Gurmukhi
Gurmukhī ( pa, ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ, , Shahmukhi: ) is an abugida developed from the Laṇḍā scripts, standardized and used by the second Sikh guru, Guru Angad (1504–1552). It is used by Punjabi Sikhs to write the language, commonly ...
: ਸੰਤੋਖ) means "contentment" and is one of five virtues that is vigorously promoted by the
Sikh Gurus
The Sikh gurus (Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ) are the spiritual masters of Sikhism, who established this religion over the course of about two and a half centuries, beginning in 1469. The year 1469 marks the birth of Guru Nanak, the founde ...
. The other four qualities in the arsenal are: "Truth" ( Sat), "Compassion" ( Daya), "Humility" (
Nimrata
Nimrata (Gurmukhi: ਨਿਮਰਤਾ ''nimaratā'') is an important virtue that is vigorously promoted by Gurbani and Sikh history. The literal translation of this Punjabi
Punjabi, or Panjabi, most often refers to:
* Something of, from, or rel ...
) and "Love" ( Pyare). These five qualities are essential to a Sikh and it is their duty to meditate and recite the
Gurbani
Gurbani ( pa, ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ) is a Sikh term, very commonly used by Sikhs to refer to various compositions by the Sikh Gurus and other writers of Guru Granth Sahib. In general, hymns in the central text of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahi ...
so that these virtues become a part of their mind.
Contentment is another very important virtue in
Sikhism
Sikhism (), also known as Sikhi ( pa, ਸਿੱਖੀ ', , from pa, ਸਿੱਖ, lit=disciple', 'seeker', or 'learner, translit=Sikh, label=none),''Sikhism'' (commonly known as ''Sikhī'') originated from the word ''Sikh'', which comes fro ...
. Instead of constantly thinking of how to satisfy personal desires, Sikhs try to accept the circumstances of their lives and concentrate on acting in accordance with God’s Will (
Hukam
Hukam ( pa, ਹੁਕਮਿ) is a Punjabi word derived from the Arabic
Arabic (, ' ; , ' or ) is a Semitic language spoken primarily across the Arab world.Semitic languages: an international handbook / edited by Stefan Weninger; in co ...
). They try to remember that all aspects of life are a result of God’s Will. Contentment leads to freedom from care, fear and worry. It is a very important divine quality; it is a deep godly "priceless jewel", which is acquired by those souls who move on the path of Sach Khand.
When all the desires vanish the state of contentment is reached, the state of "Sat Santokh" is acquired. Desires are the reason for our sorrows and pains; it is a search for an escape from these sorrows and pains. In fulfilling desires the person gets momentary happiness; unfulfilled desires bring disappointment. A continuous string of disappointments leads to depression and to mental and physical sicknesses.
Desires lead to mental and physical distortion of the mind; whereas contentment brings peace and calmness to the mind. This state of calmness and fulfilment brings us closer to the Almighty, because where there is complete peace in the mental state of the person, the mind can focus on the ultimate reality, the Akal Purakh.
Gurbani
* Dharma (religion) is the son of compassion;
Dhoul Dharam da-i-aa kaa poot.
Contentment patiently holds the earth in its place.
santokh thaap rakhi-aa jin soot. (
Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib ( pa, ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ) is the central holy religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign and Guru Maneyo Granth, eternal Guru following the lineage of the Sikh gur ...
, page 3, line 73)
* Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life.
sat santokh da-i-aa kamaavai ayh karnee saar. (Guru Granth Sahib, page 51, line 2072)
* Truth, contentment and intuitive peace and poise are obtained from the Bani, the Word of the Perfect Guru. ((3))
sach santokh sahj sukh banee pooray gur tay paavni-aa. ((3)) (Guru Granth Sahib, page 115, line 4670)
References
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Sri Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib ( pa, ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ) is the central holy religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign and Guru Maneyo Granth, eternal Guru following the lineage of the Sikh gur ...