Path to Liberation: From Sikhism’s Holy Scripture – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Part 1 of 2

“The Guru is Merciful; we seek the Sanctuary of God. Through the Teachings of the True Guru, all worldly entanglements are eliminated. The Name of the Lord is firmly implanted within my mind; through His Ambrosial Glance of Grace, I am exalted and enraptured.

O my mind, serve the True Guru. God Himself grants His Grace; do not forget Him, even for an instant.

Continually sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe, the Destroyer of demerits. Without the Name of the Lord, there is no peace. Having tried all sorts of ostentatious displays, I have come to see this. Intuitively imbued with His Praises, one is saved, crossing over the terrifying world-ocean.

The merits of pilgrimages, fasts and hundreds of thousands of techniques of austere self-discipline are found in the dust of the feet of the Holy. From whom are you trying to hide your actions? God sees all; He is Ever-present. My God is totally pervading all places and interspaces. True is His Empire, and True is His Command. True is His Seat of True Authority. True is the Creative Power which He has created. True is the world which He has fashioned. O Nanak, chant the True Name; I am forever and ever a sacrifice to Him.

Make the effort, and chant the Lord’s Name. O very fortunate ones, earn this wealth. In the Society of the Saints, meditate in remembrance on the Lord, and wash off the filth of countless incarnations.”

“O my mind, serve the True One, as long as you have the breath of life. Without the True One, everything is false; in the end, all shall perish.”

“Offer your prayers to Him, who shall unite you with the Creator. The True Guru is the Giver of the Naam [the Name of the Lord]; His Treasure is perfect and overflowing. Forever and ever, praise the One, who has no end or limitation.

Praise God, the Nurturer and Cherisher; His Wondrous Ways are unlimited. Forever and ever, worship and adore Him; this is the most wonderful wisdom. O Nanak, God’s Flavor is sweet to the minds and bodies of those who have such blessed destiny written on their foreheads.”