Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak Dev Ji
1469-1539 • Indian
Bhakti
Founder of Sikhism, born in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). His radical teaching of one formless God (Ik Onkar), the equality of all human beings, and the path of remembering the divine Name (Naam) gathered millions of followers across the Punjab and beyond. His verses, recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, are recited and sung every day in gurdwaras across the world.
Key Works
- Japji Sahib
- Asa di Var
- Sri Rag
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib (trans. Sant Teja Singh)
112
quotes in library
Quotes by Guru Nanak
112 quotes“If I am pleasing to Him, then that is my pilgrimage and cleansing bath.”
surrenderJapji Sahib
“Without pleasing Him, what good are ritual cleansings?”
directnessJapji Sahib
“I gaze upon all the created beings: without the karma of good actions, what are they given to receive?”
karmaJapji Sahib
“Within the mind are gems, jewels, and rubies, if you listen to the Guru's teachings, even once.”
interiorityJapji Sahib
“The Guru has given me this one understanding: there is only the One, the Giver of all souls.”
unityJapji Sahib
“By listening — Siddhas, spiritual teachers, heroic warriors, and yogic masters arise.”
listeningJapji Sahib
“By listening — the earth, its support, and the ethers are known.”
listeningJapji Sahib
“By listening — the oceans, the lands, and the netherworlds are known.”
listeningJapji Sahib
“By listening — Death cannot even touch you.”
listeningJapji Sahib
“O Nanak, the devotees are forever in bliss. By listening — pain and sin are erased.”
blissJapji Sahib
“By embracing the Word, the listener arrives at the Truth.”
shabadJapji Sahib
“The state of the faithful cannot be described.”
faithJapji Sahib
“One who tries to describe it shall regret the attempt.”
ineffableJapji Sahib
“No paper, no pen, no scribe can record the state of the faithful.”
ineffableJapji Sahib
“Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord. Only one who has faith comes to know such a state of mind.”
naamJapji Sahib
“Worship and adore the Naam, the Name of the Lord, the Carefree, the Honor of the dishonored.”
naamJapji Sahib
“Even kings and emperors, with mountains of property and oceans of wealth — these are not even equal to an ant who does not forget God.”
remembranceJapji Sahib
“Endless are His praises, endless are those who utter them.”
praiseJapji Sahib
“Endless are His actions, endless are His gifts.”
abundanceJapji Sahib
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