Guru Granth Sahib on pilgrimage and fasting: Difference between revisions

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[[Sikhism]] is against the principles of pilgrimages and fasts to obtain spiritual elevation. Devotees who undertake pilgrimages to learn about history and for general exploration is accepted provided one does not expect any spiritual or moral reward for these visits. The {{g11}} warns us - ''"The more one wanders at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, the more one talks uselessly."'' ([http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=467&english=t&id=21126#l21126 sggs page 467]) - so , a Sikh must not regard fasting, pilgrimages, and penance as important things in life.
[[Sikhism]] is against pilgrimages and fasts, whatever may be the socio- political, religious, traditional or cultural justifications which may be extended by anyone. The [[Sikh]] Gurus visited some of these places as historians and explorers to demonstrate the futility to such journeys and to show the devotees the true path to [[God]].


[[Sikhism]] is probably the only major organised world religion that does not promote {{wiki|fasting}} except for medical reasons. The [[Sikh Gurus]] discourage the devotee from engaging in this ritual as it is considered to '''''"brings no spiritual benefit to the person"'''''. The [[Sikh]] holy scripture, [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] tell us: ''"Fasting, daily rituals, and austere self-discipline - those who keep the practice of these, are rewarded with less than a shell."'' ([http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=216&english=t&id=9319#l9319 sggs page 216]). So most [[Sikh]]s have never undertaken a fast of any kind. Fasting for the well being of the husband is totally rejected by the [[Sikh Guru]] - ''"Kabeer, the woman who gives up meditation on the Lord, and observes the ritual fast of Ahoi, shall be reincarnated as a donkey, to carry heavy burdens. ((108))"'' ([http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=1370&english=t&id=58482#l58482 sggs page 1370])
People who go on pilgrimage give various reasons, excuses and pretexts for their actions - some of these are :-
* A mere ritual, branded as religious formality by their spiritually blind leaders.  
* To flex socio-political muscle & show off monetary strength to their adversaries.  
* Social projection of one's false image of spirituality and person endowed with saintly qualities.  
* Just for the Sake of some for fun, change and as a holidays and time to relax.
* False notion that it washes off their sins.
* There is nothing else to do.
* Promotion of sales of the products branded as holy & socio-commercially  associating them with one or more of the mythological references; hictorical value and cultural normality.


All these notions have been certified as a complete wastage of time, resources , & propagation of [[FALSEHOOD|Manmat]]. [[Guru Nanak]] sums up all these in one Tuk...
* ''Bhariyy mat papa ky sang oh Dhopyy navyy ky rang.....When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty, water can wash away the dirt..'' Read on.
{{srigranth|4|172|<big>ਭਰੀਝ ਹਥ੝ ਪੈਰ੝ ਤਨ੝ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸ੝ ਖੇਹ ॥</big><br>
Bẖarī­ai hath pair ṯan ḝėh. Pĝṇī ḝẖoṯai uṯras kẖėh. <br>
When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty, water can wash away the dirt.<br>
<big>ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜ੝ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣ੝ ਲਈਝ ਓਹ੝ ਧੋਇ ॥</big><br>
Mūṯ palīṯī kapaṛ ho­ė. Ḏė sĝbūṇ la­ī­ai oh ḝẖo­ė.<br>
When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine,soap can wash them clean.<br>
<big>ਭਰੀਝ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਓਹ੝ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥ </big><br>
Bẖarī­ai maṯ pĝpĝ kai sang. Oh ḝẖopai nĝvai kai rang.<br>
But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name. }}
All these mythological, ritualistic, irrational & subjective beliefs and actions are useless and in vain and will not remove the stain and pollution caused by a life-time of sins. This filth of the mind needs to be washed & flushed off through repeated spiritual bathing... (listening to, singing, learning & writing the quintessence of [[Gurbani]] in ones mind. One needs to focus and resolve to begin on a lifelong walk on this [[Compendium of TRUE IDEAs|true path]] guided by [[SatGurBani|the true Guru's word]]) - in the pure ocean of God's Language. [[SatGurBani|The Guru's message]] tell us how to wash the filth of these sins exactly the way soap washes clothes which get soiled with dirt, mud, urine, etc.       
The [[Sikh Gurus]] provide clear and simple guidance for their [[Sikh]]s - They are asked to cleanse the mind by rising it with pure [[Gurbani]]; to cultivate a humble attitude and real love for all of humanity; to shirk  away from useless rituals which only elevates ones ego. The following [[Gurbani]] [[tuk]]s (lines) give a picture of the Guru's vision:
* '''''"Neecha andar neech jaat neechee hu ati neech, Nanak tin ky sang Saath vadian so kia rees...."'''''(''this lowest of the low cast Nanak prefer to be with the Lowest of the low, humble, meekest of the meek & exploited masses....sweet nothing I care for the high & mighty'').
 
