Page 26 - Gurmat Book 4

Lesson 12: What are Miri and Piri?

Guru Hargobind Ji decided to wear two swords- for Miri and Piri.

There are many ways to explain the concept of Miri and Piri.

Mirs are royal people. The rich people, the kings are called Mirs. The sword

of Miri was for physical self-defense. He wanted Sikhs to be brave and

strong. Guru Hargobind Ji introduced martial arts-Gatka and weapons
training to make Sikhs physically strong so they could defend themselves

and others from the Mughal forces. The sword of Miri was to protect

Sikhs- to make them physically strong, to protect their physical existence.

Pirs are saintly people. The Fakirs and holy people are called Pirs. Piri is the

power of religion, power of the soul. The sword of Piri was for internal or

spiritual power. To make the Sikhs strong internally, he had the Sikhs do

Kirtan, Seva, and Simran. When the Sikhs spent time doing Kirtan and

Simran, they were able to focus better and to get rid of the negative
feelings inside that made them weak. The Guru wanted the Sikhs to get rid

of the five enemies that live within us all. They are Kaam, krodh, lobh, moh

and ahankaar. We can also say that the sword of Piri was to protect the

Sikhi-within, the force to oppose the five enemies of our mind.

Contributions of Guru Hargobind Ji: Guru Hargobind Ji introduced

martial arts-Gatka to the Sikhs. Guru Ji built the Akal Takhat. He made

the first Sikh army. Guru Hargobind Ji founded Kiratpur in District
Rupnagar in Punjab.

Classwork or Homework: Write answers to the following questions.
1. Who are Mirs?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. Who are Pirs?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 4G 2023 Edition Page 24