ksingh

Hi, Yes, I believe that too actually. When discussing Gurbani there are several ways to interpretate a passage, but several translations are needed, the individuals one is fine also, before they can really understand the meaning behind it. Some you may not agree with, not a problem, each person is an individual. How many people have different understanding of the Kesh, Kirpan, Kara etc...? Just because theirs is different does not make it wrong, just different. What you do not believe to be the correct translation, put to one side and what you do believe to be the truth, carry it forward. But once a person does, the aim should be to apply it to their life to the best of their ability, which is what the whole aim of Sikhi is. No good going on about it, go out and do it. This was rampant in the times of the Gurus. When the Brahmins and mullahs would say one thing, they would go out and do another, leading people into hellish existence (eg Purity). So the Gurus wrote against this. It is still rampant today, but the 'sikhs' of the entire world, ie people of any religion who are the true spiritual ones rises above it. By following the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, man and woman can elevate themselves spiritually, morally and ethically in all spheres of their life so they can progress and evolve as a people as well as create a harmonious society. Anyway, getting back to the topic: Five is a number that continually appears in the Guru Granth Sahib. 1) Five chosen ones (Think we have spoken enough about that!) 2) Five passages that man goes through when they aim for enlightenment. Righteousness, knowledge, happiness, action, and truth. 3) Five sense Touch, see, smell, taste and look 4) Five elements that make up the body Earth, fire, wind, water and ether 5) Five passions Lust, anger, pride, ego and attachment 6) Five prayers Truthfulness, honest living, charity, good will, praising the Lord 7) Five spiritual virtues Truthfulness, purity, contentment, compassion, and faith. Are just a few examples I feel it is a psychological thing, so that it is easy to remember. For people who have done Psychology at any level, there is a concept of 7 +/- 2 i.e. most people will remember things in 9, 7 or 5 naturally off the top of their head. Just natural, i.e. when we write, we will emphasise by writing in 3 (re-read my post) goes with human nature. Thanks Kamal

Hi, Thank you for that peice of information, will read upon it and digest. Would just like re-itterate that a question was asked on the meaning of the panch pardhaan, i responded because i believe that my answer is correct, you believe that yours is right, so you gave yours. nothing wrong with that. i think i am right as Macauliffe spent over 20 years in India, rewrote and refined the translation of the whole Guru Granth Sahib 7 times before publishing it, spoke to all the great Gyanis of the time from all over india as well as writing extensively on the lives of the Gurus and the Bhagats. you accept a particular teeka over mine, and i accept a particualar teeka over yours. i doubt either is going to back away so a stale-mate has occoured. please have a look at the following link: http://allaboutsikhs.com/books/mac/index.htm Macauliffes work on-line Here is a passage of interest: 'Shalok, Third Mehl: The Pandits, the religious scholars, read and read, and shout out loud, but they are attached to the love of Maya. They do not recognize God within themselves-they are so foolish and ignorant! In the love of duality, they try to teach the world, but they do not understand meditative contemplation.' SGGS Regards Kamal

Hey, Actually this book is lot more clear and closer to the true meaning when it comes to explaining the Guru Granth Sahib. Not only does he call a spade a spade, he tries to capture the meaning behind it and explain it in the context of when it was written, a lot more informative. Note: I do not believe it to be conjecture as he stayed in India for over 20 years with several Gyanis who helped to interpretate it. Do i see him as a Gyani? I see Macauliffe as the medium through which Gyanis explained the Guru Granth Sahib in the english language. Their understanding would be a lot better then anybodies today (no offence intended) on Sikhi as they would be in tune with it, living it and preaching it. Kamal

Hi All, According to 'The Sikh Religion, Its Gurus Sacred Writings and Authors' Vol 1&2 by M A Macauliffe the Panch Parvaan has a significant meaning: it conveys the idea of the 'elected/chosen' ones but is refering to the qualities that such a person would possess Page 202, Ref 3 "...panch refers to... [1]those who walk according to gods will, [2]who know Him to be true, [3]who praise him, [4]who hear His Name and [5]who obey Him. all of qualities are described earlier in the Japji Sahib and are what a Sikh should strive to do and eventually become if one can do this then they may call themselves the 'chosen Ones' note how this meaning transends all religious barriers and division among men, there is no such thing as being automatically 'right' as actions speak louder then words also page 202 Ref 3 "...where five are assembled, God is in the midst of them..." ie when gathered they would have great strength and possess God-like quailities. a portion of this pauri is: 'The elect are acceptable, the elect are distinguished. The elect obtain honor in God Court The elect shed lustre on the court of the kings The attention of the elect is bestowed on the one Guru[ie God]' ie if one becomes chosen, then this is how they become and how god would see them. Hope that helps Kamal