GURMUKH MANMUKH VIRTUES VICES

Gurmukh Gurmukh means to be like the Guru’s A Sikh should strive to be more Gurmukh in their lives and try and emulate the 10 Guru’s Being Gurmukh means putting the Gurus’ teachings into practice Most of all it means welcoming Waheguru into their lives with all their hearts and minds.

Manmukh This word is the opposite of Gurmukh A manmukh person is one who is overly concerned with many man-centric concerns (wealth, possessions, lust, greed, ego etc) A Sikh should strive to be more Gurmukh and less Manmukh Quote from the GGS “Manmukh is the person who is in bondage with the humai personality”

Copy this quotation into your books (GGS verse 565)

How can a Sikh become more Gurmukh? - They must practice 5 important virtues in their daily life - They must avoid 5 vices (evils) in their daily life. Short Task: Make a list of virtues that you think are most important for individuals to practice Make a list of Vices that you think people should avoid in their lives.

The 5 Vices WHAT IS A VICE?

Krodh Uncontrolled anger Wrath Rage Silent sullenness to hysterical tantrums Patience Forgiveness “Do not be angry with anyone; search your own self and live in the world with humility” (Guru Arjan)

Kam Lust Uncontrolled longing/desire Shame and misery / a moral sickness Normal sexual relationships acceptable (i.e in marriage) Overcome by Naam “Oh kam … your pleasures are illusory; you make us unsteady and weak; and punish the high and the low alike” (Guru Arjan)

Lobh Greed Temptation Avarice A weakness of human personality/foolish/feeble Unhealthy view of wealth, life, spirituality Need to exercise mental control and rid urge to always possess “He alone who cherishes the Lord’s feet is rid of desire ...greed …” (Guru Arjan) “O Lord …in vain, I have wasted my life in greed” (AGp.175)

Moh Worldly attachment Excessive attachment to people & things A delusion that results in narrow-mindness Ignorant and egocentric are affected Earthly love is transient Become God-centred to rid Moh “why involve yourself in pleasures and attachments for naked do we come and go” (AG p. 455) “He who is imbued with Truth is ever detached” (AG p117)

Ahankar (Hankar) Excessive pride Ego (beauty, possessions, intelligence, power, talent etc) Sense of superiority Jealousy, enmity, injustice Need to serve society with humility (Nimrata) i.e seva, compassion, forgiveness “They complain about other peoples faults, while their own self-conceit only increases” (AG p.366) “Oh pride, the cause of our coming and going in the world … soul of sin, thou estrange friends … and effect men with maladies” (AG p 1358)

5 Virtues What is a virtue?

Sat Truth – live a truthful life “Truth is high, higher still is truthful living” (Guru Nanak) Means more than honesty – includes living in tune with nature Must try and develop ‘godlike’ qualities Attachment to maya (wealth) can be overcome Selfless service is necessary

Santokh Contentment Moderation of personal wants/desires Acceptance of circumstances Achieve peace and calmness of mind Act in accordance with Gods will – Hukum Achieve freedom from fear and worry Aspire to Sat Santokh “Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way” (AGpg51

Daya Have sympathy/compassion/mercy Integral part of mind set A divine quality Absence of daya means lack of spiritual development Must feel pain/suffering of others “You have no compassion; the Lord’s light does not shine on you” (AG p. 903)

Nimrata Humility, benevolence, humbleness Wrong to think one is better/more important than another person Must practice abstinence and self-sacrifice Nimrata has to be nurtured “Lacking truth and humility they shall not be appreciated in the world hereafter” (AG p. 1245) “Humility is the word, forgiveness the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra” (AG p. 1384)

Pyare (piare) Love Love for the Lord/creation When mind is full of love a person can overlook deficiency Waheguru is a loving God – full of compassion and kindness therefore Sikhs must take on these qualities too “Sing, listen, and let your mind be filled with love” (AG p.48)

Task 1. “All Sikhs should avoid the vices and practice the virtues”. What do you think? Explain your opinion (5 marks)