Page 41 - Gurmat Book 5

Lesson 19: Principles of Sikhism: Chardikala

Have you ever heard the word ‘Chardikala’? What is Chardikala? It is a word
Sikhs use all the time, even in Ardas too. Chardikala is a state of mind in which

there is absolutely no fear, no jealousy and no greed and the body, mind and soul

remain attuned with Waheguru because the mind is immersed in Naam. The mind
remains in high spirits. It is the energy and blessings from Waheguru Ji that

assures all is well. The Sikh way of greeting Fateh is an example of Chardikala.
When we say Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! We come in an

uplifted state, the state of Chardikala because we look forward to being
victorious (Fateh) despite any life circumstance.

It is this state of Chardikala that makes one Sikh fight against 125,000 Mughals.

Death is the biggest fear anyone has. The Sikhs with Chardikala defied death.

Think of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He was sitting on red-hot iron plate; hot sand was
being poured over his head and what did he say? “Tera Kee-aa Meetha Lagai…”

That was Chardikala.

Think of Bhai Mani Singh Ji Shaheed. He was ordered to be killed by cutting
every segment of his body. When the executioner wanted to cut his whole hand,

he reminded him that the orders are to cut every segment, not the whole hand.
That was Chardikala!

The Sikh with Chardikala does not despair and does not accept defeat. It is an ‘I

Can Do’ attitude that enables Sikhs to accomplish the impossible. The word

IMPOSSIBLE turns into I ’M POSSIBLE with a little symbol in it. There are
many stories of Sikhs with the expression of Chardikala.

Bhai Bachittar Singh was the son of Bhai Mani
Singh Ji Shaheed. He was with Guru Gobind
Singh Ji in Lohgarh Fort at Anandpur Sahib. The

enemy wanted to break the fort gates. They
intoxicated an elephant, tied iron plates on its

body to strengthen it. They even tied a sword on

its trunk so that it can kill whoever comes in

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 5G 2023 Edition Page 39