editorial articles reviews news & views - Institute of Sikh Studies

22
ABSTRACTS OF SIKH STUDIES : APRIL-JUNE 2005 / 537 NS
world scenario.
Blasting of Akal Takhat at Amritsar led to the assassination of
Mrs Indira Gandhi, which caused the massacre of the Sikhs. Massacre
of Muslims in the state of Gujarat, led to the downfall of the BJP
Government at the Centre. This is how the mighty fall. Hatred begets
hatred.
Guru Granth Sahib advises to adopt the policy of detente. It asserts
to resolve all tensions through dialogue:
Brethren! All in unison meet,
And by absorption in God cast off duality. 2
– Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1185
The basic ideology enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib’s Fundamental
Creed (Mul Mantra) is Absolute Monotheism, which reads:
He is the Sole Supreme Being; of eternal manifestation; Creator;
Immanent Reality; Without Fear; Without Rancour; Timeless
Form; Un-incarnated; Self- Existent; Realized by grace of the holy
Preceptor. 3
God as ‘the Sole Supreme Being’, has broad definitions that He
is universal and immortal, without fear and rancour. But, here it differs
from Christianity. God says:
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, Lord
your God, am a jealous God…” 4
The truth of the Fundamental Creed was relevant in the past, it
is relevant even now and it will be so in the future. The utterance of
Ek Oankar echoed over the continents in the past, it is resounding
now, and shall continue in future solacing the hearts of the suffering
humanity.
Guru Granth Sahib has dealt with the five evils of man, namely,
lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego. These evils are
characteristically inherent in mankind. These evils are the main cause
of man’s suffering. Guru Granth Sahib advises control over these five
evils for a life of equipoise (sehaj):
The Five Demons hast Thou subdued, torment of Death
annulled. 2
Alcoholism, gambling, narcotism and smoking are the dooms of
modern life. Guru Granth Sahib condemns all these evils:
Lust and wrath disintegrate the body, as borax gold. 5