Sidh Goshti

Sidh Gosti (, pronunciation: , , lit. discourse with Siddhas), also spelled as Sidh Goshti, Sidh Gosht, or Sidh Gosat, is a famous spiritual interfaith dialogue between Guru Nanak and Nath Siddhas. The composition is present from Ang 938 to 946 in the Adi Granth. The composition has 73 stanzas, written in Ramkali Raga. Prominent Sidh and Naths present during discussion were Charpatnath, Bhangarnath and Loharipa. The popular belief is that this discourse happened at Achal Batala. Other than that Guru Nanak had discourses with Sidhas at various places mainly at Gorakhmatta, Achal Batala and Mount Meru. The discussion explains the differences of Gurmat with Yoga.

Description

The content and arrangement of the Siddh Gosht is presented as a debate (from the Sanskrit "goshti") between Nanak and the yogis called Siddhs. The yogic orders, particularly those of the Nath Yogis who derived their authority from their master, Gorakhnath, were a force of major significance in sixteenth-century Punjab, as described in many Sikh texts, such as the Janamsakhis. The Siddh Gosht presents Nanak's dialogue with the Siddhs as a discussion of key concepts like the void (Sunn) and the Word ( Shabad), to establish the superiority of the Nanak’s teachings as the true path of yoga. In keeping with its subject, the Siddh Gosht was originally written in the Sanskritized Hindi, which is sometimes referred to as Sadhu Bhasha, but more commonly expressed in Gurmukhi Punjabi.

Summary

Stanzas 1-3: Introduction to the meeting between Guru Nanak and the Yogis.

Stanzas 4-6: The Yogi, Charpat, inquires about Nanak, asking who he is and what his aim and path is. Nanak responds accordingly.

Stanzas 7-11: The Yogi, Loharipa, poses a challenge to Nanak, who explains the true yoga.

Stanzas 12–22: The Yogis pose further questions, both personal and doctrinal, to Nanak, who answers them.

Stanzas 23–24: Nanak speaks to the origin of creation in the void.

Stanzas 25–26: The fates of those whose lives are centred around ego and those whose lives are centered around preaching the Name are set in contrast to one another.

Stanzas 27–31: Nanak describes the qualities of the truly guided Gurmukh.

Stanzas 32–33: Nanak praises those who are steeped in the Name.

Stanzas 34–35: Nanak speaks of how the Name is given by Waheguru to the Gurmukh.

Stanzas 36–37: Nanak further describes the qualities of a Gurmukh

Stanzas 38–39: The necessity of Waheguru for the attainment of one's release.

Stanzas 40–42: Further praise of the Gurmukh.

Stanzas 43–48: The Yogis use the language of yoga to pose a series of riddling questions, which are answered by Nanak.

Stanzas 49–51: Nanak explains the relationship between Word, Name and void.

Stanzas 52–54: A question and answer on the Word and the void.

Stanzas 55–57: A question and answer on the right and wrong thinking.

Stanzas 58–60: A question and answer on the Word.

Stanzas 61–63: Further questions answered by emphasis on need for love and Waheguru.

Stanzas 64–65: Question and answer on the mind and the self.

Stanzas 66–67: Further questions and answers on the foundation of creation.

Stanzas 68–73: Concluding statement by Nanak summarizing his teachings on the Gurmukh, Waheguru and the nature of true yoga.

Content

The discussion explains differences of Gurmat with Yoga. During the discussion with Siddhas, Guru Nanak explains that renunciation and austerities are not essential for achieving liberation. For eg: Consider the following hymns which explain the differences between the two paths.

Yogi Loharipa says

Guru Nanak responds

Yogi Loharipa says

Guru Nanak responds

See also

* Sikhism and Hinduism

References

{{Reflist

Exegesis of Sidh Goshti by Dharam Singh Nihang

Adi Granth
Dialogues
Sikh literature
Hymns