Surjit Singh Flora
Seekers of truth in Canada and the world over in mid-November this year celebrated the Day of Enlightenment with great love and reverence. Prakash Utsav, meaning the festivity marking the birth of light, is an occasion not only to celebrate, but also to rededicate oneself to the cause of Ek Onkar – oneness of the Supreme Being. The divine and cardinal message of truth was delivered to its seekers- the Sikhs, by none other than the faith’s founder and beloved Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj, who was born in Punjab in 1469AD. Over the years, the message has transcended the boundaries of Sikh faith and religion to enlighten seekers of truth not only in our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society, but also mankind across the globe. The celebration was marked with rituals at our Sikh Gurudwaras, which entailed a 48-hour uninterrupted recitation of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, paying tribute to the noble thoughts and teachings of the spiritual leader of peace and harmony. Holy hymns were recited and the great truth of universal brotherhood of man and fatherhood of the Supreme Being emphasised.
The virtues of high morals, purity of life, obedience to the Guru, truthfulness and selfless service to the needy praised.
Heavenly blessings prevailed as the faithful centered their lives around one God. Later for merriment, the traditional followed, after which Langar or free meals were served.
Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj is known to have displayed outstanding contemplation and knowledge right from his childhood. Later at the age of 28, he had a spiritual awakening and went on to preach five pillars of the faith: his numerous teachings that will transform your outlook on life: Vaand Chhako: Sharing what you have received from God with others and assisting those in need is the essence of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s lifelong teachings. This principle is a fundamental aspect of Sikhism. Kirat Karo: This signifies earning a livelihood with integrity. One must not take advantage of others to find personal happiness. He advocated for earning honestly and putting in hard work. Naam Japo: Recite the name of the ‘True God’. Sri Guru Nanak Dev highlighted the importance of meditating on God’s name to master the five evils: lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego. Sarbat daa bhalaa: Seek the Lord’s blessing for the happiness of all. He stated that regardless of religion, caste, or gender, everyone should strive to do good for others, as only then can one expect to receive that goodness in return. At the conclusion of the daily Ardaas prayer, the words are spoken, “Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat da bhala,” signifying, “Nanak, with your name and blessings, may all in the world thrive and find peace.” This prayer seeks the Lord’s blessings for the well-being of all humanity, extending beyond our community or family alone. Always speak the truth without fear: Sri Guru Nanak Dev emphasized the importance of expressing the truth courageously. He stated that achieving victory through the suppression of falsehood is fleeting, while steadfast adherence to truth is enduring. Adhering to the truth is indeed one of the directives of the Guru. Sri Guru Nanak Dev emphasized the significance of having a Guru in one’s life. He stated that without a genuine Guru, one can never discover God. Meditate on Supreme Being and always keep Him in mind, live honestly and work hard, love all and be generous to fellow beings. The revered Guru’s universal message “we are one family under one God” and his heavenly blessings prevail and continue to foster love, peace, understanding and unity amongst not only the seekers of truth, but followers of other faiths as well. The founder of the Sikhs advocated for women’s equality and fought relentlessly against the caste system as he believed in brotherhood of mankind. In celebrating the day of enlightenment, let us also contemplate on the Guru’s doctrine that happiness in one life does not lie in wealth and power, but nourishes in moral and spiritual achievements and service to humanity. let us chant the name of the True Name of Lord “Waheguru” and seeks the Lord’s blessings for the well-being of all humanity, extending beyond our community or family alone.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton).