r/Sikh • u/-rising_spirit- • 2h ago
r/Sikh • u/TheTurbanatore • Jul 04 '17
Quality Post Resources to Learn about Sikhi
Note: As of December 2021, this post is STILL being updated regularly. So If you have any suggestions, message or email me.
Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
This post has been designed to make it easy for everyone to learn more about Sikhi. The next time someone says "where can I learn more about your beliefs" simply send them a link to this post.
New to Sikhi? Start here
General videos: Basics of Sikhi
Spiritual videos: Nanak Naam
Course: "The Why Guru Course"
Overview: Sikhi: Faith & Followers
Learning Gurmukhi (Punjabi)
Free Gurmukhi classes: Offical Sikh Discord & Gursevak Sevadars
Muharnee - Correct Pronunciation of Gurmukhi Letters and Vowels
"Gurmukhi Alphabet" App
Learning Sikh Philosophy
"Essentials of Sikhism" by Daljeet Singh
"Dynamics of Sikh Revolution" by Jagjit Singh
"The Sikhs, Ideology, Institutions and Identity" by JS Grewal
"Being and becoming a Sikh" by IJ Singh
"True Guru" - English commentary of Japji Sahib
Learning Nitnem
Free Nitnem classes: Gursevak Sevadars (DM them on Instagram)
Commentaries on Mool Mantar
Commentaries on Japji Sahib & Video commentary
Commentaries on Sohila Sahib
Commentaries on the full Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Book:Sri Jap Ji Sahib commentary series by Kamalpreet Singh Pardeshi
Book: Sri Jaap Sahib commentary by Kamalpreet Singh Pardeshi
Book: Sri Chopai Sahib commentary by Kamalpreet Singh Pardeshi
Learning Simran
Learning Sikh History
"Sri Gur Panth Prakash Vol 1 (English & Gurmukhi)" & Vol 2 - History of the Khalsa
The Suraj Podcast - Lives of the Gurus in Podcast form
Nanak Prakash - Life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Manglacharan - English translations of precolonial texts
"Sicques, Tigers or Thieves: Eyewitness Accounts of the Sikhs (1606-1810)" by Amandeep Singh Madra
"Empire of the Sikhs: Revised Edition by Patwant Singh and Joti M Rai"
"Warrior Saints: Four Centuries of Sikh Military History volumes 1 and 2 by Amandeep Singh Madra"
"Life of Banda Singh Bahadur Based on Contemporary and Original Records - Dr. Ganda Singh"
Free Sikh Books Websites
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Online
Free English Interpretation with Gurmukhi & Transliterations (Recommended)
English Translated physical copy of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, (Disclaimer)
Learning Kirtan
Kirtan Teacher: Manmohan Singh & Learn Kirtan
Online Kirtan School: Raj Academy
Kirtan classes: Tantisaaj
Sikh Apps
Sundar Gutka
Learn Shudh Gurbani
Gurbani Unlimited
Gurbani World
Basics of Sikhi
iGurbani (ios)
Gurbani Khoj (ios)
igranth (Android)
eGurbani (Android)
Gurbani Searcher
Gurbani Media Center
Daily Hukamnama Mobile App
Sikh Organizations that can Help
Note: If you have any more suggestions, please let me know, and I will add them.
Contact: theturbanatore@gmail.com
r/Sikh • u/SatoruGojo232 • 1d ago
News Singer Diljit Dosanjh kindly amd respectfully requests a foreign fan in a recent Italian concert to not put his name next to the Sikh symbol of Ik Onkar on his shirt.
r/Sikh • u/Hukumnama_Bot • 5h ago
Gurbani ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ • Sri Darbar Sahib Hukamnama • September 8, 2026
ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ਘਰੁ ੧ ਚਉਪਦੇ ॥
Dhanaasaree, Fourth Mehl, First House, Chau-Padhay:
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:
ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਸੇਵਹਿ ਸੰਤ ਭਗਤ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਸਭਿ ਪਾਪ ਨਿਵਾਰੀ ॥
Those Saints and devotees who serve the Lord have all their sins washed away.
ਹਮ ਊਪਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਰਖੁ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਤੁਮ ਜੁ ਪਿਆਰੀ ॥੧॥
Have Mercy on me, O Lord and Master, and keep me in the Sangat, the Congregation that You love. ||1||
ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਕਹਿ ਨ ਸਕਉ ਬਨਵਾਰੀ ॥
I cannot even speak the Praises of the Lord, the Gardener of the world.
