A Few Words
Writing on Guru Nanak’s life based on the stories woven out of fantasies is doing injustice to him. As a matter of fact, he was bigger than life, vaster than time and taller than History; writing about him to the satisfaction is just not possible. So far, the writers have just tried to word his life in a very limited manner. When I thought of writing about him, I was overwhelmed with the feelings of insufficiency I had; nonetheless, my urge to see him in his own words started blooming in me slowly. Finally I have felt to share with my readers how always I perceive him in his compositions. Most of the people, regardless of religion or faith, admire Guru Nanak; nonetheless, some people, being biased and narrow minded, screwed up some courage to slander him based on their limited knowledge about his philosophy though it is expressed in his bani explicitly. I have nothing against them; therefore, I wouldn’t name them here; however, their words they used for him prove that people having special interests never get open up for that phenomenon that doesn’t fit in their agenda conceived in their innate nature. Doubtless, such people, being in denial, can never try to comprehend the magnitude of revolution Guru Nanak has brought to the Indian society and beyond. What civility we advocate today, Guru Nanak promoted it with audacity five centuries ago. Pointing a finger at such a spiritual seer with prodigious talent is nothing but a display of boorishness.
In this book, I have tried to build Guru Nanak’s personality based on his own words along with the help of those who were very much familiar with his new venturous mission in support of equality and justice supported by his logic and personal divine experience well stated in his bani; it is fascinating to see how it tears down the veils of hypocrisy, manipulations, suppression, and exploitation of the humanity at large scale. If we study his entire bani, it becomes very clear that all his descendants, Second Nanak, Third Nanak, Fourth Nanak, Fifth Nanak, Ninth Nanak, and Tenth Nanak simply interpreted his philosophy without adding anything new; therefore, only they become the real witnesses of his life and his contribution to the society and beyond. His courageous approach of questioning the religious people in power is itself a revolutionary venture he persuaded with all zest and commitment. A very rare example we can found of a seer of his caliber who ever walked to various directions in and outside India. The lamp he lit in the darkness still luminosities incessantly to date.
Here is the essence of his philosophy: there is only one unborn and eternal Creator, who is all in all regardless the names different cultures or societies have given to Him; He is beyond animosity or fear and He is from Himself; there is no difference between the unborn and eternal Creator and His creation as it is His own part; thus He permeates it. It is His eternal laws that control the entire universe and beyond. Going against His creation is going against Him. Guru Nanak’s concept of the Creator differs from all Abrahamic religions and Hinduism at large. To realize the Creator one needs to have a true Guru, who has already realized Him and who could make others realize Him; however, to tread on this path, one needs to live detached in the Maya enveloped world by following the Guru impeccably.
I have divided the book into eight parts with separate headings so that I can construct his magnificent and darling personality issue-wise with references to the reactions we see recorded in the history of India.
I have done my best to quote him more than anyone in this book; however, I have avoided adding the most of his major banis in this book fearing it will turn out to be very big book. To know him best way, I urge the readers to read his banis known as “Japji”, “Maajh Kee Vaar”, “Patti”, “Dakhni Onkar”, “Sidhgost”, “Asa Dee Vaar” “Tithee” and his bani in Raag Asa, Parbhati, Dhanasri and Maroo.
I entreat forgiveness if unknowing I have made any mistake in this book, and I make no claim what so ever. I want to thank S. Gurdeep Singh, the Treasurer, S. Navtej Singh, the Secretary; S. Harvinder Singh, the C0-ordinator and S. Sital Singh, the Manager of the Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee Srinagar (J&K), for their kind co-operation.
I hope, the readers will enjoy this book and feel Guru Nanak’s message inspiring, as it has changed me drastically.
Last but not least, for enabling me to present this book to my readers, I am heartily thankful to Manjeet, a hard working person (for giving this book a final shape for printing), Dr Bhagwan Singh, a great listener and intellectual (for his precious opinions), and my publisher Mr. Harish Jain, whom I have found to be a wonderful person.
Gurdeep Singh
