hy is it important for us to build a relationship with Gurbani? What are the benefits? Below, I will answer these questions and more, through my experience as a student in the Basics of Sikhi Academy.

‍

The Quality and Quantity of Reading Gurbani

When we study Sikhi full time with a Vidiala (school), whether at Basics of Sikhi or at any Dera (dwelling) in India for example, we are surrounded by Gurbani 24/7. You are living in a Gurdwara Sahib where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj recides and one is able read Gurbani throughout the day. This is where the idea of quality and quantity comes into play. Obviously, quality is important however in some instances, quantity plays an important role too. 

‍

Gurbani’s Dasvandh

How much of our day are we spending actually immersing ourselves in Gurbani? These days, 1 hour of Paath (prayers) is often seen as a lot. However, this 1 hour does not even make up 10% of our total day. The idea of giving Dasvand to Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj is not just limited to actual physical money but also the time spent reading Gurbani. The Dasvandh of time can also act as our time to spend fruitfully as well. The 10% of our time for the Guru accumulates to 2.4 hours a day (24 hours/10 = 2.4 hours).

‍

More Reading is Equal to Better Understanding

When we start to read more Gurbani, we begin to develop understanding of Gurbani. It is like when you start to speak to someone. You may speak the same language. But they may have an accent and you don't understand them. But after a while, when you keep speaking to that person, you understand what they are saying. This is exactly with Gurbani as well. What I have found personally is that now when I look at a Gurbani Pangti (Gurbani Line), instead of having to remember it by saying it like 20-30 times, I understand what Gurbani is saying to me now. Not fully, but more than what I used to before. Now I am able to remember it in only 2 or 3 repetitions. That is because I have built that relationship with Gurbani, with Guru Sahib Ji's Kirpa (grace).

‍‍

Rehat and Your Relationship

We often hear,

ਰਹਿਤ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਮੁਝਕੋ ਸਿੱਖ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨਾਹੀ ||

It is a Sikh's code of conduct that I (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) love, not the Sikh without it.

(Rehatnama Bhai Prahlaad Singh)

What is a Sikh without Rehat (Code of Conduct)? Rehat is our daily discipline. Rehat is our relationship with the Guru. So whatever that is, that can be 5 Mool Mantars a day or 1 minute of Vaheguru Ji Mantar a day. It may be a little bit, but that is your relationship with the Guru. So let us build that relationship. When we build that relationship, then Guru Sahib Ji will do the rest of the Kirpa for us. So let us take that one step towards Guru Sahib Ji. Let us make that Rehat.

If you do not keep Rehat yet, then let us make a commitment to one. Let us start with 5 Mool Mantars (root mantra) a day. It is not that hard to do. It takes about 1-2 minutes to do. If someone is already following the path of Sikhi, let us do more in our Rehat. Let us add more Gurbani to our Rehat. There are so many different Paaths that we can add and it can make a big difference to our lives. So that is just a small Benti (request). When we start making our relationship with Gurbani, start adding it more into our lives, it makes a big difference.

This article is a transcribed version of the video