* '''''"Khalik Khlk, Khalk my Khalik....." '''''( ''"The Creation is in the Creator, and the Creator is in the Creation, totally pervading and permeating all places"''. ...God lives in the heart of every human being. <!----That is where GOD wrote [[Gurbani]] to begin with, even before birth. Lowest of the low, humble, meekest of the meek & exploited masses are the TRUE reflection of GOD & GOD's will guiding the [[Sikhs]] to be always with them & against [[FALSEHOOD]]...)"  ---->
The {{g11}} warns us -
*''"The more one wanders at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, the '''more one talks uselessly'''."'' ([http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=467&english=t&id=21126#l21126 sggs page 467]) - so, a Sikh must discard pilgrimages, and penance which are part of [[Manmat]] 
*The Vedic culture of fasting for the well being of the husband is totally rejected by the [[Sikh Guru]] - ''"Kabeer, the woman who gives up meditation on the Lord, and observes the ritual fast of Ahoi, shall be reincarnated as a donkey, to carry heavy burdens. ((108))"'' ([http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=1370&english=t&id=58482#l58482 sggs page 1370])
*[[Sikhism]] outright rejects {{wiki|fasting}}. [[Gurbani]] debars all human beings from engaging in rituals of any sort whatsoever. ''"Fasting, daily rituals, and austere self-discipline - those who keep the practice of these, are rewarded with less than a shell."'' ([http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=216&english=t&id=9319#l9319 sggs page 216]). So a true  [[Sikh]]s will never ever undertaken a fast of any kind.
* ''"No pilgrim-spot is equal to the [[SatGurbani|Guru]]...The Guru is the river in whose water ([[Naam]]),the filth of sin and evil thoughts, are washed off."'' (sggs page 1329)


{{Tocright}}
{{Tocright}}
==Pilgrimage==
==Pilgrimage==
The futility of wandering to the so-called sacred places is amply illustrated by the life of [[Guru Amar Das]]. Before he became Guru, he went on pilgrimages twenty times, without benefit.


Various religious traditions in the world emphasizes the role of undertaking pilgrimages as an aid for one's spiritual development. [[Sikhism]] does not consider pilgrimage as an act of spiritual merit. [[Guru Nanak]] went to the traditional places of pilgrimage to reclaim the fallen people, who had turned these rituals into meritorious acts. He told them of the need to visit that God's temple which is deep within us all. According to him: "He performs a pilgrimage who controls the five vices."
He saw the light only when he finally met [[Guru Angad]]. (see [[Guru_Amar_Das#Background|Sakhi]]) The Gurus tried to remove the notion of the efficacy of pilgrimage. Guru Nanak says: "I would like to go to pilgrimage only if it pleases God." Elsewhere, he says: "My places of pilgrimage are to study 'The Word', and contemplating its divine knowledge within me."
 
People go to centres of pilgrimage for a variety of reasons: some for religious formality; some for display to show others of their commitment; some for fun & something different to do; and other just as a holiday and time to relax. Some people delight in visiting holy shrines, in the belief that their sins will be forgiven. But bathing or other rituals cannot wash away sin. Real dirt pertains to the mind; it is inward. The growth of desire of Maya, cannot be removed by outer physical action. Nevertheless, visits to historical places connected with activities of holy men have a marginal utility. They remind people of goodness and tradition. Who knows when one may find some truly holy person at a religious centre.
 
