Sikhism Sikhism (), also known as Sikhi ( pa, ਸਿੱਖੀ ', , from pa, ਸਿੱਖ, lit=disciple', 'seeker', or 'learner, translit=Sikh, label=none),''Sikhism'' (commonly known as ''Sikhī'') originated from the word ''Sikh'', which comes fro ...

, (

Gurmukhi Gurmukhī ( pa, ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ, , Shahmukhi: ) is an abugida developed from the Laṇḍā scripts, standardized and used by the second Sikh guru, Guru Angad (1504–1552). It is used by Punjabi Sikhs to write the language, commonly ...

: ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ ''caṛhadī kalā'') or ''Charhdi Kala'', is the Punjabi term for aspiring to maintain a mental state of eternal resilience,

optimism Optimism is an attitude reflecting a belief or hope that the outcome of some specific endeavor, or outcomes in general, will be positive, favorable, and desirable. A common idiom used to illustrate optimism versus pessimism is a glass filled w ...

and

joy The word joy refers to the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, and is typically associated with feelings of intense, long lasting happiness. Dictionary definitions Dictionary definitions of joy typically include a sense of ...

; an acceptance that life ebbs and flows with hardship and to rise above that adversity. Sikhs are ideally expected to be in this positive state of mind as a sign of their contentment with the

will of God The will of God or divine will is a concept found in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament and the Quran, according to which God's will is the first cause of everything that exists. See also * Destiny * ''Deus vult'', a Latin expression meaning ...

('), even during times of suffering. It can be translated as "positive attitude" or "ascending energy". It is also described as being in "high spirits" or “positive, buoyant and optimistic” attitude to life and to the future. Chardi kala is the state of mind in which a person has no negative emotions like

fear Fear is an intensely unpleasant emotion in response to perceiving or recognizing a danger or threat. Fear causes physiological changes that may produce behavioral reactions such as mounting an aggressive response or fleeing the threat. Fear ...

jealousy Jealousy generally refers to the thoughts or feelings of insecurity, fear, and concern over a relative lack of possessions or safety. Jealousy can consist of one or more emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness or disgus ...

enmity An enemy or a foe is an individual or a group that is considered as forcefully adverse or threatening. The concept of an enemy has been observed to be "basic for both individuals and communities". The term "enemy" serves the social function of d ...

. Instead the mind has many positive feelings including joy, satisfaction and self-dignity. Sikhs believe in the will of God (''bhana''). They also believe that God is without enemies (''nirvair''), and is always merciful. Hence, humans should accept his will even at times one suffers severe hardship and strive to work through it, to the betterment of others. Thus, chardi kala is the indicator of a Sikh's absolute faith in the

Akal Purakh Akal Purakh ( pa, ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ) is an interchangeable Sikh name used to denote God, or the omnipresent divine. Meaning Literally it means "a timeless being who never dies." The first word '' Akal'', literally "timeless, immortal, n ...

(the God). This attitude allows one to face the hardships with as little harm as possible. This also involves joining and helping others in their hour of need. In 2021, the Punjabi poet and singer Bir Singh launched a song called Charhdikala, which celebrates the resilience and strength of the farmers during the 2020-2021 protests.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cardi Kala Sikh philosophical concepts Sikh terminology