Philosophy
This Section provides insight into
the ancient philosophy of the Nihang Singhs. The primary source of
their philosophy is the writings of the Sikh Gurus and saints as well
as some primitive Indian traditions. The ideal Nihang Singhs is to be
both a saint and a warrior simultaneously; this concept is known as
Sant Sipahi. As a warrior the Nihang Singh lives in a constant state of
Dharamyudh or righteous warfare both externally and internally. This
involves being forever ready to physically defend dharam and strive
towards inner perfection and accomplishment via the grace of the Guru.
The dharamyudh that all Sikhs were advised by the Gurus to engage in is
the battle to conquer one's own mind. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
writes in the Japji Sahib;
'Those who conquer their mind have conquered the universe.'
(Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 6)
The Sikh philosophy begins from the point of view that there is One Divine Being who is both with and without form - Ik Oankar. The subsequent beliefs, rituals and traditions of the Nihang Singhs can be seen as all evolving from the idea of Ik-Oankar. Discussing the depth of meaning of Ik-Oankar is something that that great saints and scholars within the Sikh tradition have indulged in for centuries. A humble attempt has been made to provide a brief overview of the etymology of Ik-Oankar, following from which there is discussion on the energies of Shiv and Shakt and their interplay within Nihang Singh traditions. Based on the writings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji within the Sri Sarbloh Parkash Granth, there is then an analysis of the Khalsa as Akaal Purakh Ki Fauj - Army of the Immortal Being.
Subsequent articles which will appear on this section in due course include discussing the tradition of Shaheedi or martyrdom and the ideals of Kshatri who were the royal warrior caste in India. The Kshatri ideals within the Khalsa have been largely abandoned by many Sikhs. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji bore many attacks and hardships at the efforts of Hindu Kings who were offended and threatened by the Guru's philosophy that all those who take baptism of the double edged sword become noble warriors, something that since the times of ancient India has always been reserved by right of birth only. The relationship between Kshatri Dharam and the Khalsa has been grossly misunderstood by many Sikhs and misrepresented by rightwing Hindu parties and groups promoting their own agendas within the Sikh religion. Therefore, it is necessary to clear up popular misconceptions on the beliefs of Nihang Singhs exist both out of ignorance and devious mischief.
'Such qualities God has blessed the Khalsa with: Khalsa is a devotee of God, knower of true knowledge, supreme royalty and master of jog (union with God). They embody the spirit and lifestyle of a Kshatri (warrior), they worship the One Lord alone, renounce that which is false, perform penance, are great warriors and true kings of the land.
' (Sri Sarbloh Parkash Granth, 527)
The above verse describes the various qualities of the Khalsa. Although this section discusses these and other elements of Sikh philosophy, the most important philosophy for all Sikhs of any order is taught by the fifth Guru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
'Listen, O Saints: this is the pure philosophy. Without the Lord's Name, there is no salvation. Meeting with the Perfect Guru, one is saved.' (Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 891)
'Those who conquer their mind have conquered the universe.'
(Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 6)
The Sikh philosophy begins from the point of view that there is One Divine Being who is both with and without form - Ik Oankar. The subsequent beliefs, rituals and traditions of the Nihang Singhs can be seen as all evolving from the idea of Ik-Oankar. Discussing the depth of meaning of Ik-Oankar is something that that great saints and scholars within the Sikh tradition have indulged in for centuries. A humble attempt has been made to provide a brief overview of the etymology of Ik-Oankar, following from which there is discussion on the energies of Shiv and Shakt and their interplay within Nihang Singh traditions. Based on the writings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji within the Sri Sarbloh Parkash Granth, there is then an analysis of the Khalsa as Akaal Purakh Ki Fauj - Army of the Immortal Being.
Subsequent articles which will appear on this section in due course include discussing the tradition of Shaheedi or martyrdom and the ideals of Kshatri who were the royal warrior caste in India. The Kshatri ideals within the Khalsa have been largely abandoned by many Sikhs. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji bore many attacks and hardships at the efforts of Hindu Kings who were offended and threatened by the Guru's philosophy that all those who take baptism of the double edged sword become noble warriors, something that since the times of ancient India has always been reserved by right of birth only. The relationship between Kshatri Dharam and the Khalsa has been grossly misunderstood by many Sikhs and misrepresented by rightwing Hindu parties and groups promoting their own agendas within the Sikh religion. Therefore, it is necessary to clear up popular misconceptions on the beliefs of Nihang Singhs exist both out of ignorance and devious mischief.
'Such qualities God has blessed the Khalsa with: Khalsa is a devotee of God, knower of true knowledge, supreme royalty and master of jog (union with God). They embody the spirit and lifestyle of a Kshatri (warrior), they worship the One Lord alone, renounce that which is false, perform penance, are great warriors and true kings of the land.
' (Sri Sarbloh Parkash Granth, 527)
The above verse describes the various qualities of the Khalsa. Although this section discusses these and other elements of Sikh philosophy, the most important philosophy for all Sikhs of any order is taught by the fifth Guru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
'Listen, O Saints: this is the pure philosophy. Without the Lord's Name, there is no salvation. Meeting with the Perfect Guru, one is saved.' (Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 891)