Sat Sri Akaal and Waaheguroo Ji Kaa Khalsaa, Waaheguroo Ji Ki Fateh!
Which model does Sikhi (Sikhism) accept?
Any of these?
Any of these?
What about consciousness and Panpyschism?
Overview of the Sikh Journey
Before we answer the question, let's cover basic Sikh beliefs and the overall journey. Those who are new to Sikhi (Sikhism), it began with the first Sikh Guroo, Sree Guroo Naanak Dev Ji. There were Ten Sikh Guroos in the human form, and the 11th (present) Guroo is in the shabad (word) form, the compiled scripture called Sri Guroo Granth Sahib Ji. Sri Guroo Granth Sahib Ji contains teachings of the Ten Guroos and other saints (bhagats). Sikhs follow the commands/teachings of the Almighty-Lord, which are in the form of Gurbanee (the words or teachings written by the Ten Sikh Guroos). The teachings themselves are the Guroo, so by reading, singing, discussing, and following Sri Guroo Granth Sahib Ji, Sikhs are learning from the Guroos and connecting with them.
The scripture begins with the shabad or term “Ik Oangkaar,” which is often translated as "God is One," or "there is one God." However, the meaning is deeper than that. In fact, all of Sikhi (Sikhism) is the study of Ik Oangkaar and practicing the resulting understanding. Sikhi teaches that God is one, the many, he is all, yet he is beyond all. He has numerous descriptions, attributes, and all powers, yet he is indescribable at the same time. He has no caste, creed, or gender. He is formless, timeless, yet he existed and exists in the forms of Guroos (currently in Shabad, or Scripture form - Sri Guroo Granth Sahib Ji) and Saints to guide and serve humanity. He created the creation, and he is in the creation, but also detached from it. The lord is the creator, presever, and destroyer. The Lord is the mother, father, and teacher of all creation.
All is within the divine consciousness, which makes everything an illusion, yet the temporal realm cannot be overlooked and forgotten while a soul is in it. Akaal (The Ultimate-Timeless Consciousness), the Soul (Individual Consciousness) and Kudrat (Universe) have a connection. The Sikh Guroo's taught both Temporal (Miri) and Piri (Spiritual) lessons, but the spiritual always takes priority and is never to be forgotten while carrying out your worldly duties. This is why Sikhs are humble, yet fierce!
The consciousness has manifested itself many times, yet the Lord has no beginning or end.
Ultimately, it is a journey of love that begins with separation, and ends in union, since oneness with the Akaal (the lord who is beyond time) is the ultimate destination.
What is a Sikh supposed to do?
Relationship of Creation and the Creator
- Everything is manifested within the divine consciousness by the one Lord.
- The Lord resides in the creation, yet is beyond and detached from it.
- There is some level of "energy," or "light," in everything, whether physical, mental, or spiritual.
- There is energy or light in animate and inanimate objects, whether that energy is used positively or negatively depends on the focus of the mind. The mind plays a huge part in shaping reality, particularly a pure mind whom the Lord listens to closely.
- Human birth is the stage and form at which we can understand all that needs to be understood. It is this form that allows us to meditate on the Lord and attain liberation. This is not typically possible at the animal or plant stage, with very infrequent exceptions to this rule. This doesn't mean we should do whatever we want with animals, plants, or inanimate objects as there is still energy or light in them. Once you experience oneness, you only take what is needed as there are consequences for everything, no matter how subtle.
- However, those that have the Lord's grace do not have to answer on "judgement day." Although we seek to be truthful in our actions, it is his grace that we are after.
Four-levels of Consciousness
There are many models that describe the different levels of the consciousness. Here is one that simplifies things.
- Ultimate (Akaal)
- Pure (Khalsaa) - The consciousness sees no other, it experiences absoluteness and there are no doubts or questions. All is clear.
- Universal (GurSikh) - The consciousness focuses beyond the individual self and recognize its connection to the universe.
- Individual (Manmukh) - The consciousness focuses on the idea of the individual "self," which is dominated by the five vices.
