The sangat
‘Sat sangatCongregation in a Sikh gurdwara.’ means ‘true congregation’. It is formed by people coming together in the presence of the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru.. This can take place anywhere, but it occurs mainly in the gurdwaraSikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'.. When the sangat gather in the gurdwara, they sing hymns together (kirtanDevotional singing of the compositions found in the Guru Granth Sahib.), meditate on God’s name (Naam JapnaRepeating and remembering God's name.) and listen to musicians.
Guru NanakGuru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Gurus, who lived from 1469 to 1539. used the term ‘sangat’ for the people who gathered together with him to worship and learn about the one true God (WaheguruSikhs believe in one God called Waheguru which means ‘Wonderful Lord’ or ‘Wonderful Teacher’.).
How is the Society of the Saints to be known? There, the Name of the One Lord is chanted. The One Name is the Lord’s Command; O Nanak, the True Guru has given me this understanding.
The role of the sangat
The sangat has a variety of roles today. One important function is to help Sikhs to worship and work together, and to perform sewaSelfless service to the community..
The sangat:
- provides a community in which Sikhs can worship collectively
- gives Sikhs the opportunity to meditate on God’s name (Naam Japna)
- enables Sikhs to build their faith in Waheguru on their path to being gurmukhGod-centred, living by the Gurus' teachings.
- is open to everybody, regardless of their age, gender, faith and occupation
In the Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Nanak taught that being part of the sangat is important as it helps Sikhs to follow God’s path. To achieve this, Sikhs chant the name of God (naamNaam means "name". In the scripture of Guru Granth Sahib, naam refers to the divine identity and description of the identifying characteristics of the Creator. The Sikh name for God is Waheguru. Naam is compared to a jewel, or treasure, having the power to liberate one from the cycle of transmigration.) in a practice called Naam Japna. This helps Sikhs to get rid of ego (haumaiRefers to the pride or ego that make a person too self-centred to see God.), and so being part of the sangat is important in helping them to become God-centred.
Show me the Path, O Saints. How can I meet God? I dedicate my mind to him and renounce my ego. This is the Path which I shall take. Joining the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, I serve my Lord and Master continually. All my hopes are fulfilled; the Guru has ushered me into the Mansion of the Lord’s Presence. I cannot conceive of any other as great as You, O my Friend, O Lord of the World.