The futility of wandering to the so-called sacred places is amply illustrated by the life of [[Guru Amar Das]]. Before he became Guru, he went on pilgrimages twenty times, without benefit. He saw the light only when he finally met [[Guru Angad]]. (see [[Guru_Amar_Das#Background|Sakhi]]) The Gurus tried to remove the notion of the efficacy of pilgrimage. Guru Nanak says: "I would like to go to pilgrimage only if it pleases God." Elsewhere, he says: "My places of pilgrimage are to study 'The Word', and contemplating its divine knowledge within me."


[[Guru Gobind Singh]] was very emphatic about the futility of pilgrimage. According to him, without God's Name, such visits have not the slightest significance. Kabir sought God in the temple of his mind. He therefore, migrated from Benaras, a well-known sacred city, to Magahar, a traditionally cursed town.
[[Guru Gobind Singh]] was very emphatic about the futility of pilgrimage. According to him, without God's Name, such visits have not the slightest significance. Kabir sought God in the temple of his mind. He therefore, migrated from Benaras, a well-known sacred city, to Magahar, a traditionally cursed town.
Real pilgrimage is any visit to the Guru which gives enlightenment. Guru Nanak says:
{{Sggsq|No pilgrim-spot is equal to the Guru...<br>
The Guru is the river in whose water(Name),the filth of sin and evil thoughts, are washed off."
|1329}}


==Fasting==
==Fasting==
Fasting may be good for health but has no religious merit. Various sects of the world hold very strong views on fasting. For them, fasting has some real spiritual value and has to be strictly followed.


[[Sikhism]] does not regard fasting as religiously meritorious. God has given us the human body - the temple of the soul - which has to be nourished and cared for. Fasting as an austerity, as a ritual, as a mortification of the body by means of wilful hunger is forbidden in Sikhism. [[Guru Nanak]] says: "Penance, fasting, austerity and alms-giving are inferior to 'The Truth'; right action is superior to all."
[[Sikhism]] does not regard fasting as religiously meritorious. God has given us the human body - the temple of the soul - which has to be nourished and cared for. Fasting as an austerity, as a ritual, as a mortification of the body by means of wilful hunger is forbidden in Sikhism. [[Guru Nanak]] says: "Penance, fasting, austerity and alms-giving are inferior to 'The Truth'; right action is superior to all."
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There are sects which do not eat or drink this or that during the fast. Some people will not eat cereals, but will take other types of food. Such people may be treated as hypocrites. They give up the use of certain type of food, not because they want to, but because they wish to impress others. It feeds their ego and does not earn merit in God's domain. According to [[Guru Nanak]], true fasting is the renunciation of the fruit of one's actions.
There are sects which do not eat or drink this or that during the fast. Some people will not eat cereals, but will take other types of food. Such people may be treated as hypocrites. They give up the use of certain type of food, not because they want to, but because they wish to impress others. It feeds their ego and does not earn merit in God's domain. According to [[Guru Nanak]], true fasting is the renunciation of the fruit of one's actions.


Fasting for reasons of health is understandable when done on medical advice. Some people fast regularly on a particular day in the week, so resting their digestive organs. It may also serve as a means to save food, or a method of balancing the domestic budget.
A Sikh is encouraged to practise constant temperance and moderation in matters of food. Neither starve nor over-eat; just eat simple and nourishing food: this is the golden rule. . Healthy food but in small quantities(Alap Ahar), just to keep body and soul together and to prevent sleep and sloth, this is recommended for a [[Sikh]]. Gluttony is not only socially bad, but also morally reprehensible.
 
A Sikh is encouraged to practise constant temperance and moderation in matters of food. Neither starve nor over-eat: this is the golden rule. Men who want to engage in meditation should only eat simple and nourishing food. Healthy food but in small quantities(Alap Ahar), just to keep body and soul together and to prevent sleep and sloth, this is recommended for the devotee.  
 