There is a spectrum even within each of the bottom three levels within this model that improves upon commons models. The consciousness can travel in-and-out of the different levels, so it is important to remember the ultimate one to obtain true liberation. Following Gurbanee or Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's teachings will allow the mind to stay pure. Through reincarnations in many forms, the soul may spend many lifetimes at the "individual" level, so there are many habits that die hard. It is only in the human birth and through Naam Simran (deep and constant remembrance of the lord with love) we can experience the other levels and obtain the understanding we need to be liberated!
Four States of Energy within the Consciousness
There are three common states of energy within the consciousness; all three are "maya" or "illusion."
- Rajo (constructive) - focus is constructive
- Tamo (destructive) - focus is destructive
- Sato (truthful) - focus is selfless
Chauthaa Padh (4th state) - The three states appear as an illusion, in which there is one doer.
- It is easier for those who have experienced Sato to understand the 4th.
The Five Khands (stages) of liberation
The following is all from: The Five Khands in Japji Sahib | SikhNet
“Dharam Khand, Gian Khand, Saram Khand, Karam Khand and Sach Khand
If we were to state the purpose of human birth, and the method to achieve it, in a few words it would be: ‘to reunite the soul with the Creator - this is possible through Divine grace.’
The first composition in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, ‘Japu’, leads us on that path.
The process starts with Gurparsad (Guru’s Grace) in the Mool Mantar, nadree mokh duaar (salvation through grace) and culminates in “Nanak nadree nadar nihaal”, (vision of the Creator through His grace).
Guru Nanak has used two words nadar and nihaal. Nadar Karam or just Nadar is the Punjabi version of the Persian ‘Nazray karam’ meaning looking favorably or showing grace and is used in Gurbani to denote Divine grace. Nihaal also means seeing or sight and is normally used to indicate the benefit of nadar and the resultant happiness.
So Japu leads the soul to profound happiness through Divine Grace.
Japu has 38 Pauris or stanzas followed by an epilogue, the Slok.
The culmination of the process of gaining grace is described in the last six Pauris out of which the 32nd and 33rd Pauris are in preparation of the ascent to the high state or level which metaphorically is the abode of the formless Creator.
The 32nd Pauri says that in order to be one with the Master one must remember and imbibe His virtues endlessly to be entitled to His grace:
ਇਕ ਦੂ ਜੀਭੌ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਲਖ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਲਖ ਵੀਸ ॥
ਲਖੁ ਲਖੁ ਗੇੜਾ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਗਦੀਸ ॥
ਏਤੁ ਰਾਹਿ ਪਤਿ ਪਵੜੀਆ ਚੜੀਐ ਹੋਇ ਇਕੀਸ ॥
ਸੁਣਿ ਗਲਾ ਆਕਾਸ ਕੀ ਕੀਟਾ ਆਈ ਰੀਸ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਪਾਈਐ ਕੂੜੀ ਕੂੜੈ ਠੀਸ ॥੩੨॥ ੧ ੭
May I have my one tongue multiplied a million times, then twenty million,
and with each of them I utter Naam, the Name of the Master, a million times;
these are the steps of the staircase that raise me to be one with Him.
This is so motivating that hearing the Divine virtues even the worms (those who never thought so) also wish to join; but this is possible by Grace; otherwise it is pointless waffle.
The 33rd Pauri, continuing in the same vein, emphasizes the need for grace stating that no one can achieve this by personal strength.
The next four Pauris describe the five Khands meaning realms or stages of spiritual advancement. The process involves progressive widening of the thought horizon with the individual identifying himself as part of the cosmos and therefore the total creation, finally seeing the Creator in everything that exists.
In that state one conforms to the laws of nature, accepting them as Divine commands.
The five stages are of Dutifulness, Knowledge, Toil or Effort, Grace and finally the Truth.
For success in any field it is necessary to have commitment and dedication to achieve the goal. Accordingly the first step is to identify what is to be done and do it well.
This is the realm of dutifulness or Dharam Khand. Dharam, which in English language is referred to as Dharma, also means religion and righteousness. The latter two also boil down to dutifulness as one needs to carry out what is expected in the given environment. As in any practical situation one is judged based on deeds or performance.
