RLG207H5 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Sikh Gurus, Mul Mantar, Para Brahman
11 Feb 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Mul mantra, provided summary of his beliefs about god. Placed at beginning of guru granth: lead into japji, nanak"s most important composition. God is one, immanent and all-pervading, god as word, as sovereign. Akal purukh, timeless one, karta purukh, the creator, parmeshur, vahiguru, nam. God is ineffable, nirguna (formless), saguna (with qualities) In the beginning there was unity; duality was a consequence of creation. God is divine teacher and guide, the sat guru is the one who speaks the word. Human nature: liberation replaces ignorance by spiritual enlightenment, sikh gurus preached outward appearance: 5 ks, only important when accompanied by true devotion and ethical conduct. Nature of liberation: guru offered immediate hope of liberation. First diagnose, concerned with humankind and its destiny, not metaphysical distractions. Humanity is distinctive from other creations: we discriminate between good and bad, we have the power to choose, we have ability to choose our actions, we unite with god by choice.