On the other hand, gluttony is not only socially bad, but also morally reprehensible. The golden rule about fasting is: Fast only when you must, in the interest of your health.  


Below are [[Shabad]]s from the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] that give the Sikh guidance on these issues:
Below are [[Shabad]]s from the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] that give the Sikh guidance on these issues:


== Against this pilgrimage ==
== Against pilgrimage ==


{{Srigranth|4|182|<big>ਤੀਰਥ੝ ਤਪ੝ ਦਇਆ ਦਤ੝ ਦਾਨ੝ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨ੝ ॥ </big><br>
{{Srigranth|4|182|<big>ਤੀਰਥੁ ਤਪੁ ਦਇਆ ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ </big><br>


Ŧirath ṯap ḝa­i­ĝ ḝaṯ ḝĝn. Jė ko pĝvai ṯil kĝ mĝn.<br>
Ŧirath ṯap ḝa­i­ĝ ḝaṯ ḝĝn. Jė ko pĝvai ṯil kĝ mĝn.<br>
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{{Srigranth|75|3063|<big>ਤੀਰਥ ਵਰਤ ਸ੝ਚਿ ਸੰਜਮ੝ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਰਮ੝ ਧਰਮ੝ ਨਹੀ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ਦ੝ਬਿਧਾ ਵਿਆਪੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੨॥ </big><br>
{{Srigranth|75|3063|<big>ਤੀਰਥ ਵਰਤ ਸੁਚਿ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਰਮੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਨਹੀ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਵਿਆਪੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੨॥ </big><br>


Ŧirath varaṯ sucẖ sanjam nĝhī karam ḝẖaram nahī pūjĝ. Nĝnak bẖĝ­ė bẖagaṯ nisṯĝrĝ ḝubiḝẖĝ vi­ĝpai ḝūjĝ. ॥੨॥ <br>
Ŧirath varaṯ sucẖ sanjam nĝhī karam ḝẖaram nahī pūjĝ. Nĝnak bẖĝ­ė bẖagaṯ nisṯĝrĝ ḝubiḝẖĝ vi­ĝpai ḝūjĝ. ॥੨॥ <br>
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{{Srigranth|455|2061|<big>ਬਨੁ ਬਨੁ ਫਿਰਤੀ ਖੋਜਤੀ ਹਾਰੀ ਬਹੁ ਅਵਗਾਹਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭੇਟੇ ਸਾਧ ਜਬ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ </big><br>
{{Srigranth|455|2061|<big>ਬਨ੝ ਬਨ੝ ਫਿਰਤੀ ਖੋਜਤੀ ਹਾਰੀ ਬਹ੝ ਅਵਗਾਹਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭੇਟੇ ਸਾਧ ਜਬ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ </big><br>
Ban ban firṯī kẖojṯī hĝrī baho avgĝhi. Nĝnak bẖėtė sĝḝẖ jab har pĝ­i­ĝ man mĝhi. ॥੧॥ <br>
Ban ban firṯī kẖojṯī hĝrī baho avgĝhi. Nĝnak bẖėtė sĝḝẖ jab har pĝ­i­ĝ man mĝhi. ॥੧॥ <br>
From forest to forest, I wandered searching; I am so tired of taking baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage.<br>
From forest to forest, I wandered searching; I am so tired of taking baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage.<br>
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{{Srigranth|1139|48723|<big>ਹੋਮ ਜਗ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸਭਿ ਸੰਜਮ ਤਟਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਹੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਮਿਟਿਆ ਆਪੁ ਪਏ ਸਰਣਾਈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗਤੁ ਤਰਾਇਆ ॥੪॥੧॥੧੪॥</big><br>
{{Srigranth|1139|48723|<big>ਹੋਮ ਜਗ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸਭਿ ਸੰਜਮ ਤਟਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਹੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਮਿਟਿਆ ਆਪ੝ ਪਝ ਸਰਣਾਈ ਗ੝ਰਮ੝ਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗਤ੝ ਤਰਾਇਆ ॥੪॥੧॥੧੪॥</big><br>
Hom jag jap ṯap sabẖ sanjam ṯat ṯirath nahī pĝ­i­ĝ. Miti­ĝ ĝp pa­ė sarṇĝ­ī gurmukẖ Nĝnak jagaṯ ṯarĝ­i­ĝ. ॥4॥1॥14॥ <br>
Hom jag jap ṯap sabẖ sanjam ṯat ṯirath nahī pĝ­i­ĝ. Miti­ĝ ĝp pa­ė sarṇĝ­ī gurmukẖ Nĝnak jagaṯ ṯarĝ­i­ĝ. ॥4॥1॥14॥ <br>
Through burnt offerings, charitable feasts, ritualistic chants, penance, all sorts of austere self-discipline and pilgrimages to sacred shrines and rivers, they do not find God.<br>
Through burnt offerings, charitable feasts, ritualistic chants, penance, all sorts of austere self-discipline and pilgrimages to sacred shrines and rivers, they do not find God.<br>
Self-conceit is only erased when one seeks the Lord's Sanctuary and becomes Gurmukh; O Nanak, he crosses over the world-ocean. ॥4॥1॥14॥}}
Self-conceit is only erased when one seeks the Lord's Sanctuary and becomes Gurmukh; O Nanak, he crosses over the world-ocean. ॥4॥1॥14॥}}


