਆ ਮ੝ਰਦਾਰ ਖ੝ਰਦਨੀ ਗਾਫਲ ਹਵਾਇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਗੈਬਾਨ ਹੈਵਾਨ ਹਰਾਮ ਕ੝ਸਤਨੀ ਮ੝ਰਦਾਰ ਬਖੋਰਾਇ ॥
ਦਿਲ ਕਬਜ ਕਬਜਾ ਕਾਦਰੋ ਦੋਜਕ ਸਜਾਇ ॥੨॥

banday chasam deedaN fanaa-ay.
duneeN-aa murdaar khurdanee gaafal havaa-ay. rahaa-o.
gaibaan haivaan haraam kustanee murdaar bakhoraa-ay.
dil kabaj kabjaa kaadro dojak sajaa-ay. ((2))

O human being, whatever you can see with your eyes, shall perish.
The world eats dead carcasses, living by neglect and greed. ((Pause))
Like a goblin, or a beast, they kill and eat the forbidden carcasses of meat.
So control your urges, or else you will be seized by the Lord, and thrown into the tortures of hell.
((2))

Shabad page 1103

SGGS Page 1103 Full Shabad
ਜੀਅ ਬਧਹ੝ ਸ੝ ਧਰਮ੝ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹ੝ ਅਧਰਮ੝ ਕਹਹ੝ ਕਤ ਭਾਈ ॥

ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਮ੝ਨਿਵਰ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹ੝ ਕਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਹ੝ ਕਸਾਈ ॥੨॥

jee-a baDhahu so Dharam kar thaapahu aDhram kahhu kat bhaa-ee.
aapas ka-o munivar kar thaapahu kaa ka-o kahhu kasaa-ee. ((2))

You kill living beings, and call it a righteous action.
Tell me, brother, what would you call an unrighteous action?
You call yourself the most excellent sage; then who would you call a butcher? ((2))

Shabad page 1128

SGGS Page 1128 Full Shabad
ਸੋ ਜਾਗੈ ਜੋ ਤਤ੝ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ॥
ਆਪਿ ਮਰੈ ਅਵਰਾ ਨਹ ਮਾਰੈ ॥੩॥

so jaagai jo tat beechaarai.
aap marai avraa nah maarai. ((3))

One who contemplates the essence of reality remains awake and aware.
He kills his self-conceit, and does not kill anyone else. ((3))



Shabad page 1350

SGGS Page 1350 Full Shabad
ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਹਹ੝ ਮਤ ਝੂਠੇ ਝੂਠਾ ਜੋ ਨ ਬਿਚਾਰੈ ॥

ਜਉ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਝਕ੝ ਖ੝ਦਾਇ ਕਹਤ ਹਉ ਤਉ ਕਿਉ ਮ੝ਰਗੀ ਮਾਰੈ ॥੧॥

bayd katayb kahhu mat jhoothay jhoothaa jo na bichaarai.
ja-o sabh meh ayk khudaa-ay kahat ha-o ta-o ki-o murgee maarai. ((1))

Do not say that the Vedas, the Bible and the Koran are false.
Those who do not contemplate them are false.
You say that the One Lord is in all, so why do you kill chickens? ((1))


Shabad page 1375

SGGS Page 1375 Full Shabad
ਕਬੀਰ ਜੀਅ ਜ੝ ਮਾਰਹਿ ਜੋਰ੝ ਕਰਿ ਕਹਤੇ ਹਹਿ ਜ੝ ਹਲਾਲ੝ ॥
ਦਫਤਰ੝ ਦਈ ਜਬ ਕਾਢਿ ਹੈ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਕਉਨ੝ ਹਵਾਲ੝ ॥੧੯੯॥

kabeer jee-a jo maareh jor kar kahtay heh jo halaal.
daftar da-ee jab kaadh hai ho-igaa ka-un havaal. ((199))

Kabeer, they oppress living beings and kill them, and call it proper.
When the Lord calls for their account, what will their condition be? ((199))

