SGGS Academy is proud to announce a new series of programs called Rah-e-Mohabbat tailored to shine a light onto the path of Sikhi from the view point of exemplary Sikhs like Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhai Nand Lal Ji and Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji. The 34 sessions are designed to bring the participants on a journey and shine a new perspective on this beautiful and satisfying path towards Gursikhi. Each topic has been made on the important keywords and they will be dealt in greater detail along with practical examples in the form of Sakhis. The aim of Rah-e-Mohabbat is to make the participants self-reflect and submit to our Guru.

Rah-e-Mohabbat

In the 1st episode, we will cover the introduction to the Rah-e-Mohabbat series which aims to provide a better understanding to this beautiful path of Sikhi. The need, objective, framework, key learning outcomes are covered. This talk is also available on YouTube where it is presented alongside slides.

1. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Introduction

The second episode covers a critical principal in Sikhi called Pairi Pavna which means bowing to the feet. This presentation will cover on why the feet are great, what is the Gurmat way, how has Bhai Gurdas Ji regarded them, excerpts from our history where the feet has been exalted and non-compliance to this principal. Finally, this concept is co-related with the story of Bhai Lehna Ji.

2. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Pairi Pavna

The 3rd episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat is on the concept of Gareebi within Sikhi. Gareebi is a state of no self-ego/pride in which Gurmukhs live their life where there is no sense of ‘me’ or ‘I’ and all that remains is the Guru. This vital concept has been supported by history and references from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji and Baba Sadhu Ji's compositions.

3. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Gareebi

This 4th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat covers the Gursikhi behaviour of Niv Chalna or selfless humility in all conduct. It is the virtue of humility without any expectation in return. Niv Chalna can only be learnt from the Guru. The greatness in Guru’s house is gauged by how low one proclaims him/herself and the one who looses has actually won. The Guru is the protector of the low and we can only enjoy His protection if we are low/humble.

4. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Niv Chalna

The 5th Episode covers, Sidak or faith. Sidak is to have an unshakable believe and conviction that the Guru is the sole saviour and the most precious. It is the complete trust and confidence that Guru Ji is the greatest. Sidak is also to love Guru Ji above the mind, body, wealth. Sikhs throughout time have shown exemplary Sidak and has thus laid the direction on this path of Gurmat for all of us.  References are taken from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhai Nand Lal Ji and Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji

5. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Sidak

Karam is a law that binds the entire creation. It is a system where in, one reaps what he has sowed. The rewards for the deeds are given in heaven and hell. Fate (Paralbhad) can never be erased unless the Guru is benevolent. Having a Guru in life is a sign of great fortune/fate. Guru is the sole way out of this endless cycle of reincarnations and its cause, Karam

6. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Karam

The 7th episode is on Bhana which is the continuation from the previous episode of Karam. Bhana is the inevitable destiny or reality as written in Pralbhad. Bhana is also known as ‘Hukam’ and Rjaa. Bhana cannot be changed. Acceptance of Bhana or the inevitable only comes to those whom the Guru imparts his grace (Nadar).
While accepting Will with pleasure, a Gurmukh never expects for liberation or anything else beside the sanctuary of Guru’s feet.

7. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Bhana

In this episode, we shall discover Nadar. This is the continuation of the previous 2 episodes, Karam and Bhana. Nadar is the ultimate level. In this episode, we shall get to know about Nadar, its importance, qualifications, and its opposite- Upathi Nadar.
Nadar depends on the prerogative of the Guru. However by abiding to the command of Guru as told by Gurbani, one starts qualifying. There are signs of Nadar as told by the Gurus but one should not be proud instead be humbled that the Guru has landed his grace upon the undeserving. One can never proclaim to be deserving however there are certain qualification where one displays which are found from His Nadar

8. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Nadar

In the 9th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Naam is discussed. Naam is the most important foundation of Sikhi. This episode will cover on what is Naam, Guru's role, the constitute of Naam, Importance and how to practice.

9. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Naam

In this episode 10 of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Daan is discussed. There are broadly 2 types of Daan (donations), the one we seek and the one we give out. We shall go in detail to both of these types

10. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Daan

In this episode 11 of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Ishnan is discussed. Ishnan literally refers to shower/bath and it is done to cleanse. Within Sikhi, Guru Ji has not only advocated the cleansing of the body but they have also done for the speech and mind. No cleansing is superior to the other but all play hand-in-hand. A Gurmukh cleanses his mind, speech and body. The importance of sites blessed by Guru Ji is superior, it only requires the faith of a Sikh for them to be liberated. 
In any type Ishnan, a person has to be sincere and be in full submission to the Guru. Intelligence and the non-acceptance of Guru’s Shabad which will lead one to remain impure

11. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Ishnan

In this 12th episode, Prem or love in the context of Gurmat will be explored. The only faith to have recognised the true value and importance of love is Sikhi. Sikhi is the path of love and Love is Sikhi. Love is the art of loosing one’s self. Within love there is no demand. The taste of love is beyond the sensory perception and it is the ultimate bliss. True love can only be enjoyed if it is to a Guru. Lastly, Guru Ji takes countless steps to a Sikh who love Him.

12. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Prem

Listen to the 13th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Bhagti. Bhagti within Sikhi is a relationship of love with the Guru. Bhagti teaches the art of letting it go and embracing Gurmat. Bhagti is total submission to the Guru like the Sakhi of Bhai Lala Ji. Bhagti is accepting the Guru’s word as a command. Bhagti is achieved through the Guru via the Sadh Sanggat, Sewa, following the teachings and commands (Rehit). 
A Bhagat is someone who loves the Guru and has the Guru within each and every thought and action

13. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Bhagti

In this 14th episode, Birha or pangs of separation in the context of Gurmat will be explored. Birha is a condition of the mind wherein the lover undergoes severe pains as a result of separation from the beloved. The pangs of such separation is known as Birha. The state of Birha can only be understood if one has loved. Without love, the condition and state of Birha is inexplicable. Birha is the pull to the string of love which brings us closer to our Guru and ultimately merges into Him. The need of Birha can only arise with the blessing of Satguru.

14. Rah- E-Mohabbat- Birha

Listen to the 15th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Bhagat. Bhagat (devotee) is one who is an embodiment of Bhagti (devotion). A Bhagat is above all worldly bondages and attachment. Bhagats do not live in fear of worldly powers. Bhagat is also one who is dedicated and submitted to His Master. Bhagats are the beloved of the Guru/Almighty
They live in innocence to the world, away from all the complexities of daily lives.

15. Rah- E-Mohabbat- Bhagat

Listen to the 16th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Bhola Bhao. Bhola Bhao is a state above Maya. Bhola Bhao is a straight forward love for the Guru without any if’s and but’s. Having to love innocently requires a very developed mindset which can only be developed by the grace of Guru.  A Gurmukh loves the Guru innocently and in return, the Guru cares for the Sikh in this and the after world.

16. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Bhola Bhao

Listen to the 17th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Sanggat. Sanggat means a congregation of a group of people who gather for a common purpose. The only Sanggat that is beneficial is the one with Guru. Sadh/Sat Sanggat is a compulsory limb of Sikhi. The importance of Sanggat has been reinforced by numerous reference within Gurbani and texts by Gursikhs.

17. Rah- E-Mohabbat- Sanggat

Listen to the 18th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Arpana. Arpna means to surrender or to submit. One submits a valuable possession in hopes to get something greater. Within Sikhi, a Sikh has to surrender the the mind, body & wealth to the Guru. By submitting worldly mortal possessions like our body, wealth and self, the Guru in return blesses with liberation from the cycle of reincarnations. A Sikh is initiated into the fold of Khalsa only after the agreement that the Sikh is willing to sacrifice his/her head for the Panth and Guru. The happiness the whole world is running after is only achieved by letting go.

18. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Arpana

Listen to the 19th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Ulti Gang. The Sikh understanding of ‘Reverse Ganges’ is as Ganga flows from the heavens into the world, Gurmat guides one from worldly into becoming a heavenly being. The second understanding is, that other rivers exiting the Himalayas merge into the Arabian Sea except for Ganges which merges into the Bay of Bengal which is why, Ganges is referred to as reverse.

19. Rah - E-Mohabbat- Ulti Gang

Listen to the 20th episode of Rah-e-Mohabbat, Murda Mureed. Murda Mureed is derived from two (2) words, Murda (dead) and Mureed (desciple/Sikh. Collectively, this term is described by Bhai Gurdas Ji to describe how a Sikh should remain in his life. It refers to: (a) A Sikh is dead for the worldly materialistic world. (b) A Sikh has no capacity of its own and only worthy of the grave (Guru). A Sikh is dead for the world. Life of a Sikh is the Guru. A Sikh’s heartbeat is the Guru. Anything without the Guru, is deemed as useless and false.