The 34th Pauri says:
ਰਾਤੀ ਰੁਤੀ ਥਿਤੀ ਵਾਰ ॥
ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਗਨੀ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥
ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਥਾਪਿ ਰਖੀ ਧਰਮ ਸਾਲ ॥---
Night (and day), the seasons, the lunar movements, days of the week;
the air, water, fire and the nether regions;
in their company the earth has been created to perform one’s Dharam;
ਤਿਸੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੀਅ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਕੇ ਰੰਗ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਅਨੇਕ ਅਨੰਤ ॥---
On the earth there are creatures of various types and hues with innumerable names;
(this indicates that one should act in the awareness that other creatures also exist and one has responsibilities towards them).
ਕਰਮੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਹੋਇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਚਾ ਆਪਿ ਸਚਾ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥---
They are all judged based on their deeds, past and current;
the Judge is just and so is His court;
ਤਿਥੈ ਸੋਹਨਿ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਪਵੈ ਨੀਸਾਣੁ ॥---
Those whose performance is accepted are glorified;
they are marked for Divine grace.
ਕਚ ਪਕਾਈ ਓਥੈ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗਇਆ ਜਾਪੈ ਜਾਇ ॥੩੪॥੧ ੭
Whether the soul has matured to receive this grace is decided
only when one reaches the Master’ abode.
The words ‘ਕਚ ਪਕਾਈ’ used above literally mean raw or ripe, immature or mature. This concept is frequently employed in Gurbani using Chaupar, a game of dice as metaphor. Briefly stated, in this game the pieces which move according to throw of dice can get home if they have matured. Similarly the souls whose deeds are acceptable are considered mature and entitled to enter Home, the abode of the Creator.
The first two lines of the 35th Pauri indicate that the next stage is the realm of knowledge, thus:
ਧਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕਾ ਏਹੋ ਧਰਮੁ ॥ ਗਿਆਨ ਖੰਡ ਕਾ ਆਖਹੁ ਕਰਮੁ ॥
Having learnt about dutifulness in Dharam Khand let us talk about Gian Khand the realm of knowledge.
Whereas Dharam Khand talks in terms of the earth, our solar system and individual conduct, Gian Khand enlarges the vision to include the belief systems, different types of life forms, their sounds and scientific facts including those about other solar systems:
ਕੇਤੇ ਪਵਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਵੈਸੰਤਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕਾਨ ਮਹੇਸ ॥
ਕੇਤੇ ਬਰਮੇ ਘਾੜਤਿ ਘੜੀਅਹਿ ਰੂਪ ਰੰਗ ਕੇ ਵੇਸ ॥
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਕਰਮ ਭੂਮੀ ਮੇਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਧੂ ਉਪਦੇਸ ॥---
There are many types of air (gases), water (liquids), fire (sources of heat and light);
there are many Krishnas, Maheshs, many Brahmas with creations in different forms and colors.
There are numerous places to perform duties and many disciples like Dhru and teachers (like Naarda);
It is interesting to note that unlike one each of the gods like Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh in the Hindu belief there are many of them. This confirms that the adjective One applies only to the Creator.
ਕੇਤੇ ਇੰਦ ਚੰਦ ਸੂਰ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਮੰਡਲ ਦੇਸ ॥
There are numerous clouds, moons, suns, solar systems and planets.
This says that there are numerous solar systems, a fact not known to the scientist when it was stated by Guru Nanak.
ਕੇਤੇ ਸਿਧ ਬੁਧ ਨਾਥ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਦੇਵੀ ਵੇਸ ॥
ਕੇਤੇ ਦੇਵ ਦਾਨਵ ਮੁਨਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਕੇਤੇ ਰਤਨ ਸਮੁੰਦ ॥
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਖਾਣੀ ਕੇਤੀਆ ਬਾਣੀ ਕੇਤੇ ਪਾਤ ਨਰਿੰਦ ॥
ਕੇਤੀਆ ਸੁਰਤੀ ਸੇਵਕ ਕੇਤੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥੩੫॥
There are numerous Sidhas, Buddhas, yogis, goddesses, gods, demons;
many silent ascetics, many valuables in the sea.
There are many life forms, types of speech and chains of kings,
Many have wisdom and devotional service; there is no limit to all this.