Other Shabads connected with Meat

Shabad Page 141

SGGS Page 141 Full Shabad
ਹਕ੝ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਉਸ੝ ਸੂਅਰ ਉਸ੝ ਗਾਇ ॥ ਗ੝ਰ੝ ਪੀਰ੝ ਹਾਮਾ ਤਾ ਭਰੇ ਜਾ ਮ੝ਰਦਾਰ੝ ਨ ਖਾਇ ॥

ਗਲੀ ਭਿਸਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਝ ਛ੝ਟੈ ਸਚ੝ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਮਾਰਣ ਪਾਹਿ ਹਰਾਮ ਮਹਿ ਹੋਇ ਹਲਾਲ੝ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲੀ ਕੂੜੀਈ ਕੂੜੋ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥੨॥

hak paraa-i-aa naankaa us soo-ar us gaa-ay. gur peer haamaa taa bharay jaa murdaar na khaa-ay.
galee bhisat na jaa-ee-ai chhutai sach kamaa-ay. maaran paahi haraam meh ho-ay halaal na jaa-ay.
naanak galee koorhee-ee koorho palai paa-ay. ॥2॥

To take what rightfully belongs to another, is like a Muslim eating pork, or a Hindu eating beef.
Our Guru, our Spiritual Guide, stands by us, if we do not eat those carcasses.
By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth.
By adding spices to forbidden foods, they are not made acceptable.
O Nanak, from false talk, only falsehood is obtained. ॥2॥

Shabad Page 1374

SGGS Page 1374 Full Shabad
ਕਬੀਰ ਖੂਬ੝ ਖਾਨਾ ਖੀਚਰੀ ਜਾ ਮਹਿ ਅੰਮ੝ਰਿਤ੝ ਲੋਨ੝ ॥

ਹੇਰਾ ਰੋਟੀ ਕਾਰਨੇ ਗਲਾ ਕਟਾਵੈ ਕਉਨ੝ ॥੧੮੮॥

kabeer khoob khaanaa kheechree jaa meh amrit lon.
hayraa rotee kaarnay galaa kataavai ka-un. ((188))

Kabeer, the dinner of beans and rice is excellent, if it is flavored with salt.
Who would cut his throat, to have meat with his bread? ((188))


Shabad Page 139

SGGS Page 139 Full Shabad
ਕਲਿ ਹੋਈ ਕ੝ਤੇ ਮ੝ਹੀ ਖਾਜ੝ ਹੋਆ ਮ੝ਰਦਾਰ੝ ॥ ਕੂੜ੝ ਬੋਲਿ ਬੋਲਿ ਭਉਕਣਾ ਚੂਕਾ ਧਰਮ੝ ਬੀਚਾਰ੝ ॥

kal ho-ee kutay muhee khaaj ho-aa murdaar. koorh bol bol bha-ukanaa chookaa Dharam beechaar.

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, people have faces like dogs; they eat rotting carcasses for food.
They bark and speak, telling only lies; all thought of righteousness has left them.

Shabad Page 15

SGGS Page 15 Full Shabad
ਰਸ੝ ਸ੝ਇਨਾ ਰਸ੝ ਰ੝ਪਾ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਰਸ੝ ਪਰਮਲ ਕੀ ਵਾਸ੝ ॥ ਰਸ੝ ਘੋੜੇ ਰਸ੝ ਸੇਜਾ ਮੰਦਰ ਰਸ੝ ਮੀਠਾ ਰਸ੝ ਮਾਸ੝ ॥ ਝਤੇ ਰਸ ਸਰੀਰ ਕੇ ਕੈ ਘਟਿ ਨਾਮ ਨਿਵਾਸ੝ ॥੨॥

ras su-inaa ras rupaa kaaman ras parmal kee vaas. ras ghorhay ras sayjaa mandar ras meethaa ras maas. aytay ras sareer kay kai ghat naam nivaas. ॥2॥

The pleasure of gold, pleasure of silvers and damsels, pleasure of fragrance of sandal,
pleasure of horses, pleasure of common cushion with a houri and a palace, pleasure of sweets and pleasure of meats,
So many are the relishes of the human body. How can then God's Name secure an abode within the heart? ॥2॥

