Gurbani aims to help a seeker blossom spiritually, remain tranquil mentally, and become morally refined. For decent conduct, one ought to cultivate the habit of speaking the truth. It is said that truth is one of God’s own virtues; therefore, a life based upon truth is regarded as the righteous way of living. Yet, even higher than merely realising the Truth is a life grounded in righteous conduct and truthful living.
ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥
ਅੰਗ-62
Realisation of Truth is higher than all else;
higher still is truthful living.
Pg-62
Since nothing is higher than truthful living, one should make it the very foundation of life. When truth becomes the basis of one’s life, other virtues naturally follow. Gurbani especially states that those devotees who observe truth as their sacred fast, contentment and fortitude as their pilgrimage, wisdom and meditation as their spiritual bath, compassion as their deity, and forgiveness as their rosary, are people of noble and refined conduct possessing sublime character.
ਸਚੁ ਵਰਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ॥
ਦਇਆ ਦੇਵਤਾ ਖਿਮਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀ ਤੇ ਮਾਣਸ ਪਰਧਾਨ॥
ਅੰਗ-1245
Those who adopt truth as their sacred fast, contentment as their pilgrimage, and wisdom and meditation as their cleansing bath;
who make compassion their deity and forgiveness their rosary —
such people are supreme among mankind.
Pg-1245
People of good conduct and truthful living never cast lustful eyes upon the wealth, honour, or relationships of others.
ਲੋਭਾਦਿ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਪਰਗ੍ਰਿਹੰ ਜਦਿ ਬਿਧਿ ਆਚਰਣੰ ॥
ਤਜਿ ਸਕਲ ਦੁਹਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੁਰਮਤੀ ਭਜੁ ਚਕ੍ਰਧਰ ਸਰਣੰ॥
ਅੰਗ-526
Whoever wishes to perform righteous deeds
must discard greedy and lustful glances towards others.
One must also abandon all evil actions and thoughts
and seek refuge in the Lord of the Discus.
Pg-526
A person who lives according to Gurbani fully realises that every woman deserves honour and respect, and that no impure or immoral glance should ever be cast upon her. Whoever indulges in such wrongful acts, even secretly, cannot escape the sight of God and ultimately faces disgrace and shame. A righteous way of life and pious conduct are essential for honourable living.
ਦੇਇ ਕਿਵਾੜ ਅਨਿਕ ਪੜਦੇ ਮਹਿ ਪਰ ਦਾਰਾ ਸੰਗਿ ਫਾਕੈ ॥
ਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਗੁਪਤੁ ਜਬ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਾਗਹਿ ਤਬ ਕਉਣੁ ਪੜਦਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਢਾਕੈ ॥
ਅੰਗ-616
Behind closed doors and hidden behind many curtains,
man indulges in relations with another’s wife.
But when the Divine Recorders demand the account of one’s deeds,
who then shall shield him from exposure?
Pg-616
The person who refrains from coveting another’s wealth or engaging in immoral relations is regarded as one of noble conduct and becomes pleasing to God. The Divine Lord resides within every limb and pore of such a being.
ਪਰ ਧਨ ਪਰ ਦਾਰਾ ਪਰਹਰੀ॥
ਤਾ ਕੈ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਬਸੈ ਨਰਹਰੀ॥
ਅੰਗ-1163
Whoever renounces another’s wealth and another’s spouse,
near such a person abides the Lord Himself.
Pg-1163
In modern times, it is widely recognised that immoral and irresponsible sexual conduct can harm both one’s character and physical health. Such behaviour may also expose individuals to serious and life-threatening diseases, including AIDS. Gurbani therefore encourages self-restraint, fidelity, purity of conduct, and moral discipline.
To live an honourable and socially respectable life, Guru Gobind Singh instructed Sikhs to remain morally disciplined and faithful in their conduct. A Sikh of the Guru should carefully follow the Guru’s teachings, which are beneficial socially, morally, spiritually, and even physically. If we wish to walk upon the path of righteous conduct, we must renounce greed and avoid coveting another person’s wealth or spouse.
ਕਰਿ ਆਚਾਰੁ ਸਚੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ॥
ਅੰਗ-931
By practising righteous conduct, true peace is obtained.
Pg-931
Gurbani, in every respect, prepares us to maintain noble, decent, and respectable character and conduct, which form the foundation of an admirable personality worthy of emulation. As the everlasting Guru, Gurbani teaches us the righteous and noble way to live. By following its guidance, sorrow and suffering may be avoided, and through virtuous deeds one attains true peace and inner balance. Without the Divine Name, liberation is not possible.
ਕਰਿ ਆਚਾਰੁ ਸਚੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਈ॥
ਨਾਮ ਵਿਹੂਣਾ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਕਿਵ ਹੋਈ॥
ਅੰਗ-931
Practising righteous conduct, the mortal obtains true peace.
Without the Divine Name, how can liberation ever be attained.
Pg-931
— Saroop Singh Alag
