Page 4 - Gurmat Book 5

Lesson 1: The Need for Gurmat Sikhia

Gurmat Sikhia means the learning from our Guru’s wisdom, the Sikh way of life.
Whether we are acting alone or in a society, it must become the basis of our
conduct. Every day we make many decisions and we act upon those. Anything we
do impacts us and those around us in a positive or a negative way. When we are

ready to take an action, we must consider Gurmat as our guide and decide
whether our action is aligned with Sikhi principles.

Gurmat not only teaches us what to do, but also it guides us about how we should
look in our appearance. Sikh Rehni and Rehit Mariyada are part of Gurmat Sikhia.
So it is a vast concept that is crucial for our survival as a Sikh.

Gurmat principles are described through Gurbani and also through the lives of
Gurus and the Gursikhs. Gurus teach us a good way of life through Gurbani. When

we read Gurbani, we should try to understand the message within, so that we can
follow it in our lives.

Singing Gurbani Kirtan; and reflecting on it in a Katha helps us to understand the
message of Gurus. We should read Gurbani mindfully and pray to Waheguru to
help us understand and follow the message.

Memorizing and reciting Gurbani helps us to understand it as well. When we know
Gurbani, we never feel alone, because we know “Bani Guru Guru Hai Bani” and
“Guru Mairay Sang Sada Hai Naalay”.

Memorization improves neuroplasticity- the ability to change and grow. The more
we memorize, the more our brain grows and learns to organize new information.

Memorization helps brain to recall information quickly. Lawyers and doctors, for
example, have to memorize many facts such as laws, anatomy of the body parts
and medicines to help others. The information you store in your brain can be

retrieved quickly when you are debating a point. Have you seen good speakers
quote so many interesting words easily? They are fun to listen to.

Gurbani makes us feel closer to Guru. It makes us appreciate the greatness of

Waheguru. We are in a state of awe and Vismaad. If we are feeling down
sometime, reciting Gurbani provides us protection from physical and emotional
fears and makes us courageous. One such Shabad is AauKI GVI n dyKx dyeI]

Anytime you feel lonely, scared, say this Shabad and see your fear vanish as you

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 5G 2023 Edition Page 2