  • English translation by Bhai Manmohan Singh

Fools Argue about Meat & Flesh

  • See full Shabad here
SGGS Page 1289 Full Shabad
ਮਃ ੧ ॥ मः १ ॥ mehlaa 1. First Mehl:

ਮਾਸ੝ ਮਾਸ੝ ਕਰਿ ਮੂਰਖ੝ ਝਗੜੇ ਗਿਆਨ੝ ਧਿਆਨ੝ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਕਉਣ੝ ਮਾਸ੝ ਕਉਣ੝ ਸਾਗ੝ ਕਹਾਵੈ ਕਿਸ੝ ਮਹਿ ਪਾਪ ਸਮਾਣੇ ॥
ਗੈਂਡਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਹੋਮ ਜਗ ਕੀਝ ਦੇਵਤਿਆ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੇ ॥ ਮਾਸ੝ ਛੋਡਿ ਬੈਸਿ ਨਕ੝ ਪਕੜਹਿ ਰਾਤੀ ਮਾਣਸ ਖਾਣੇ ॥
ਫੜ੝ ਕਰਿ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੋ ਦਿਖਲਾਵਹਿ ਗਿਆਨ੝ ਧਿਆਨ੝ ਨਹੀ ਸੂਝੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਧੇ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਆ ਕਹੀਝ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕਹਿਆ ਬੂਝੈ ॥

maas maas kar moorakh jhagrhay gi-aan Dhi-aan nahee jaanai. ka-un maas ka-un saag kahaavai kis meh paap samaanay.
gaiNdaa maar hom jag kee-ay dayviti-aa kee baanay. maas chhod bais nak pakrheh raatee maanas khaanay.
farh kar lokaaN no dikhlaavahi gi-aan Dhi-aan nahee soojhai. naanak anDhay si-o ki-aa kahee-ai kahai na kahi-aa boojhai.

The fools argue about flesh and meat, but they know nothing about meditation and spiritual wisdom. What is called meat, and what is called green vegetables? What leads to sin? It was the habit of the gods to kill the rhinoceros, and make a feast of the burnt offering. Those who renounce meat, and hold their noses when sitting near it, devour men at night. They practice hypocrisy, and make a show before other people, but they do not understand anything about meditation or spiritual wisdom. O Nanak, what can be said to the blind people? They cannot answer, or even understand what is said.

Shabads in connection with fish

SGGS Page 1377 Full Shabad

ਕਬੀਰ ਭਾਂਗ ਮਾਛ੝ਲੀ ਸ੝ਰਾ ਪਾਨਿ ਜੋ ਜੋ ਪ੝ਰਾਨੀ ਖਾਂਹਿ ॥ ਤੀਰਥ ਬਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਕੀਝ ਤੇ ਸਭੈ ਰਸਾਤਲਿ ਜਾਂਹਿ ॥੨੩੩॥
kabeer bhaaNg maachhulee suraa paan jo jo paraanee khaaNhi. tirath barat naym kee-ay tay sabhai rasaatal jaaNhi. ॥233॥
Kabeer, those mortals who consume marijuana, fish and wine - no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow, they will all go to hell. ॥233॥

Varan Bhai Gurdas ji - Key to SGGS

The following Shabads are from the Varan by Bhai Gurdas ji, whose Bani is referred to as the "Key" to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

Vaar 25 Pauri 17

ਪਉੜੀ 17 (ਬਕਰੀ)

ਸੀਹ ਪਜੂਤੀ ਬਕਰੀ ਮਰਦੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੜ ਹੜ ਹਸੀ॥ ਸੀਹ੝ ਪ੝ਛੈ ਵਿਸਮਾਦ੝ ਹੋਇ ਇਤ੝ ਅਉਸਰਿ ਕਿਤ੝ ਰਹਸਿ ਰਹਸੀ॥
ਬਿਨਉ ਕਰੇਂਦੀ ਬਕਰੀ ਪ੝ਤ੝ਰ ਅਸਾਡੇ ਕੀਚਨਿ ਖਸੀ॥ ਅਕ ਧਤੂਰਾ ਖਾਧਿਆਂ ਕ੝ਹਿ ਕ੝ਹਿ ਖਲ ਉਖਲਿ ਵਿਣਸੀ॥
ਮਾਸ੝ ਖਾਨਿ ਗਲ ਵਢਿ ਕੈ ਹਾਲ੝ ਤਿਨਾੜਾ ਕਉਣ੝ ਹੋਵਸੀ॥ ਗਰਬ੝ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਦੇਹ ਖੇਹ ਖਾਜ੝ ਅਖਾਜ੝ ਅਕਾਜ੝ ਕਰਸੀ॥
ਜਗਿ ਆਇਆ ਸਭ ਕੋਇ ਮਰਸੀ

