Banis

Gurbani (, pronunciation: , lit. the Guru's words) is a Sikh term, very commonly used by Sikhs to refer to various compositions by the Sikh Gurus and other writers of Guru Granth Sahib. In general, hymns in the central text of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib, are called ''Gurbani''. Among Amritdhari Sikhs, a few texts from Dasam Granth which are read as Nitnem, like ''Tav-Prasad Savaiye'' and ''Chaupai'', are also considered ''Gurbani''. In Adi Granth, Gurbani is a sound which comes directly from the Supreme and the text is a written form of the same in worldly language and scripts. It is also called ''Guru’s Bani''.

Prior to reading Gurbani or meditating, it is compulsory to cover the head with a turban, dupatta or other cloth, as well as removing shoes, performing at least the ''Panj Ishnan'' (washing of the 5 main parts of the body), and if possible using a teeth-cleaning twig. Gurbani are explanations of qualities of the Primal Lord and Soul which a Sikh should comprehend and with which they can attain the supreme state. Sikh historical writings, unauthentic writings or apocryphal compositions written under the names of Sikh Gurus and other writings by Sikhs are not considered Gurbani and are referred to as ''Kachi Bani'' (ਕੱਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ; meaning ''adulterated verses'').

Etymology

Gurbani is composed of two words: 'Gur' and 'Bani'. Gur has multiple meanings depending on context. In Guru Granth Sahib, ''Gur'' is used for multiple meanings, as per context of hymn. The common use of ''Gur'' is either for wisdom and internal conscious mind (referred to as Chitta or Antar Atma).

Thereby Gurbani either means ''the speech of wisdom'' or ''the speech of conscious mind''.

Gurbani is directly received from inside after attaining a Supreme state, whereas the Granth or textual form is worldly language of the same. Gurbani is also referred to as ''Dhur Ki Bani'' (ਧੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ; meaning ''the speech from the Supreme house''). In the Adi Granth, it is considered a source of spiritual knowledge which illuminates the mind and gives internal bliss. The one who comprehends Gurbani is also described as an Amritdhari. Gurbani is a source of truth with which the internal filth and sins get eradicated and one who find Gurbani sweet is in supreme state.

Extracts from Guru Granth Sahib are called Gutkas (ਗੁਟਕਾ; meaning ''small books'') containing sections of Gurbani. These Gutkas can vary from just a few pages to hundreds of pages and are used by the Sikhs to read these Banis on a daily basis.

Compilation

Gurbani is not seen as mere intellectual, spiritual writings conjured by the Sikh gurus, bhagats, bhatts, and gursikhs, but rather as divine word revealed by the creator itself. As per Guru Arjan regarding the origin of gurbani:

Nitnem compositions

The hymns of the Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav-Prasad Savaiye, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib should be read before sunrise daily according to the Sikh Rehat Maryada. These are recited by initiated Sikhs at Amritvela (before 6 a.m.). Rehras is read in the evening around sunset or after a day's work and finally Kirtan Sohila is read before going to bed. Doing ''Nitnem'' is also commonly referred as doing ''paath''.

Japji Sahib, Anand Sahib, and Kirtan Sohila are a part of Guru Granth Sahib. Jaap Sahib, Tav-Prasad Savaiye, and Chaupai Sahib were all compiled by Guru Gobind Singh and found in the ''Dasam Granth''. Rehras is a mix with hymns from both Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth. A Sikh may add more ''Gurbani'' to their Nitnem and if done frequently that ''Gurbani'' becomes a part of their ''Nitnem''.

File:Gutka8.JPG, A ''Pothi Sahib'' (Nitnem prayerbook) is commonly wrapped in a similar cloth as a mark of respect
File:Historical 'gutka' manuscript of the Dasam Granth from the 18th century.jpg, Historical ''gutka'' manuscript of the Dasam Granth from the 18th century
File:Sikh gutka from early 18th century.jpg, Sikh ''gutka'' from early 18th century

See also

* Anand Sahib
* Guru Granth Sahib
* Panj Granthi
* Japji Sahib
* Nitnem
* Sikh scriptures

References

{{Sikhism

Sikh scripture