The Sikh holy book, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), is essentially a collection of poetic hymns praising God and extolling the virtues of good thoughts and actions. Sikh worship is almost always in the form of singing (called "kirtan") and, as such, the SGGS is (or at least parts of it are) mainly sung at various times of the day for the general benefit of the reader and the listeners. It is also sung during certain ceremonies that are important to Sikhs (such as "Baisakhi"); but also for any sort of function where you want to give thanks and praise the gifts that you have been given in life: weddings, birthdays, and whatever else you want (like your son/daughter's graduation, 21st birthday...anything). Here's a part of the SGGS (page 262) as an example; it is from a composition called the "Sukhmani Sahib" and is often sung either for the hell of it during a particular day at the Sikh temple (it's quite a popular composition), or at special functions (since it's a particularly soothing composition):

Meditate, meditate, meditate in remembrance of Him, and find peace.

Worry and anguish shall be dispelled from your body.

Remember in praise the One who pervades the whole Universe.

His Name is chanted by countless people, in so many ways.

The Vedas, the Puranas and the Simritees [religious and/or spiritual works in Hinduism, Jainism, and the Vedic religion as a whole], the purest of utterances,

were created from the One Word of the Name of the Lord.

That one, in whose soul the One Lord dwells -

the praises of his glory cannot be recounted.

Those who yearn only for the gift of Your Darshan[blessing] -

Nanak [the founder of the Sikh religion]: save me along with them!

Sukhmani [the name of this composition]: Peace of Mind, the Nectar of the Name of God.

The minds of the devotees abide in a joyful peace.

Remembering God, one does not have to enter into the womb again.

Remembering God, the pain of death is dispelled.

Remembering God, death is eliminated.

Remembering God, one's enemies are repelled.

Remembering God, no obstacles are met.

Remembering God, one remains awake and aware, night and day.

Remembering God, one is not touched by fear.

Remembering God, one does not suffer sorrow.

The meditative remembrance of God is in the Company of the Holy.

All treasures, O Nanak, are in the Love of the Lord.

Resources

Top Categories

Product

Company