ਹਮ ਪਾਪੀ ਪਾਥਰ ਨੀਰਿ ਡੁਬਤ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਪਾਖਣ ਹਮ ਤਾਰੀ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
We are sinners, sinking like stones in water; grant Your Grace, and carry us stones across. ||Pause||
ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕੇ ਲਾਗੇ ਬਿਖੁ ਮੋਰਚਾ ਲਗਿ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਾਧ ਸਵਾਰੀ ॥
The rust of poison and corruption from countless incarnations sticks to us; joining the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, it is cleaned away.
ਜਿਉ ਕੰਚਨੁ ਬੈਸੰਤਰਿ ਤਾਇਓ ਮਲੁ ਕਾਟੀ ਕਟਿਤ ਉਤਾਰੀ ॥੨॥
It is just like gold, which is heated in the fire, to remove the impurities from it. ||2||
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਨੁ ਜਪਉ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰੀ ॥
I chant the chant of the Name of the Lord, day and night; I chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, Har, and enshrine it within my heart.
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਅਉਖਧੁ ਜਗਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੀ ॥੩॥
The Name of the Lord, Har, Har, Har, is the most perfect medicine in this world; chanting the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, I have conquered my ego. ||3||
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਅਗਮ ਅਗਾਧਿ ਬੋਧਿ ਅਪਰੰਪਰ ਪੁਰਖ ਅਪਾਰੀ ॥
The Lord, Har, Har, is unapproachable, of unfathomable wisdom, unlimited, all-powerful and infinite.
ਜਨ ਕਉ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਜਗਜੀਵਨ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਪੈਜ ਸਵਾਰੀ ॥੪॥੧॥
Show Mercy to Your humble servant, O Life of the world, and save the honor of servant Nanak. ||4||1||
Guru Ramdas Ji • Raag Dhanaasree • Ang 666
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Mangalvaar, 24 Bhadon, Nanakshahi 558
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, I am a Robot. Bleep Bloop.
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r/Sikh • u/VolcanicVortex • 11h ago
Question Dealing with a toxic people
Hi everyone I have a question.
Anyone here felt discriminated from their own parents? For example I want to grow my beard as I like it a lot but my one of my family members, tell me I should shave it. It drives me crazy to even deal with especially considering it’s coming from a family member. Anyone have any tips on how I can handle this situation as I’m stumped.
r/Sikh • u/Gurkengasse • 10h ago
Question Where to learn informal punjabi?
Hi everyone!
I know it looks weird but i thought maybe smn could help me here.
I’m looking for a Punjabi tutor to help me improve my **spoken Punjabi**.
I understand quite a lot of Punjabi already, but I struggle to actually speak it myself. I often know what I want to say but can’t find the right words or put the sentence together naturally.
I’m mainly interested in **informal, everyday Punjabi** ; the kind people actually use at home with family and friends, rather than formal/book Punjabi.
I’d especially like to focus on:
Speaking and conversation practice
Everyday vocabulary
Sentence structure
Natural expressions and phrases
Common slang / casual Punjabi
Understanding Punjabi songs and lyrics
Vocabulary and expressions commonly used in Punjabi music
My main goal is simply to become comfortable speaking Punjabi with my family and friends and to expand my everyday vocabulary. Eventually, I’d also love to understand Punjabi songs better and be able to sing along.
I’d also be open to a **younger tutor**, preferably someone who is familiar with modern, casual Punjabi and current Punjabi music. I think that would be a good fit for what I’m looking for.
I’m looking for **1-on-1 lessons**, either online or in person, and I’m flexible regarding the platform.
If you’re a Punjabi tutor yourself, or know a good place/person where I could book lessons, please let me know. Recommendations are also very welcome!
Thanks!
r/Sikh • u/calgary_wandrer • 22h ago
Katha Do you believe in your Guru - Bhai Jagraj Singh Ji
r/Sikh • u/Bhatnura • 18h ago
Discussion Respecting all religions doesn't mean you loose your self respect. We have to leave behind the cloak of inclusiveness for sometime as the current situation doesn't allow that.
r/Sikh • u/spicytotino • 1d ago
Question Any knowledge on what exactly this is? My great-grandpa brought it with him in 1920 when he immigrated to the US.
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about my family history, but here’s what I do know:
My great grandpa was from Budh Singh Wala. He ended up working as police in the Himalayas, then Tibet, then Hong Kong about 15 years total. In 1920 he took a ship from Japan to San Francisco and planted roots in California. It was never treated like an heirloom or anything particularly special, but it’s been kept as something to leave at your bedside incase of emergency that eventually floated it’s way to me.
r/Sikh • u/Effective-Weakness50 • 18h ago
Kirtan WJKK, WJKF, Can someone provide me the Punjabi lyrics and English translation of the Dharmic Geet/ song "Rise of Baba Banda Bahadur" written by Jarnail Singh Sabrawa, produced by Kam Lohgarh?