==Against fasting==
==Against fasting==


{{Srigranth|674|29258|<big>ਪੂਜਾ ਵਰਤ ਤਿਲਕ ਇਸਨਾਨਾ ਪ੝ੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਬਹ੝ ਦੈਨ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਸੰਜਮ ਸ੝ਆਮੀ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਮੀਠੇ ਬੈਨ ॥੧॥</big><br>
{{Srigranth|674|29258|<big>ਪੂਜਾ ਵਰਤ ਤਿਲਕ ਇਸਨਾਨਾ ਪੁੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਬਹੁ ਦੈਨ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਸੰਜਮ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਮੀਠੇ ਬੈਨ ॥੧॥</big><br>


Pūjĝ varaṯ ṯilak isnĝnĝ punn ḝĝn baho ḝain. Kahū­aʼn na bẖījai sanjam su­ĝmī boleh mīṯẖė bain. ॥੧॥<br>
Pūjĝ varaṯ ṯilak isnĝnĝ punn ḝĝn baho ḝain. Kahū­aʼn na bẖījai sanjam su­ĝmī boleh mīṯẖė bain. ॥੧॥<br>
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- the Lord Master is not pleased with any of these rituals, <br>no matter how sweetly one may speak. ॥੧॥}}
- the Lord Master is not pleased with any of these rituals, <br>no matter how sweetly one may speak. ॥੧॥}}


{{Srigranth|324|14825|<big>ਕਿਆ ਜਪ੝ ਕਿਆ ਤਪ੝ ਕਿਆ ਬ੝ਰਤ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਰਿਦੈ ਭਾਉ ਹੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੧॥</big><br>
{{Srigranth|324|14825|<big>ਕਿਆ ਜਪੁ ਕਿਆ ਤਪੁ ਕਿਆ ਬ੍ਰਤ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਰਿਦੈ ਭਾਉ ਹੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੧॥</big><br>


Ki­ĝ jap ki­ĝ ṯap ki­ĝ baraṯ pūjĝ. Jĝ kai riḝai bẖĝ­o hai ḝūjĝ. ॥੧॥<br>
Ki­ĝ jap ki­ĝ ṯap ki­ĝ baraṯ pūjĝ. Jĝ kai riḝai bẖĝ­o hai ḝūjĝ. ॥੧॥<br>
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to one whose heart is filled with the love of duality? ॥੧॥ <br>}}
to one whose heart is filled with the love of duality? ॥੧॥ <br>}}


