20/11/2021

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Jaspreet Kaur

Good morning.

Yesterday, Sikhs around the world celebrated the birth of the first Sikh Guru and founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Devi Ji. This day, also known as Gurpurab, in Sikh tradition, is a celebration of an anniversary of a Guru’s birth marked by the holding of a festival.

Many worldwide take this time to reflect on Guru Nanak Devi Ji’s teachings of the oneness of humanity and how the Guru spoke against tyranny and social injustice. His teaching also encourages us to turn inwards and self-reflect.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, “I am not good; no one is bad” – Put another way, I don’t see myself to be good and see anyone to be bad.

Whilst being called bad or even ostracised from society for wrongdoings has always been a risk, and while we’ve always – rightly – called attention to injustices, social media has exposed our bad moments or mistakes, leading in some instances to complete cancellation.

There have definitely been times where I’ve judged someone or looked down on someone for their actions, not knowing anything about how their life experiences have shaped them to be the person they are. In the Guru’s words, if none of us are good, or inherently bad, who am I to judge? Because no one is perfect.

Dear God – help me hold space for compassion and forgiveness and hold no room for ego or for judgement, and trust that each of us are on our journey.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh - “Praise to God”