News Respecting all religions doesn't mean you loose your self respect. We have to leave behind the cloak of inclusiveness for sometime as the current situation doesn't allow that. This is about protecting our children.
r/Sikh • u/Euphoric-Gift-284 • 15h ago
Question Losing a lot of hair at a young age
Hi all. I am 21M and have experienced a lot of hair fall over the last year. I am actually seeing a bald patch on my head now and my hair is thinning rapidly. I want to keep my hair but worried I am losing it very quickly. Any advice would be appreciated as this is very concerning.
r/Sikh • u/iMahatma • 1d ago
Discussion New Social Media Trend in Punjab... Showing up to the Gurdwara with guns. Good or Bad?
There's a new social media trend on Instagram in Punjab where you show up to the gurdwara with guns.
This doesn't seem genuine at all and it's 100% for attention. The clock is ticking where there will be an incident with these guns and it won't be good.
r/Sikh • u/super_man3273 • 1d ago
Discussion I feel embarassed making sardar jokes as a child
I was searching for something on my Facebook profile when I came across some of my old posts from 2012 in which I had shared sardar jokes. I was shocked and immediately deleted them. I couldn’t believe I had posted such nonsense on Facebook. What surprised me even more was that the posts had likes and comments from people who were laughing along.
It wasn’t just Facebook. Even in school and while playing with friends in the colony, we often cracked sardar jokes and “12 o’clock” jokes, essentially branding the Sikh community as dumb and stupid.
When I read the history of 12 o clock, I realised how brave the Sikhs are.
And I feel really embarrassed about it now. I am truly sorry.
I think a lot of it had to do with the media. It’s also possible that these jokes started and spread more widely because we had a Sikh prime minister for ten years around that time. Bollywood has also played a role in reinforcing these stereotypes.
I truly hope the coming generations learn from our mistakes and grow up to be more logical and free of such stereotyping.
r/Sikh • u/ijassingh • 1d ago
Discussion Gurudwara Manji Sahib Patshahi Dasvi located in Alamgir, Ludhiana district, Punjab, India
News Respecting all religions doesn't mean you loose your self respect. We have to leave behind the cloak of inclusiveness for sometime as the current situation doesn't allow that.
r/Sikh • u/Hukumnama_Bot • 1d ago
Gurbani ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ • Sri Darbar Sahib Hukamnama • September 7, 2026
ਗੂਜਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
Goojaree, Fifth Mehl:
ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਭਾਈ ਸੁਤ ਬੰਧਪ ਤਿਨ ਕਾ ਬਲੁ ਹੈ ਥੋਰਾ ॥
Mother, father, siblings, children and relatives - their power is insignificant.
ਅਨਿਕ ਰੰਗ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਪੇਖੇ ਕਿਛੁ ਸਾਥਿ ਨ ਚਾਲੈ ਭੋਰਾ ॥੧॥
I have seen the many pleasures of Maya, but none goes with them in the end. ||1||
ਠਾਕੁਰ ਤੁਝ ਬਿਨੁ ਆਹਿ ਨ ਮੋਰਾ ॥
O Lord Master, other than You, no one is mine.
ਮੋਹਿ ਅਨਾਥ ਨਿਰਗੁਨ ਗੁਣੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਮੈ ਆਹਿਓ ਤੁਮੑਰਾ ਧੋਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
I am a worthless orphan, devoid of merit; I long for Your Support. ||1||Pause||
ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਚਰਣ ਤੁਮੑਾਰੇ ਈਹਾ ਊਹਾ ਤੁਮੑਾਰਾ ਜੋਰਾ ॥
I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice, a sacrifice, a sacrifice to Your lotus feet; here and hereafter, Yours is the only power.
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਸੁ ਪਾਇਓ ਬਿਨਸਿਓ ਸਗਲ ਨਿਹੋਰਾ ॥੨॥੭॥੧੬॥
In the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, Nanak has obtained the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan; my obligations to all others are annulled. ||2||7||16||
Guru Arjan Dev Ji • Raag Gujri • Ang 499
Monday, September 7, 2026
Somvaar, 23 Bhadon, Nanakshahi 558
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, I am a Robot. Bleep Bloop.
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r/Sikh • u/Sikh-Lad • 20h ago
Question Will any nihangs get pissed if I wrap a blue hajooria around my head?
Question for nihangs only.
I know that you guys give a blue hajooria to mahapurakhs and they wear it in their dumalla, but I just want to wrap it around my head for a style.