seeh pajoothee bakaree maradhee hoee harr harr hasee. seehu pushhai visamaadh hoe eith aousar kith rehas rehasee.
bino karae(n)adhee bakaree puthr asaaddae keechan khasee. ak dhhathooraa khaadhhiaaa(n) kuhi kuhi khal oukhal vinasee.
maas khaan gal vadt kai haal thinaarraa koun hovasee. garab gareebee dhaeh khaeh khaaj akhaaj akaaj karasee.
jag aaeiaa sabh koe marasee.

(She Goat)

Lion catches a goat; As the goat is dying, it begins to laugh. In awe the lion asks, why are you laughing?
Humbly the goat says: Our sons are destroyed (castrated). We only eat wild plants and suffer being slayed & skinned alive.
Those who cut our throats and eat our flesh, what will be their plight?
Proud and arrogant their bodies are a waste; inedible and fruitless. All who come to the world will eventually die.

Vaar 25 Pauri 17


Vaar 37 Pauri 21

ਪਉੜੀ 21 ( ਨਿਗ੝ਰਾ ਮਨਮ੝ਖ੝ ਵਸ ਵਿਚ ਨਹੀ ਆ ਸਕਦਾ )

ਕ੝ਹੈ ਕਸਾਈ ਬਕਰੀ ਲਾਇ ਲੂਣ ਸੀਖ ਮਾਸ੝ ਪਰੋਆ॥ ਹਸਿ ਹਸਿ ਬੋਲੇ ਕ੝ਹੀਂਦੀ ਖਾਧੇ ਅਕਿ ਹਾਲ੝ ਇਹ੝ ਹੋਆ॥
ਮਾਸ ਖਾਨਿ ਗਲਿ ਛ੝ਰੀ ਦੇ ਹਾਲ੝ ਤਿਨਾੜਾ ਕਉਣ੝ ਅਲੋਆ॥ ਜੀਭੈ ਹੰਦਾ ਫੇੜਿਆ ਖਉ ਦੰਦਾਂ ਮ੝ਹ੝ ਭੰਨਿ ਵਿਗੋਆ॥
ਪਰ ਤਨ ਪਰ ਧਨ ਨਿੰਦ ਕਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਦ੝ਜੀਭਾ ਬਿਸੀਅਰ੝ ਭੋਆ॥ ਵਸਿ ਆਵੈ ਗ੝ਰ੝ਮੰਤ ਸਪ੝ ਨਿਗ੝ਰਾ ਮਨਮ੝ਖ੝ ਸ੝ਣੈ ਨ ਸੋਆ॥
ਵੇਖਿ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਅਗੈ ਟੋਆ

kuhai kasaaee bakaree laae loon seekh maas paroaa. has has bolae kuhee(n)adhee khaadhhae ak haal eihu hoaa.
maas khaan gal shhuree dhae haal thinaarraa koun aloaa. jeebhai ha(n)dhaa faerriaa kho dha(n)dhaa(n) muhu bha(n)n vigoaa.
par than par dhhan ni(n)dh kar hoe dhujeebhaa biseear bhoaa. vas aavai guruma(n)th sap niguraa manamukh sunai n soaa.
vaekh n chalai agai ttoaa.