{{Srigranth|1301|55830|<big>ਜਾਪ ਤਾਪ ਨੇਮ ਸ੝ਚਿ ਸੰਜਮ ਨਾਹੀ ਇਨ ਬਿਧੇ ਛ੝ਟਕਾਰ ॥</big><br>
{{Srigranth|1301|55830|<big>ਜਾਪ ਤਾਪ ਨੇਮ ਸੁਚਿ ਸੰਜਮ ਨਾਹੀ ਇਨ ਬਿਧੇ ਛੁਟਕਾਰ ॥</big><br>


Jĝp ṯĝp nėm sucẖ sanjam nĝhī in biḝẖė cẖẖutkĝr. <br>
Jĝp ṯĝp nėm sucẖ sanjam nĝhī in biḝẖė cẖẖutkĝr. <br>
Chanting and deep meditation, penance and austere self-discipline, fasting and<br> purification - salvation does not come by any of these means.}}
Chanting and deep meditation, penance and austere self-discipline, fasting and<br> purification - salvation does not come by any of these means.}}
==More Info==
*[https://www.gurbani.org/gurblog/fasting-defined/ gurbani.org]
==See Also==
*[[Sikhism and Hinduism]]
*[[Sikhism on Idol Worship]]




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{{Sikhism}}
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Latest revision as of 05:48, 8 March 2024

Sikhism is against pilgrimages and fasts, whatever may be the socio- political, religious, traditional or cultural justifications which may be extended by anyone. The Sikh Gurus visited some of these places as historians and explorers to demonstrate the futility to such journeys and to show the devotees the true path to God.

People who go on pilgrimage give various reasons, excuses and pretexts for their actions - some of these are :-

  • A mere ritual, branded as religious formality by their spiritually blind leaders.
  • To flex socio-political muscle & show off monetary strength to their adversaries.
  • Social projection of one's false image of spirituality and person endowed with saintly qualities.
  • Just for the Sake of some for fun, change and as a holidays and time to relax.
  • False notion that it washes off their sins.
  • There is nothing else to do.
  • Promotion of sales of the products branded as holy & socio-commercially associating them with one or more of the mythological references; hictorical value and cultural normality.

All these notions have been certified as a complete wastage of time, resources , & propagation of Manmat. Guru Nanak sums up all these in one Tuk...

  • Bhariyy mat papa ky sang oh Dhopyy navyy ky rang.....When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty, water can wash away the dirt.. Read on.
SGGS Page 4 Full Shabad
ਭਰੀਝ ਹਥ੝ ਪੈਰ੝ ਤਨ੝ ਦੇਹ ॥ ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸ੝ ਖੇਹ ॥

Bẖarī­ai hath pair ṯan ḝėh. Pĝṇī ḝẖoṯai uṯras kẖėh.
When the hands and the feet and the body are dirty, water can wash away the dirt.

ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜ੝ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣ੝ ਲਈਝ ਓਹ੝ ਧੋਇ ॥

Mūṯ palīṯī kapaṛ ho­ė. Ḏė sĝbūṇ la­ī­ai oh ḝẖo­ė.
When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine,soap can wash them clean.


ਭਰੀਝ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥ ਓਹ੝ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
Bẖarī­ai maṯ pĝpĝ kai sang. Oh ḝẖopai nĝvai kai rang.
But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name.

All these mythological, ritualistic, irrational & subjective beliefs and actions are useless and in vain and will not remove the stain and pollution caused by a life-time of sins. This filth of the mind needs to be washed & flushed off through repeated spiritual bathing... (listening to, singing, learning & writing the quintessence of Gurbani in ones mind. One needs to focus and resolve to begin on a lifelong walk on this true path guided by the true Guru's word) - in the pure ocean of God's Language. The Guru's message tell us how to wash the filth of these sins exactly the way soap washes clothes which get soiled with dirt, mud, urine, etc.

