Celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab

Gurpurab Greetings!  As many of you know, today is Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s gurpurab.  Guru Nanak Dev Ji bestowed much upon us, including the concepts of Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, and Vand Chakna.

Naam Japna: Guru Ji taught us to directly practice Simran and Naam Japna – meditation on the word of the Guru and thus remembering God at all times.

Kirat Karni:  Guru Ji taught us to live honorable lives and to earn honestly by our own physical and mental effort while accepting both pains and pleasures as the Guru’s gifts and blessings.  Within this, is a reminder to stay truthful at all times.

Vand Chakna:  We are taught to share our wealth within the community – especially with those who are most in need.  The community or Sadh Sangat is an important part of Sikhi and this spirit of Sharing and Giving is an important message from Guru Nanak.

While today is a day of celebration, it is also a reminder to each of us to consider how we choose to practice these teachings today.  Let’s wish each other well on this day, just like we wish each other well on New Year’s Day, and let’s encourage one another to follow the Guru’s teachings in our own ways.  In this light, how are you celebrating this day?