The Sikh scripture begins with the Mul Mantar, a fundamental prayer about Ik Onkar (‘One God’). Sikhism’s key beliefs, found in the Guru Granth Sahib, include faith and meditation in the name of the one creator, recognizing the unity and equality of all humans, selfless service, seeking justice for everyone’s well-being, and maintaining honesty while leading a family life
Ik Onkar
Ik onkar, satnam, karta purakh, nirbhau,
Nir vair, aakaal murat, ajooni se bhang,
Gur parsaad. Jap.
Aad sach jugaad sach,
Hai bhi sach naanak hosi bhi sach.
Sochey soch na hove je sochey laakh vaar,
Chupe chup na hove je lai raha liv taar,
Bhukyaa bhuk na utri je banna puriya bhaar,
Sehas sayaanpa lakh hoey ta ek na chale naal
Kiv sacheyara hoiye kiv kude tuttey paal
Hukam rajai chalna naanak likhya naal.
There is only one God. His name is true.
He is the creator, He has no fear, He has no hate.
He is omnipresent, unborn and self-illuminating.
By the Guru’s grace, He is realised. Meditate on His name.
He has been true since time began.
He has been true since the ages. He is still true.
Guru Nanak says he will forever be true.
With thinking, you can’t frame him,
even though you may think a million times.
Inner silence is not obtained by remaining silent,
even though you may remain forever silent in meditation.
Even though one remains soaked in God,
he doesn’t obtain the peace of mind.
A hungry person’s hunger isn’t satisfied even after they attain the world.
Man may possess millions of wits but none will work for him before God.
How can we be true? How can the screen of lies be broken?
By obeying the orders of Guru Nanak.
