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What is the holy book of Sikhism?
The holy book of Sikhism is known as the Guru Granth Sahib, also referred to as the Adi Granth. It is considered the living Guru of the Sikh faith, containing the teachings and writings of the ten Sikh Gurus, as well as contributions from other saints and religious leaders.
The Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of hymns, prayers, and poems that were compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in the 16th century. It was later expanded by the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and finally completed by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
The Guru Granth Sahib is not just a holy book, but a living embodiment of the Sikh Gurus. It is treated with the utmost respect and reverence in Sikhism, and is considered the spiritual guide and teacher for Sikhs. It is often referred to as the "eternal Guru" and Sikhs turn to it for guidance and inspiration in their daily lives.
The Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi script, a script developed by Guru Angad, the second Sikh Guru. It contains hymns and writings in various languages, including Punjabi, Sanskrit, and Persian. This reflects the inclusive nature of Sikhism, which welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs.
One of the unique aspects of the Guru Granth Sahib is that it is not just a book to be read, but also to be sung. The hymns and prayers are set to various musical scales known as ragas, and are meant to be sung in a devotional and meditative manner. This is known as kirtan, and it is an integral part of Sikh worship.
The teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib revolve around the concept of devotion to one God and service to humanity. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness, compassion, and selfless service. It also teaches the equality of all human beings, regardless of their caste, creed, or gender.
The Guru Granth Sahib is not just a holy book for Sikhs, but it is also a source of inspiration and guidance for people of all faiths. Its universal message of love, compassion, and service to others resonates with people from all walks of life.
In conclusion, the Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhism, containing the teachings and writings of the ten Sikh Gurus. It is considered the living Guru of the Sikh faith and is treated with utmost respect and reverence. Its teachings revolve around devotion to one God and service to humanity, and it serves as a source of inspiration for people of all faiths.