The Sikh Gurus provide clear and simple guidance for their Sikhs - They are asked to cleanse the mind by rising it with pure Gurbani; to cultivate a humble attitude and real love for all of humanity; to shirk away from useless rituals which only elevates ones ego. The following Gurbani tuks (lines) give a picture of the Guru's vision:

  • "Neecha andar neech jaat neechee hu ati neech, Nanak tin ky sang Saath vadian so kia rees...."(this lowest of the low cast Nanak prefer to be with the Lowest of the low, humble, meekest of the meek & exploited masses....sweet nothing I care for the high & mighty).
  • "Khalik Khlk, Khalk my Khalik....." ( "The Creation is in the Creator, and the Creator is in the Creation, totally pervading and permeating all places". ...God lives in the heart of every human being.

The Sri Guru Granth Sahib warns us -

  • "The more one wanders at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, the more one talks uselessly." (sggs page 467) - so, a Sikh must discard pilgrimages, and penance which are part of Manmat
  • The Vedic culture of fasting for the well being of the husband is totally rejected by the Sikh Guru - "Kabeer, the woman who gives up meditation on the Lord, and observes the ritual fast of Ahoi, shall be reincarnated as a donkey, to carry heavy burdens. ((108))" (sggs page 1370)


  • Sikhism outright rejects fasting. Gurbani debars all human beings from engaging in rituals of any sort whatsoever. "Fasting, daily rituals, and austere self-discipline - those who keep the practice of these, are rewarded with less than a shell." (sggs page 216). So a true Sikhs will never ever undertaken a fast of any kind.
  • "No pilgrim-spot is equal to the Guru...The Guru is the river in whose water (Naam),the filth of sin and evil thoughts, are washed off." (sggs page 1329)

Pilgrimage

The futility of wandering to the so-called sacred places is amply illustrated by the life of Guru Amar Das. Before he became Guru, he went on pilgrimages twenty times, without benefit.

He saw the light only when he finally met Guru Angad. (see Sakhi) The Gurus tried to remove the notion of the efficacy of pilgrimage. Guru Nanak says: "I would like to go to pilgrimage only if it pleases God." Elsewhere, he says: "My places of pilgrimage are to study 'The Word', and contemplating its divine knowledge within me."

Guru Gobind Singh was very emphatic about the futility of pilgrimage. According to him, without God's Name, such visits have not the slightest significance. Kabir sought God in the temple of his mind. He therefore, migrated from Benaras, a well-known sacred city, to Magahar, a traditionally cursed town.

Fasting

Sikhism does not regard fasting as religiously meritorious. God has given us the human body - the temple of the soul - which has to be nourished and cared for. Fasting as an austerity, as a ritual, as a mortification of the body by means of wilful hunger is forbidden in Sikhism. Guru Nanak says: "Penance, fasting, austerity and alms-giving are inferior to 'The Truth'; right action is superior to all."

There are sects which do not eat or drink this or that during the fast. Some people will not eat cereals, but will take other types of food. Such people may be treated as hypocrites. They give up the use of certain type of food, not because they want to, but because they wish to impress others. It feeds their ego and does not earn merit in God's domain. According to Guru Nanak, true fasting is the renunciation of the fruit of one's actions.

A Sikh is encouraged to practise constant temperance and moderation in matters of food. Neither starve nor over-eat; just eat simple and nourishing food: this is the golden rule. . Healthy food but in small quantities(Alap Ahar), just to keep body and soul together and to prevent sleep and sloth, this is recommended for a Sikh. Gluttony is not only socially bad, but also morally reprehensible.

Below are Shabads from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib that give the Sikh guidance on these issues:

Against pilgrimage

SGGS Page 4 Full Shabad
ਤੀਰਥੁ ਤਪੁ ਦਇਆ ਦਤੁ ਦਾਨੁ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪਾਵੈ ਤਿਲ ਕਾ ਮਾਨੁ ॥

Ŧirath ṯap ḝa­i­ĝ ḝaṯ ḝĝn. Jė ko pĝvai ṯil kĝ mĝn.

Pilgrimages, austere discipline, compassion and charity -
these, by themselves, bring only an iota of merit.