Pauri 21 (Man having no Guru is uncontrollable)

The butcher slaughters the goat; salts the meat and strings it on a skewer.
While being killed the goat laughingly says: I have come to this condition for grazing only coarse leaves of arid wild plants.
What will be the plight of those who cutting the throat with a knife eat the flesh of animals?
The perverted taste of the tongue is harmful for the teeth and damages the mouth.
The one who eyes another’s wealth or body or slanders becomes a poisonous Amphisbaena.
This snake is controlled by the Guru's mantra but the Guru-less manmukh never listens to this glorious mantra.
The Manmukh blindly moves ahead, never realizing the approaching deep pit ahead!

(note: Amphisbaena is a mythical serpent having a head at each end of its body.)

Vaar 37 Pauri 21


Misuse of Gurbani against meat eating

Some of the Gurbani has been misrepresented by people at various forums by just picking a few incomplete lines and then doing word to word translation to English without explaining properly. I keep re-iterating that without knowing the Gurbani related history and understanding the context in which it was said, to whom it was said and in what conditions it is not possible to understanding Gurbani.

At many places the following lines have been presented in the argument against meat eating. In reality, they are not refering to meat eating.

1. ਜੀਅ ਬਧਹ੝ ਸ੝ ਧਰਮ੝ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹ੝ ਅਧਰਮ੝ ਕਹਹ੝ ਕਤ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਮ੝ਨਿਵਰ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹ੝ ਕਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਹ੝ ਕਸਾਈ
2. ਜੇ ਰਤ੝ ਲਗੈ ਕਪੜੈ ਜਾਮਾ ਹੋਇ ਪਲੀਤ੝ ॥ ਜੋ ਰਤ੝ ਪੀਵਿਹ ਮਾਣਸਾ ਤਿਨ ਕਿਉਨਿਰਮਲ੝ ਚੀਤ੝ ॥
3. ਬੇਦ੝ ਪੜੈ ਮ੝ਖਿ ਮੀਠੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਜੀਆਂ ਕ੝ਹਤ ਨ ਸੰਗੈ ਪਰਾਣੀ ॥
4. ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰ੝ ਖਾਣਾ ਖ੝ਸੀ ਖ੝ਆਰ੝ ॥ ਜਿਤ੝ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨ੝ ਪੀੜੀਝ ਮਨ ਮਿਹ ਚਲਿਹ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥

Now please note where these lines were said and in what context. To get the whole picture yours truly is also including the lines adjacent to the above lines in Gurbani in the form of paragraphs rather than picking just a line or two.

• The 1st line above has been taken from: -

ਰਾਗ੝ ਮਾਰੂ ਬਾਣੀ ਕਬੀਰ ਜੀਉ ਕੀ ੴ ਸਤਿਗ੝ਰ ਪ੝ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ ਪਡੀਆ ਕਵਨ ਕ੝ਮਤਿ ਤ੝ਮ ਲਾਗੇ ॥ ਬੂਡਹ੝ਗੇ ਪਰਵਾਰ ਸਕਲ ਸਿਉ ਰਾਮ੝ ਨ ਜਪਹ੝ ਅਭਾਗੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਬੇਦ ਪ੝ਰਾਨ ਪੜੇ ਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਗ੝ਨ੝ ਖਰ ਚੰਦਨ ਜਸ ਭਾਰਾ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਨੀ ਕੈਸੇ ਉਤਰਸਿ ਪਾਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਜੀਅ ਬਧਹ੝ ਸ੝ ਧਰਮ੝ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹ੝ ਅਧਰਮ੝ ਕਹਹ੝ ਕਤ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਮ੝ਨਿਵਰ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹ੝ ਕਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਹ੝ ਕਸਾਈ ॥੨॥ਮਨ ਕੇ ਅੰਧੇ ਆਪਿ ਨ ਬੂਝਹ੝ ਕਾਹਿ ਬ੝ਝਾਵਹ੝ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾਰਨ ਬਿਦਿਆ ਬੇਚਹ੝ ਜਨਮ੝ ਅਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਾਈ ॥੩॥ ਨਾਰਦ ਬਚਨ ਬਿਆਸ੝ ਕਹਤ ਹੈ ਸ੝ਕ ਕਉ ਪੂਛਹ੝ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਰਾਮੈ ਰਮਿ ਛੂਟਹ੝ ਨਾਹਿ ਤ ਬੂਡੇ ਭਾਈ ॥੪॥੧॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 1102-1103}

