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THE SIKH DOCTRINE OF LIBERATION
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virtues in social life is affirmed. Guru Nānak praised the life of a householder whereas he condemned bogus ascetics, those who depend upon others and become a burden to the householders.. The Guru taught that instead of renouncing the world, we should renounce worldliness, instead of begging alms and food, we should beg love from the Lord.
The seeker of God must cultivate virtues like mercy, forbearance, truth, contentment, love, faith, tolerance, etc. Addressing the priestly brāhmaṇas wearing sacrificial thread ( janeu), the Guru says :
"Make mercy thy cotton, contentment thy thread, continence its knot, truth its twist. That would make a janeu for the soul, if thou have it, o brâhmuna, then put it on me.”:40
The Sikh Guru have praised the virtues of renunciation and detachment. The seeker of God must be detached from worldliness while living in the world.
“The path of true yoga is found by dwelling in God while yet living in the midst of the world's temptations."41
Humility and forgiveness are also highly praised virtues in Sikhism. One attains liberation when one is fully equipped with humility, truth, love and devotion. Moderation is also often stressed. Everything in the world should be moderate. Guru Gobind Singh teaches that one should eat little, sleep little and must have love, compassion and forgiveness.
According to Guru Nanak, continence, understanding, divine knowledge, fear of God, austerity, love of God, repeating God's name, these are the virtues of a man on whom God looks with favour.
THE IDEAL OF A GURMUKH
The Guru and the Sikh are the two legs on which the superstructure of practical Sikhism stands. The Guru is the guide, friend and philosopher. His teaching is the foundation of religious practice. The Sikh is the disciple, the follower of the path laid down by the Guru. A true Sikh is called a gurmukh, he who is turned toward God, he who is turned toward the Teacher ; a pious, devout and religious Sikh is called a gurmukh.
In the Adi granth, a true Sikh is generally known as gurmukh, one who intentionally follows the will of the true Guru.
40. M. A Macauliffe, op. cit., vol I, p. 238. 41. Adi Granth, p. 730 ; W.H. McLeod, op. cit., p. 211
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