Khalsa - Guru Gobind Singh Ji 's Vision - II

Is Khalsa a symbolic label?

“Khalsa” is the name of character—of one who has no anger, no greed, no egoism, no doubts, who has full faith in God, and who sees Guru Gobind Singh and God as one. We must accept that God and Guru Gobind Singh are not separate. Guru Gobind Singh has spoken that which has come from God. He has imparted those ethical codes which God has explained.

Is a Sikh rigid or tender-hearted?

If anyone believes in Sikh religion in a rigid sense, there will be clashes. Consider this: Is a Sikh rigid or tender-hearted? Sikhs have helped all weak people, helped people of every caste, helped all religions. A Sikh is ever-living. 

How does Guru Nanak describe a Sikh? “Sikhi sikhia Gur vichar—A Sikh is one who considers the orders of the master.” [GGS 465] Anyone who follows the orders will never think himself separate from Guru Gobind Singh. His hand will never be lifted for evil actions. His feet will never walk toward evil deeds. His thoughts will never turn toward evil thinking. 

Guru Gobind Singh has said, “Khalsa panjan ko mare—The person who is Khalsa vanquishes the five evils within himself” [Bhai Nand Lal, Tankha Nama]. When these five evils—desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride—are vanquished, the Khalsa will be ever-living.

The day when the Khalsa Panth was created, almost 300 years ago, is a very auspicious day because Guru Gobind Singh cast aside evil by his blessings, his merciful gaze, and his enlightened wisdom. That inner light of which Guru Nanak had spoken when he said “Jot rakhi ta tu jug meh aya” became evident in the Khalsa. Thence there was no fear, no effect of the times, no effect of death. When that Light was seen inside, when that enlightenment appeared within a person, then Guru Gobind Singh called that Khalsa.

The virtues of the Khalsa will be needed in the world forever. Even if this world ends and God remains alone, Khalsa will exist. What is Khalsa? Guru Gobind Singh said, “Bharam bhed terahe niara, so khalis Satguru hamara—The one who is above impulses and distinctions, that pure truthfulness (khalis) is my True Guru.” [Sarab Loh] The one whom Guru Gobind Singh is calling his Sat Guru, Truth, is God. Anyone who recognized the Power of God within himself—"Tuhi mohi, mohi Tuhi, antar kaisa—You are me, I am You. There is no difference.” [GGS 93]—was called Khalsa.

-- to be continued...