Basic Gurbani vocabulary
Twelve special words every young Sikh learner can know and use.
Grown-ups: A vocabulary module: 12 key words with Gurmukhi spelling; practise saying them together rather than memorising all at once.
Words with big meanings
Some words are small but carry very big ideas. In Sikhi, words like Waheguru, Seva and Langar each hold a whole way of living. Learning them is like collecting keys: each one opens a door to understanding. Don't worry about learning them all at once. Pick two or three, say them out loud, and use them this week.
Words about the One
Ik Onkar (ੴ) means there is One Creator of everything; it is the very first symbol in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Waheguru is a Sikh name for God, full of wonder. Naam is remembering Waheguru with love. Hukam is the Divine order that everything lives within. Ardas is the prayer Sikhs say, standing with folded hands.
Words about people and places
A Guru is the teacher who leads us to light, and a Sikh is a learner. The Sangat is the community who gather together. The Gurdwara is the Guru's home, where Sikhs meet. The Khalsa is the family of initiated Sikhs, created by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
Words about doing good
Seva means selfless service: helping without wanting anything back. Langar is the free community kitchen, where everyone sits and eats together as equals. You can practise these words by using them. Say "Waheguru" when you are thankful, do a little seva at home, and help out when you next visit a Langar.
Words to know
Jasleen's word jar
This is a made-up story to help you learn. Jasleen wanted to learn Sikh words, but the list felt long. Her grandmother gave her an empty jar and some paper strips. "Each time you understand a word, write it on a strip and put it in the jar," she said. On Monday Jasleen added 'Seva' after helping set the table. On Wednesday she added 'Sangat' after singing with friends at the Gurdwara. By Sunday the jar held six words, and each one came with a memory. "Words are easier to keep," said Jasleen, "when you live them."
From Gurbani
ਗੁਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥੫॥
Guraa ik dehi bujhaaee. Sabhnaa jeeaa kaa ik daataa so mai visar na jaaee.
O Guru, give me this one understanding: there is one Giver of all living beings — may I never forget that One.
ਹੇ ਗੁਰੂ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਇੱਕ ਸਮਝ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੋ: ਸਾਰੇ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਇੱਕੋ ਹੈ — ਮੈਂ ਉਸ ਇੱਕ ਨੂੰ ਕਦੇ ਨਾ ਭੁੱਲਾਂ।
A simple wish from Japji Sahib: may I never forget the One who gives to everyone.
ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਐ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ॥
Satsangat kaisee jaaneeai. Jithai eko naam vakhaaneeai.
How is the true congregation (Sangat) recognised? It is where the One Name alone is spoken of.
ਸੱਚੀ ਸੰਗਤ ਦੀ ਪਛਾਣ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ? ਇਹ ਉਹ ਥਾਂ ਹੈ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਇੱਕ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਹੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ।
The Sangat is where people come together to remember the One.
Make your own word jar
- Find a clean jar or box and decorate it.
- Cut out twelve paper strips.
- Each time you use or understand a word from this lesson, write it on a strip (in English and, if you can, in Gurmukhi) and add it to the jar.
- At the end of the week, pull out a strip and explain the word to someone in your family.
Family conversation
- Which of these words do we already use in our family? When?
- Which word do you find most interesting, and why?
- Can you think of a moment this week when you did 'seva' without calling it that?