Spirituality

Japji Sahib: 6 key ideas

by Guru Nanak (trad.)

The core ideas of Japji Sahib, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   One reality in all

   Guru Nanak's teaching begins with the oneness of all existence.

   The same truth lives in every person, beyond labels of religion or caste.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Truth is higher, truthful living higher still

   Knowing the truth matters, but living truthfully every day matters more.

   Practice outranks belief.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   Remember, work, share

   Three simple pillars: keep the truth in mind, earn an honest living, and share what you have with others.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Seva, selfless service

   Serving others without expecting anything back, as in the community kitchen open to all, is a way of dissolving the ego.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Ego is the wall

   Haumai, the sense of 'I, me, mine', is what separates us from truth and from each other.

   Humility brings the wall down.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Accept the will of the whole

   Living in harmony with the larger order of things, rather than fighting it, brings peace.