Sustainable Development in Sikh Religion: Lessons from Guru Har Rai Ji
The Sikh religion emphasizes living in harmony with nature and promoting sustainable development. According to Sikh beliefs, God resides in creation, and natural elements are revered as essential aspects of life. Sikhs follow principles of non-exploitation, equality, and long-term planning for a prosperous and peaceful world. The teachings of Guru Har Rai Ji highlight the importance of environmental conservation and compassionate living.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Sustainable Development of Environment: Evidence from Sikh Religion Celebrating Guru Har Rai Ji Source of Material sikhfoundation.org/people-events/sustainable-development-of-environment-evidence-from-sikh-religion/ Presentation Prepared by Harbinder Kaur harbinder.kaur1968@gmail.com
Introduction According to the Sri Guru Granth Ji (SGGJ), word-Guru (spiritual teacher) of the Sikhs, God Resides in Creation. Sarbat da Bhalla meaning prosperity and peace for everything in the world is a statement that a Sikh utters at least two times a day, on completing the morning and evening prayers.
Q: Where does God Reside? Ans: In the creation Balihari Kudrat vasia tera anth na jayi lakhiya God resides in nature or environment and it is not possible to fathom your end (SGGJ, p. 469) Apineh ap sajio apineh rachi nao. Self (God) created self. Self assumed a Name. Duyi kudrat sajiay kar asa ditho chao. Second, fashioned the Kudrat (creation - nature and environment); seated within Kudrat, beholds it with delight.
Natural Elements are Respected Pavan Guroo Paanee Pitaa Maataa Dharat Mahat Air is Guru, Water is father, and vast earth mother (SGGJ, p. 8). Pau pa i ar i akas g ar man ar har bani. Air, water, earth and sky - the Lord has made these home and temple vic var ai Nanak ap j u kaho kia gani God is pervading everywhere, O Nanak. Tell me: what can be counted as false? (SGGJ, p. 723) is
Important Principle As one sows, so will one Reap Therefore, it is in the interest of everybody that no harm is done to anything in the universe. It is this context that many Sikhs prefer vegetarian diet, as prescribed in community Kitchen or Guru ka Langar, served in every Gurudwara or a Sikh Temple.
No Exploitation Please As Sikhs believe that all things are created and inhabited by God, there is no scope for exploiting the environment or other individuals. Equal Status of women. Guru Nanak asks - So kio man a akhiay jit jameh rajan or So why call her bad from whom kings are born? (SGGJ, p. 473)
Plan on a Long Term Basis Intentions - Nar c aha kac aor aurai ki aurai b ai. C i va rahio agaur Nanak fasi gal pari - Man wishes for something, but something different happens. Plotting to deceive others, O Nanak, instead finds noose around own neck (SGGJ, p.1428). Mith Bolada Je Har Sajjan Soami Mora, Honh Sambhal Takhee Ji O Kadhe Na Bole Kodha - Sweet spoken is my noble-hearted master never within my recall has Master uttered a harsh word (SGGJ, p. 784).
Truthful Living Sachahu Orai Sabh Ko Upar Sach Aachar meaning that Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is truthful living (SGGJ, p. 62). Truthful living is interpreted to imply environmentally conscious and responsible living. Vich Dunia Sev Kamaiai Ta Dargeh Baisa Paiai - Serve in this world, and you shall be given a place of honour in Lord s presence (SGGJ, p.26).. The concept of service to others includes nature and environment too.
Nature and Compositions in SGGS C e basan b ala b avar suhav e - In the month of Chet - lovely spring has come, and the bumble bees hum with joy Vaisak b ala sak a ves kare - Baisakhi is so pleasant. The branches blossom with new leaves Sava saras mana g a varseh ru aee - In Sawan, be happy, O my mind. The rainy season has come, and the clouds have burst into showers Jal thal nir b are baras ru e rang ma i - The lakes and fields are overflowing with water. The rainy season has come - the time to celebrate ah is sak hari hariaval sahj pakai so mi a - In all ten directions, the branches are green and alive. That which ripens slowly, is sweet
Some Cosmic Compositions Gagan mai thal rav c an ipak bane tarika mandal janak mo i - Upon that cosmic platter of the sky, the sun and the moon are the lamps. The stars and their orbs are the studded pearls. up malanlo pava c avro kare sagal banrae fulan jo i - The fragrance of sandalwood in the air is the temple incense, and the wind is the fan. All the plants of the world are the altar flowers in offering to You, O Luminous Lord. Kaisi ar i hoe. Bhav khandna teri arti - What a beautiful Aartee (lamp-lit worship service) this is! O Destroyer of Fear, this is Your Ceremony of Light (SGGJ, p. 13).
New Cities by Sikh Gurus Amritsar - 1577, Anandpur Sahib 1665, Goindwal - 1559, Kartarpur -1594, Kiratpur - 1626, Paonta Sahib -1685, and Tarn Taran - 1596. In all these cities, environment concerns like adequate development of water sources and drainage of waste water, gardens and open spaces were accorded special place.
Conclusion Sabhay Sajhevaal Sadain Toonh Kisai Na Diseh Bahra Jio All are known partners; you are not seen Outside of anyone, O! Lovable (SGGJ, p.97). THANK YOU