At this place Bhagat Kabir was questioning the pandits at the place near Kashi where there was tradtion of performing the sacrifices of animals and also of humans at one point of time. In addition to challenging their shallow knowledge, Kabir is challenging the pandits here of their dual-policies as well. He is telling them-

"On one hand you people(the pandits) call the meat-sellers as sinnners and on the other hand you yourself are performing the "bali" (sacrifice of animal or human). How can you have such dual policies?. If you can perform the "bali and yet like to be called as best sages then how can the meat-sellers be sinners??"

This agrument of Bhagat Kabir ji seems more like ridiculing the hypocrisies of the pandits than ridiculing the meat eater. To understand the meaning of the Gurbani just one line is not enough. One has to also understand where,with whom and in what context the speaker was speaking. This talk from Kabir ji was related to the pandits of Kashi, their shallow knowledge, bali and hypocrisies. Not about eating or not-eating meat.

• The 2nd line above has been taken from: -

ਜੇ ਰਤ੝ ਲਗੈ ਕਪੜੈ ਜਾਮਾ ਹੋਇ ਪਲੀਤ੝ ॥ ਜੋ ਰਤ੝ ਪੀਵਿਹ ਮਾਣਸਾ ਤਿਨ ਕਿਉਨਿਰਮਲ੝ ਚੀਤ੝ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਉ ਖ੝ਦਾਇ ਕਾ ਦਿਲ ਹਛੈ ਮ੝ਖਿ ਲੇਹ੝ ॥ ਅਵਿਰ ਦਿਵਾਜੇ ਦ੝ਨੀ ਕੇ ਝੂਠ ਅਮਲ ਕਰੇਹ੝ ॥੧॥{ਪੰਨਾ 140}

These lines have been said in context to those who do "namaaj" but whose hearts are not clear and they trouble other humans. The meaning here is,

"Its believed that if the jama (worn clothes) get tarnished with blood one cannot do namaaj. How can be those people untarnished (pure) who earn by illegitimate means and oppress others humans?. O Nanak! remember the Almighty with a pure heart all other external showcasing is useless"

In Punjabi, metaphorically speaking we say, "Mera khoon na choos"- it means "Do not irritate/trouble me". Similarly, the phrase in Gurbani above is a metaphorical use of the phrase "jo ruth peevehi maanusaa"

• The 3rd line above has been taken from:-

ਗਉੜੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ ਧੋਤੀ ਖੋਲਿ ਵਿਛਾਝ ਹੇਠਿ ॥ ਗਰਧਪ ਵਾਂਗੂ ਲਾਹੇ ਪੇਟਿ ॥੧॥ ਬਿਨ੝ ਕਰਤੂਤੀ ਮ੝ਕਿਤ ਨ ਪਾਈਝ ॥ ਮ੝ਕਿਤ ਪਦਾਰਥ੝ ਨਾਮ੝ ਧਿਆਈਝ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਪੂਜਾ ਤਿਲਕ ਕਰਤ ਇਸਨਾਨ ॥ ਛ੝ਰੀ ਕਾਢਿ ਲੇਵੈ ਹਿਥ ਦਾਨਾ ॥੨॥ ਬੇਦ੝ ਪੜੈ ਮ੝ਖਿ ਮੀਠੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ ਜੀਆਂ ਕ੝ਹਤ ਨ ਸੰਗੈ ਪਰਾਣੀ ॥੩॥ ਕਹ੝ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਸ੝ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰੈ ॥ ਹਿਰਦਾ ਸ੝ਧ੝ ਬ ਹਮ੝ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ॥੪॥੧੦੭॥{ਪੰਨਾ 201}

This talk is on the pandits who eat from their "yajmaan" (the host or the follower?). The meaning is -

"The pandits go to the home of their followers/hosts and open half of their "dhoti" (cloth worn for lower half of body) and spread it on the ground and sit and eat there like a donkey. He applies "tilak" (mark on forehead) and takes bath and perform "pooja" (a form of worshipping where the idols etc. are worshipped). He eats from his host but does not think once while betraying the same host by misguiding him by telling lies about heaven and hell and frightening them. From his mouth, the pandit pretends speaking very sweet and speaks of vedas, but from the inside he is a cheat and never feels ashamed of betraying his host. O Nanak! the one who has been blessed by the Almighty that person remembers the Almighty from his heart"

• The 4rth line above has been taken from:-

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗ੝ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਸਿਭ ਰਸ ਮਿਠ ਮੰਨਿਝ ਸ੝ਣਿਝ ਸਾਲੋਣੇ ॥ ਖਟ ਤ੝ਰਸੀ ਮ੝ਖਿ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਮਾਰਣ ਨਾਦ ਕੀਝ ॥ ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੝ਰਿਤ ਭਾਉ ਝਕ੝ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਨਦਿਰ ਕਰੇਇ ॥੧॥ ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰ੝ ਖਾਣਾ ਖ੝ਸੀ ਖ੝ਆਰ੝ ॥ ਜਿਤ੝ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨ੝ ਪੀੜੀਝ ਮਨ ਮਿਹ ਚਲਿਹ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ {ਪੰਨਾ 16-17}

This whole para is metaphorical and is telling what is the ideal food for thought. Here the remembrance of Almighty is compared with all the tastes of the world. Its mentioned that living life according to Gurus knowledge you feel like having all the dishes and then later it is mentioned that other "dishes" which case disease of the body and mind are bad. What could be other (antonym) of "Guru's Knowledge"? -clearly, "manmatt". I see no reference to meat eating here.

Translation :-

"If mind gets involved in the remembrance of the Almighty, then it is like all the sweet dishes of the world. If the conscience becomes one with the Almighty, then it is like salty dish. Speaking of the knowledge of the Guru from mouth is like a sour dish. The appreciation of Almighty and singing of his orders is like spices. Uniform love for Almighty is like dishes of various tastes that you can think of. But this great gift is only won by those who get blessings of the Almighty. Oh Beloved! those feedings cause destruction whose eating causes diseases in the body and mind."

And now please note the lines from Gurbani that have been said various times and still people fail to understand:

ਪਾਂਡੇ ਤੂ ਜਾਣੈ ਹੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਥਹ੝ ਮਾਸ੝ ਉਪੰਨਾ ॥ ਤੋਇਅਹ੝ ਅੰਨ੝ ਕਮਾਦ੝ ਕਪਾਹਾਂ ਤੋਇਅਹ੝ ਤ੝ਰਿਭਵਣ੝ ਗੰਨਾ ॥

O Pandit, you do not know where did flesh originate! It is water where life originated and it is water that sustains all life. It is water that produces grains, sugarcane, cotton and all forms of life.

AGGS, M 1, p 1289.*

ਮਾਸ੝ ਮਾਸ੝ ਕਰਿ ਮੂਰਖ੝ ਝਗੜੇ ਗਿਆਨ੝ ਧਿਆਨ੝ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਕਉਣ੝ ਮਾਸ੝ ਕਉਣ੝ ਸਾਗ੝ ਕਹਾਵੈ ਕਿਸ੝ ਮਹਿ ਪਾਪ ਸਮਾਣੇ ॥

"Only fools quarrel over the partaking of flesh, as they do not have what is flesh and what isknowledge and understanding of the subject vegetable? Why the eating of one is sin, not the eating of the other as both are obtained from living things?"


Why is it so hard to understand? Gurbani is very clear about this issue. Nobody will be a sinner just because he/she ate meat. Water is the source of life on this earth and you drink water everyday, it also has life. Vegetation also has life. If you are thinking one life is greater then other then you are wrong. Also, Gurbani does not tell you that by eating meat you will become a better Sikh. It clearly says that lust of anything is wrong. The summary is very simple - meat eating is neither encouraged nor discouraged in Sikhism. If you need it, eat it. If you feel bad eating it, just don't eat it but don't call others as less Sikhs. Just by eating or not-eating meat you cannot be one with the Akaal.

--A. S. Aulakh Talk 15:15, 15 July 2007 (EDT)

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