I don't want to piss of the 96k gang, that is my excuse for why this question might feel redudant.
r/Sikh • u/calgary_wandrer • 1d ago
Kirtan In Waheguru’s care, fear fades away- Guru Arjan Dev ji
r/Sikh • u/Empty_Lawfulness7694 • 1d ago
Question why are the khands understood as realms rather than stages of realization?
genuine question: when i read the five khands in Japji Sahib, they seem to describe stages of spiritual development, changes in consciousness, understanding, conduct, and relationship with the Divine; rather than destinations or separate supernatural places.
the passage that stands out the most to me is:
ਤਿਥੈ ਘੜੀਐ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਬੁਧਿ ॥
in Saram Khand, consciousness, intellect, understanding, and the mind are being shaped. that sounds like inward transformation.
Pauri 38 then uses a goldsmith’s workshop to describe spiritual refinement through patience, understanding, and love.
if that imagery is metaphorical, why not read the khands similarly as stages through which realization unfolds? (Ang 8)
Guru Arjan Sahib also says:
ਹਸੰਦਿਆ ਖੇਲੰਦਿਆ ਪੈਨੰਦਿਆ ਖਾਵੰਦਿਆ ਵਿਚੇ ਹੋਵੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ॥੨॥
liberation occurs while laughing, playing, dressing, and eating. this suggests that realization can unfold within ordinary life rather than by reaching another place. (Ang 522)
Bhagat Kabir says:
ਕਵਨੁ ਨਰਕੁ ਕਿਆ ਸੁਰਗੁ ਬਿਚਾਰਾ ਸੰਤਨ ਦੋਊ ਰਾਦੇ ॥
the saints reject both heaven and hell. while this does not necessarily deny their existence, it shifts attention away from supernatural destinations and toward lived realization. (Ang 969)
i recognize that Sach Khand includes cosmic language about worlds and creation. still, could that describe the expanded vision of awakened awareness rather than a separate location?
If Dharam Khand emphasizes moral order, Gian Khand expands understanding, and Saram Khand reshapes consciousness, why assume these are realms rather than successive transformations in how reality is known and lived? what is the point of living if all of this would happen after death?
are there teekas, scholars, or passages that support either interpretation? if you understand the khands as spiritual realms what specifically in Gurbani makes that reading more convincing than stages of realization-which imo is the “goal” of sikhi?
r/Sikh • u/Loud_Arachnid3245 • 1d ago
Question How can we interpret Waheguru to be personal (in sense of caring our personal needs) when Gurbani says otherwise?
ਗਉੜੀਮਹਲਾ੫॥
Gauree, Fifth Mehla:
ਮੀਤੁਕਰੈਸੋਈਹਮਮਾਨਾ॥
Whatever my Friend does, I accept.
ਮੀਤਕੇਕਰਤਬਕੁਸਲਸਮਾਨਾ॥੧॥
My Friend's actions are pleasing to me. ||1||
ਏਕਾਟੇਕਮੇਰੈਮਨਿਚੀਤ॥
Within my conscious mind, the One Lord is my only Support.
ਜਿਸੁਕਿਛੁਕਰਣਾਸੁਹਮਰਾਮੀਤ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ॥
One who does this is my Friend. ||1||Pause||
ਮੀਤੁਹਮਾਰਾਵੇਪਰਵਾਹਾ॥
My Friend is Carefree.
ਗੁਰਕਿਰਪਾਤੇਮੋਹਿਅਸਨਾਹਾ॥੨॥
By Guru's Grace, I give my love to Him. ||2||
ਮੀਤੁਹਮਾਰਾਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ॥
My Friend is the Inner-knower, the Searcher of hearts.
ਸਮਰਥਪੁਰਖੁਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁਸੁਆਮੀ॥੩॥
He is the All-powerful Being, the Supreme Lord and Master. ||3||
ਹਮਦਾਸੇਤੁਮਠਾਕੁਰਮੇਰੇ॥
I am Your servant; You are my Lord and Master.
ਮਾਨੁਮਹਤੁਨਾਨਕਪ੍ਰਭੁਤੇਰੇ॥੪॥੪੦॥੧੦੯॥
Nanak: my honor and glory are Yours, God. ||4||40||109||
In the entire Shabad, there is a deference and trust in Waheguru, but no claim that what I want is what will occur.
Not sure if my words are right (ie personal). But my point is that there is a recognition that Waheguru is carefree and acceptance of whatever Waheguru does.
Not only is this a reasonable thing that can be understood and logical thing that makes sense as one understands the world. Seems like so much of Kathaa ignores this platform (interacting with world based on reality) when discussing nature of Waheguru and what Sikhi means.
r/Sikh • u/Big-Chocolate1840 • 1d ago
Katha Who are your favorite kathavachiks
Hello,
Who do you like to listen to when you’re driving or alone. Who does pure arths and explanations of gurbani and not fit their own beliefs and biparvaad