With this knowledge one is motivated to listen to the celestial music i.e. the Divine Word. This acts as motivation to fashion one’s life and to be part of all this. This leads to the realm of effort or diligence, the Saram Khand described in the 36th Pauri:
ਸਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਰੂਪੁ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਘਾੜਤਿ ਘੜੀਐ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਅਨੂਪੁ ॥
ਤਾ ਕੀਆ ਗਲਾ ਕਥੀਆ ਨਾ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਹੈ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਇ ॥
ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਾ ਸਿਧਾ ਕੀ ਸੁਧਿ ॥੩੬॥
In Saram Khand one aims at beauty (the method the bride adopts to be attracted by the husband);
the soul fashions itself into incomparable beauty that cannot be described;
the consciousness, thinking and understanding are molded and purified to be like those of the gods and the sidhas.
The mind so molded is able to resist temptations and is not distracted from the path he (or she) has chosen. He gets the strength to embark on the final ascent. This stage can only be reached by Divine grace; he has thus entered the realm of Grace the Karam Khand described in the first part of Pauri 37:
ਕਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੋਰੁ ॥ ਤਿਥੈ ਹੋਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰੁ ॥
ਤਿਥੈ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰ ॥
ਤਿਥੈ ਸੀਤੋ ਸੀਤਾ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਰੂਪ ਨ ਕਥਨੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥
ਨਾ ਓਹਿ ਮਰਹਿ ਨ ਠਾਗੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
ਤਿਥੈ ਭਗਤ ਵਸਹਿ ਕੇ ਲੋਅ ॥ ਕਰਹਿ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਇ ॥
Karam Khand is characterized by one seeing none else but the Creator (in nature).
Ever imbued with praises of the Master and Naam in mind one gets strength like that of the great warriors;
their form cannot be described;
those in whose mind God abides do not perish or get led astray,
there is devotion and presence of the True Lord in their minds makes them happy.
Karam Khand, therefore, is the state of mind where one realizes that he does not do any thing; every thing is attributed to the Creator. This Divine grace enables one to enter the abode of the Eternal Lord, the Sach Khand described in the second part of the 37th Pauri:
ਸਚ ਖੰਡਿ ਵਸੈ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥
ਤਿਥੈ ਖੰਡ ਮੰਡਲ ਵਰਭੰਡ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਕਥੈ ਤ ਅੰਤ ਨ ਅੰਤ ॥
ਤਿਥੈ ਲੋਅ ਲੋਅ ਆਕਾਰ ॥ ਜਿਵ ਜਿਵ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਤਿਵੈ ਤਿਵ ਕਾਰ ॥
ਵੇਖੈ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਕਰਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਥਨਾ ਕਰੜਾ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੩੭॥੧ ੮
Sach Khand is the abode of the Formless lord;
He creates and bestows His grace;
He pervades all planets, solar systems and the entire universe which has no limits;
it covers all the planets and existence;
every thing happens according to Divine commands, thinking of this the Creator is pleased.
This state is as hard to describe as is iron. So Sach Khand is where the Divine commands, Hukam is obeyed.
That is to say one who lives by Hukam is in Sach Khand.
We read in the first Pauri:
ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥
ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥
How do we break the wall of falsehood and be one with the Truth?
Live according to the preordained Hukam.
Further, it is by Divine Grace that one carries out Hukam:
ਹੁਕਮੁ ਭੀ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਮਨਾਇਸੀ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
ਹੁਕਮੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਸੁਹਾਗਣਿ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥੩ ੫੧੦
Only those who receive Divine grace carry out Hukam;
accepting Hukam they become the fortunate recipients of the Master’s love and comfort (SGGS, p 510).
The 38th Pauri of Japu summarizes the five Khands using the metaphor of a goldsmith’s shop where he melts and casts the precious metal:
ਜਤੁ ਪਾਹਾਰਾ ਧੀਰਜੁ ਸੁਨਿਆਰੁ ॥---
Let self discipline be the shop and let the goldsmith show patience in what he does – Realm of dutifulness, Dharam Khand.
