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Issue 26

November 1997

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

 

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C O N T E N T S

 

Kabiyo Baach Bayntee Chaupa-ee part 3

A Moghuls View

On being and becoming a Sikh

Poets Corner & Reflextions

 

Back to the Home Page

 

Ek Onkaar

The most fundamental teaching of Sikhism.

The most interesting thing to me is that the first character of the Sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the numeral - 1.

Most translations that we read say "There is One God" or "One Creator God". This plays down the importance of the numeral -1. There is a reason for Guru Ji using a numeral rather than letters. Numbers are universal and can be understood by all. This simple beginning to the Guru Granth Sahib indicates the universal nature of the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. The teachings are open to all and apply to all.

Onkaar - is often translated as "God" or "Creator God", but what comes to mind when we say "God". Most people have a picture in their minds, but when we read Gurbani, the Guru’s tell us that "God" has no form, has no name and cannot be described. So where does that leave us. "What is God?"

"God" can however, be seen as a force. This force that is within us all, but has no shape. The force that created this universe and many more beyond. The force that resides within this creation.

So if we go back to the meaning of <- Ek Onkaar, we have:

"1 Universal Creative Force"

I feel that if we think of God as a force, we can better understand statements such as: "God is everywhere", "God is within each of us" and "God is the Ultimate Creator"

Bhupinder Singh

This Months Gurpurabs
and notable dates 

2 Nov GurGaddi Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

5 Nov Joti Jot Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

14 Nov Birth Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

© Central Gurdwara Resource Centre 1997

We welcome you to reproduce the whole newsletter for further distribution, but please ask permission before reproducing any articles in other publications.

Ek Onkaar graphic © Sandeep Singh Brar - www.sikh.org

Editor: Bhupinder Singh Tel: 0171 460-2020
Email: [email protected]
Central Gurdwara Resource Centre 62 Queensdale Rd, London
Newsletter Team: Kanwar Ranvir Singh, Ravdeep Singh