One of the key aspects of the Sikh faith is that of seva (selfless service). It is something that all 10 Guru’s practiced throughout their lives as well as encouraging others to do so.
ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ॥
One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward,
ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ॥
Shall attain his Lord and Master.
(Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Ang 286)
But why does Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji emphasise doing seva of ‘Gursikhs’ with love and what is a ‘Gursikh’?
ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾਂ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਰਤੈ ਜੋ ਸਿਖਾਂ ਨੋ ਲੋਚੈ ਸੋ ਗੁਰ ਖੁਸੀ ਆਵੈ॥
Deep within the hearts of His GurSikhs, the True Guru is pervading. The Guru is pleased with those who long for His Sikhs.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਆਖੈ ਸੁ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਵਨਿ ਸੁ ਜਪੁ ਕਮਾਵਹਿ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾਂ ਕੀ ਘਾਲ ਸਚਾ ਥਾਇ ਪਾਵੈ॥
As the True Guru directs them, they do their work and chant their prayers. The True Lord accepts the service of His GurSikhs.
(Guru Ram Das Ji, Ang 317)
A GurSikh is somebody who without trying to use excuses/cleverness/tricks listens to what the Guru says and acts upon the teachings. A GurSikh is the one that does their utmost to stay away from sin by remembering the Guru in every action they take. They are the ones that wake up at Amritvela (Hukam #4) and mediate upon Waheguru (The Wonderous Enlightener). Everything they do in life is accepted and approved and when they eventually leave this mortal life behind, they are exalted and liberated in the court of the Lord.
They are the ones who are spiritually awoken and immersed in love for the Guru. When they reach this state of enlightenment, they are no different from the Guru themselves.
ਤੋਹੀ ਮੋਹੀ ਮੋਹੀ ਤੋਹੀ ਅੰਤਰੁ ਕੈਸਾ॥
You are me, and I am You-what is the difference between us?
(Bhagat Ravidas, Ang 93)
Technically there is no difference between the wave and the ocean. The only difference between them is we recognise it to be a wave; something distinct from the ocean. However, when the wave recognises itself to be an extension to the ocean, it realises its true form and merges back becoming the ocean again. In this same way, we are identified as human beings; something distinct/separate from God. The spiritually enlightened GurSikhs however recognise their separation and thus realise their true form (God).
Performing selfless service of these individuals is then very fruitful because it’s like doing seva of the Guru themselves. Since the inception of Sikhi, the Sangat has always done seva of GurSikhs with love. Even in today’s times, the older generation generally do seva with respect and love for GurSikhs. Whether it be in the form of Langar (where GurSikhs come to eat food prepared by you) or any other kind of seva, the sangat has always been there to do so.
A GurSikh will always see themselves to be below the sangat. Without the sangat, a GurSikh loses purpose in this dark world. A GurSikh is only here to serve the sangat. The youngsters in our communities would gain a lot from doing seva of GurSikhs and listening to what they have to say.
There is always the argument, ‘how do I know who a Gursikh is’ or ‘how do I know their a real GurSikh and not just faking it’? The Guru tells us the characteristics and personalities of GurSikhs.a
ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖੀ ਦਾ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਹੁਇ ਮਿਠ ਬੋਲਾ ਲਿਖੈ ਨ ਲੇਖੈ।
The Guru’s Sikh speeks sweetly and never gets oneself noticed i.e. ego is diated.
(Bhai Gurdas Ji Vaaran, Vaar 28, Pauri 6)
If we look into Gurbani, we will find the answer to the questions/doubts that we have. We just have to stay open-minded and humble in order to be able to accept what the Guru is teaching.
Remember, a true Sikh of the Guru will only further you in your Sikhi and be there for you in times of need.