ਅਹਰਣਿ ਮਤਿ ਵੇਦੁ ਹਥੀਆਰੁ ॥---
Let the mind be the anvil which receives the hammer of scriptural teachings –Realm of knowledge, Gian Khand.
ਭਉ ਖਲਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਤਪ ਤਾਉ ॥
ਭਾਂਡਾ ਭਾਉ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਤਿਤੁ ਢਾਲਿ ॥
ਘੜੀਐ ਸਬਦੁ ਸਚੀ ਟਕਸਾਲ ॥--
Make carrying out commands (described as bhau) the bellows, and heat, the remembrance;
make love the crucible in which to put the nectar of Naam (melt the gold)
and understand (mold) it with the Shabad – Realm of effort, Saram Khand
ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰਮੁ ਤਿਨ ਕਾਰ ॥---
This is done by those who receive Divine Grace –
Grace, Karam Khand.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਦਰੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲ ॥੩੮॥
With this grace they have vision of the Lord and happiness –
Truth, God’s abode, Sach Khand.
The five khands thus are the final stages of the journey which starts with Gurparsadi (knowing through Guru’s Grace), continues with living according to Hukam and finally receiving Divine Grace leading to being one with the Creator.
Five vices
These bad qualities try to keep us away from truthful living.
- · Kaam (Desires)
- · Krodh (Anger)
- · Lobh (Greed)
- · Moh (Attachment)
- · Ahngkaar (Ego)
Five Virtues
The following five key (of many) virtues is what Sikhs need to instill in our character.
- · Sat (Truth)
- · Santokh (Contentment)
- · Daya (Compassion)
- · Nimrata (Humility)
- · Pyaar (Love)
Three Golden Rules (Sikhism)
- · Naam Japo – Recite/Repeat the Lord’s name
- · Kirat Karo – Earn your living
- · Vand Shako – Share with others
Three Eternal Truths - All else is Temporary
- · Naam (Loving recitation of the Lord's Word (s))
- · Saadhu (Saints / True Holy People)
- · Guroo Gobind (Ik Ongkaar – Ultimate Enlightener / Preceptor / Teacher)
Human life - Key beliefs in Sikhism - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize
A soul can witness many incarnations, births and deaths, until it reaches the human birth. It then has a chance to win this game by remembering the Lord with love and devotion!
Conclusion
As previously mentioned, Sikhi teaches that the Lord is one, the many, he is all, yet he is beyond all. He has numerous descriptions, attributes, and all powers, yet he is indescribable at the same time. He is formless, timeless, yet he existed and exists in the forms of Guroos (currently in Shabad or word form - Scripture / Sri Guroo Granth Sahib Ji) and Saints to help guide humanity. He created the creation, and he is in the creation, but also detached from it. The Lord is the creator, preserver, and destroyer.
It is ultimately the Lord’s show, but as a soul removes its filth in the human birth (the five vices), as a conscious being, it can play a role in shaping reality as a co-creator. The eternal form is beyond the macrocosm, so the ultimate consciousness cannot be described or contained, therefore, it is beyond the universe(s). The soul goes through a journey from loneliness where it wanders thinking it is alone, to universalness as it starts to see itself in others and vice a versa, to oneness where it sees the one in everything, and ultimately, to nothingness. The creator falls in love with his creation and the creation appreciates the love and dissolves in that love. Saach Kahon Sun Leho Sabhai, Jin Prem Keeyo, tin hee prabh paaeo. ~ Tva Prasaad Savaiye - Guroo Gobind Singh Ji (The truth is being spoken, so listen everyone - those that love the Lord are the ones who will realize him.)"
So the journey starts with separation and loneliness, to universalness, to oneness, to nothingness. As stated in Sukhmanee Sahib by Sri Guroo Arjan Dev Ji, nothing is born and nothing dies, the wondrous play is played by the Lord/Creator/Director/Actor.
So as you can see, Sikhism accepts a hybrid of Panentheism
and Panpsychism, but the ultimate Lord is beyond all descriptions! The
Lord manifests himself, yet the eternal Lord is outside the realm of time and
creation.
Click to Enlarge
What is Panentheism?? (jedepler.com)
What is Panpyschism