SGGS Page 75 Full Shabad
ਤੀਰਥ ਵਰਤ ਸੁਚਿ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਰਮੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਨਹੀ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਵਿਆਪੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੨॥

Ŧirath varaṯ sucẖ sanjam nĝhī karam ḝẖaram nahī pūjĝ. Nĝnak bẖĝ­ė bẖagaṯ nisṯĝrĝ ḝubiḝẖĝ vi­ĝpai ḝūjĝ. ॥੨॥

Pilgrimages, fasts, purification and self-discipline are of no use,
nor are rituals, religious ceremonies or empty worship.
O Nanak, emancipation comes only by loving devotional worship;
through duality, people are engrossed in duality. ॥੨॥


SGGS Page 455 Full Shabad
ਬਨੁ ਬਨੁ ਫਿਰਤੀ ਖੋਜਤੀ ਹਾਰੀ ਬਹੁ ਅਵਗਾਹਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਭੇਟੇ ਸਾਧ ਜਬ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥੧॥

Ban ban firṯī kẖojṯī hĝrī baho avgĝhi. Nĝnak bẖėtė sĝḝẖ jab har pĝ­i­ĝ man mĝhi. ॥੧॥
From forest to forest, I wandered searching; I am so tired of taking baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage.
O Nanak, when I met the Holy Saint, I found the Lord within my mind. ॥੧॥


SGGS Page 1139 Full Shabad
ਹੋਮ ਜਗ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸਭਿ ਸੰਜਮ ਤਟਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਹੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਮਿਟਿਆ ਆਪੁ ਪਏ ਸਰਣਾਈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗਤੁ ਤਰਾਇਆ ॥੪॥੧॥੧੪॥

Hom jag jap ṯap sabẖ sanjam ṯat ṯirath nahī pĝ­i­ĝ. Miti­ĝ ĝp pa­ė sarṇĝ­ī gurmukẖ Nĝnak jagaṯ ṯarĝ­i­ĝ. ॥4॥1॥14॥
Through burnt offerings, charitable feasts, ritualistic chants, penance, all sorts of austere self-discipline and pilgrimages to sacred shrines and rivers, they do not find God.
Self-conceit is only erased when one seeks the Lord's Sanctuary and becomes Gurmukh; O Nanak, he crosses over the world-ocean. ॥4॥1॥14॥

Against fasting

SGGS Page 674 Full Shabad
ਪੂਜਾ ਵਰਤ ਤਿਲਕ ਇਸਨਾਨਾ ਪੁੰਨ ਦਾਨ ਬਹੁ ਦੈਨ ॥ ਕਹੂੰ ਨ ਭੀਜੈ ਸੰਜਮ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਮੀਠੇ ਬੈਨ ॥੧॥

Pūjĝ varaṯ ṯilak isnĝnĝ punn ḝĝn baho ḝain. Kahū­aʼn na bẖījai sanjam su­ĝmī boleh mīṯẖė bain. ॥੧॥

Worship, fasting, ceremonial marks on one's forehead, cleansing baths,
generous donations to charities and self-mortification
- the Lord Master is not pleased with any of these rituals,
no matter how sweetly one may speak. ॥੧॥

SGGS Page 324 Full Shabad
ਕਿਆ ਜਪੁ ਕਿਆ ਤਪੁ ਕਿਆ ਬ੍ਰਤ ਪੂਜਾ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਰਿਦੈ ਭਾਉ ਹੈ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੧॥

Ki­ĝ jap ki­ĝ ṯap ki­ĝ baraṯ pūjĝ. Jĝ kai riḝai bẖĝ­o hai ḝūjĝ. ॥੧॥

What use is chanting, and what use is penance, fasting or devotional worship,
to one whose heart is filled with the love of duality? ॥੧॥

SGGS Page 1301 Full Shabad
ਜਾਪ ਤਾਪ ਨੇਮ ਸੁਚਿ ਸੰਜਮ ਨਾਹੀ ਇਨ ਬਿਧੇ ਛੁਟਕਾਰ ॥

Jĝp ṯĝp nėm sucẖ sanjam nĝhī in biḝẖė cẖẖutkĝr.
Chanting and deep meditation, penance and austere self-discipline, fasting and
purification - salvation does not come by any of these means.

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