Five virtues
Topic: Philosophy
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In Sikhism, the Five virtues are fundamental qualities which one should develop in order to reach Mukti, or to reunite or merge with God.[1] The Sikh Gurus taught that these positive human qualities were Sat (truth), Daya (compassion), Santokh (contentment), Nimrata (humility), and Pyaar (love).
Sat
Sat is the virtue of truthful living, which means practising "righteousness, honesty, justice, impartiality and fair play."[2]
The Lord's humble servants are True — they practice Truth, and reflect upon the Word of the Guru's Shabad. The True Lord God unites them with Himself, and they keep the True Lord enshrined in their hearts. O Nanak, through the Name, I have obtained salvation and understanding; this alone is my wealth.
– Guru Granth Sahib, ang 600
Santokh
Santokh, or contentment, is freedom "from ambition, envy, greed and jealousy. Without contentment, it is impossible to acquire peace of mind."[2]
Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life. One who is so blessed by the Formless Lord God renounces selfishness, and becomes the dust of all.
– Guru Granth Sahib, ang 51
Daya
The exercise of Daya, or compassion, involves "considering another's difficulty or sorrow as one's own and helping to relieve it as far as possible. Compassion also includes the overlooking of imperfections and mistakes of others, for to err is human."[2]
Be kind to all beings-this is more meritorious than bathing at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage and the giving of charity.
– Guru Granth Sahib, ang 136
Nimrata
Nimrata, translated as "humility", "benevolence", or "humbleness", is the fourth virtue.
ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥ Humility, Nanak Says is the essence, the very root of all virtues
– Guru Granth Sahib, ang 470
The God-conscious being is steeped in humility.
– Guru Granth Sahib, ang 273
Pyaar
Pyaar requires Sikhs to be filled with the love of God.
Let the Fear of God be your feet, and let His Love be your hands; let His Understanding be your eyes.
– Guru Granth Sahib, ang 139
See also
- Five precepts (in Buddhism)
References
- ↑ Cole, W. Owen; Sambhi, Piara Singh (2005). A Popular Dictionary of Sikhism: Sikh Religion and Philosophy. Routledge. pp. 85. ISBN 9781135797607. "Virtues - Virtues as well as vices are part of the human potential but unlike the latter which are usually spoken of as being five, there is no limit upon the number of virtues. The most important in the teaching of the Gurus are the practice of truth ('The highest virtue of all is truth, but higher still is truthful living' AG 62), purity of body and mind, temperance, contentment, forgiveness, justice, and patience. All these are acquired only through meditation upon the Name (of God) for these are characteristics of God from whom the devotee derives them."
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Mansukhani, Gobind Singh (1977). Introduction to Sikhism. New Delhi: Hemkunt Press. http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/mansukh/047.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
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