Hello there! My name is Jaspreet Singh, and I am delighted to share my knowledge of Sikhism with you. I was raised in a Sikh household, and have dedicated my life to studying and practicing the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. It brings me great joy to enlighten others about this beautiful faith.

Now, you ask why the Guru Granth Sahib is so important to Sikhs. It is a deeply profound question, one that gets to the very heart of what it means to be a Sikh. Allow me to explain.

The Guru Granth Sahib is not merely a holy book to Sikhs; it is revered as our eternal living Guru. This sacred text is the very embodiment of the ten Sikh Gurus, containing their divine wisdom, teachings, and hymns. Let me delve deeper into the reasons behind its paramount importance:

1. The Living Guru: After the passing of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru for Sikhs. This means that the Guru Granth Sahib is not seen as a historical artifact, but as a living embodiment of the Gurus' divine light. It is the spiritual guide and teacher for all Sikhs, providing guidance and solace in all aspects of life.

**2. Source of Spiritual Wisdom and Enlightenment:** The Guru Granth Sahib contains a vast collection of hymns, poetry, and teachings that illuminate the path to spiritual enlightenment. These verses, known as Gurbani ("Guru's word"), offer profound insights into the nature of God, the purpose of life, the importance of ethical living, and the pursuit of liberation. Sikhs turn to the Guru Granth Sahib for spiritual guidance, seeking solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the divine.

**3. Emphasis on Equality and Social Justice:** The Guru Granth Sahib vehemently denounces all forms of discrimination and advocates for social justice. It emphasizes the equality of all beings, regardless of caste, creed, gender, or social status. The teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib inspire Sikhs to fight against injustice and work towards creating a more equitable society.

4. Guide to Ethical Living: The Guru Granth Sahib lays out a clear path for ethical and moral living. It stresses the importance of virtues such as honesty, compassion, humility, contentment, and selfless service. Sikhs strive to embody these values in their daily lives, using the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib as their moral compass.

5. Central to Sikh Worship: The Guru Granth Sahib holds a place of utmost reverence in Sikh places of worship, known as Gurdwaras. It is placed on a raised platform under a canopy, and Sikhs bow before it as a mark of respect. The Guru Granth Sahib is ceremoniously opened each morning and closed each evening. Throughout the day, trained individuals called Granthis, recite and sing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, known as Kirtan, which forms a central part of Sikh worship.

**6. Source of Personal Connection with the Divine:** Sikhs regard the Guru Granth Sahib as a direct link to the divine. Through reading, reciting, and reflecting on the Gurbani, Sikhs aim to cultivate a deep and personal connection with God. The Guru Granth Sahib is not merely a book to be read, but a source of spiritual nourishment and guidance that Sikhs carry within their hearts.

In essence, the Guru Granth Sahib is the cornerstone of the Sikh faith. It is the living Guru, the eternal guide, and the source of spiritual wisdom and inspiration for millions of Sikhs worldwide. Its teachings on equality, social justice, ethical living, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment continue to resonate deeply, making it a truly timeless and invaluable treasure.

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It was founded by Guru Nanak and is based on his teachings, and those of the 9 Sikh gurus who followed him. The most important thing in Sikhism is the internal religious state of the individual. Sikhs believe that the way to lead a good life is to: keep God in heart and mind at all times.read more >>