There are various accounts in Sikhism from the lives of the 10 gurus that showcase what kind of life one should lead. These anecdotes tell us that an indispensable factor for treading the way back to God is to develop ethical virtues. One of the ethical virtues that we must inculcate in our lives is developing love and compassion for all living beings, be it our families, friends, enemies, people we don’t even know, or plants, animals and other life forms. Once we realise our soul, we will also become more aware of planet Earth and what is needed to maintain and sustain it. We will be sensitive to the pain of small creatures as well. We become attuned to the animals and plants and develop compassion and concern for their plight as well.
There is a very interesting incident from the life of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru of the Sikhs, which illustrates how we should have love for all. He had to wage war against tyranny. One of his favourite disciples, Bhai Kanhaiya, was given the duty of serving water to those who were wounded on the battlefield. But Bhai Kanhaiya would give water not only to their own wounded soldiers, but to the enemy’s wounded soldiers too. People came to the 10th guru and complained. On this the guru proclaimed, “Here is one man who has rightly understood my teachings in their true spirit!”
All scriptures have told us that we must live ethical lives; an ethical life is the key that opens the door to spirituality. An ethical life means that we shun vices and practice virtues. In order to see the light of God in all — like Bhai Kanhaiya — we must have love for all, and develop humility, honesty, and compassion. We must speak with a sweet tongue at all times and in all circumstances.
As we will grow spiritually, we will become more giving and caring when we deal with other people and all forms of life. We will see the light of God in all living forms. It is important that we understand how the pursuit of ethical living is a stepping stone to God’s kingdom. And developing an ethical life is making a sincere effort towards finding and experiencing God.
Guru Gobind Singh has said that God listens to the cry which comes out of the heart of an ant sooner than he hears the trumpeting of an elephant. God does listen to the cries emanating from the hearts and souls of sincere seekers. He sends down, from the highest heaven, saints or masters to rescue us from the clutches of worldly desires and entanglements. He enables us to invert our attention from the world outside to the world within and takes us back home through direct, firsthand contact with the Word, or Holy Naam.
We can best honour the saints, masters and religious founders on their birthdays by fulfilling the message they gave out. So the best way to celebrate Guru Gobind Singhji’s birthday is to follow his teachings and have love for all members of God’s creation.
