Services
Paath (prayers from Guru Granth Sahib Ji)
Akhand Path
Akand Path (Akhand = uninterrupted, without break; path = reading) is non-stop, a continuous recital of the Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end. Such a recital must be completed within 48 hours. The entire Holy Volume, 1430 large pages, is read through in a continuous ceremony. This reading must go on day and night, without a moment’s intermission. The relay of reciters who take turns at saying Scripture must ensure that no break occurs.
Sahej Path
Sahej Path is also the recitation of Guru Granth Sahib, from beginning to end, but it doesn’t have to be continuous. A person or group of persons can read the holy text according to their schedule and complete the reading of Guru Granth Sahib.
Sukhmani Sahib Path
Sukhmani, titled Gauri Sukhmani in the Guru Granth Sahib after the musical measure Gauri to which it belongs, is a lengthy composition by Guru Arjan which many include in their daily regimen of prayers. The site, once enclosed by a dense wood, where it was composed around AD 1602-03, is still marked on the bank of the Ramsar pool in the city of Amritsar. The word sukhmani is rendered into English as “consoler of the mind.” The entire poem has been translated into English more than once under the commonly preferred title, “Psalm of Peace” or “Song of Peace,” signifying the soothing effect.
Sukh literally means peace or comfort and mani mind or heart.
One of the fundamental texts of the Sikh faith, the Sukhmani presents a complete scheme of the teachings of the Sikh faith. While each astpadi has a fresh vision to impart, a particular aspect of Truth to unfold, the whole text may be regarded as the reiteration of basic themes such as Divine immanence, Divine compassion, an abundance of grace, God’s succouring hand, the merit of devotion, of holy company and humility. With such reiteration, the composition as a whole has a remarkable gripping quality reinforced by the striking imagery which in stanza after stanza brings home to the seeker the truths he must own.
Langar
The institution of Guru’s Langar serves the community in many ways. It ensures the participation of Sikhs in a task of service for mankind. Even Sikh children help in serving food to the people (Sangat). Langar also teaches the etiquette of eating in a community situation. Moreover, it plays a great part in upholding the virtue of equality of all human beings and provides a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary to the needy.
The term Langar literally means kitchen where food is prepared and served in a Gurdwara to all the visitors (without distinction of background) for free. Only vegetarian food is served, to ensure that all people, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can eat as equals. Langar is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. The institution of the Langar, or free kitchen, was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak.
It was designed to uphold the principle of equality among all people regardless of their religion, caste, color, creed, age, gender or social status – a revolutionary concept in the caste-ridden 16th- century India where Sikhism began. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness, and oneness of all humankind. As the Gurbani says, “…the Light of God is in all hearts.”
ARDAAS
Ardaas is a Sikh prayer before God. The word Ardaas is derived from the Persian word ‘Arazdashat’, meaning a request, a supplication, a prayer, a petition or an address to a superior authority. A person who performs an Ardaas is called the Ardaasia. It is done in one of the following situations:
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Before performing or after undertaking any significant task
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After reciting the daily Sikh prayers (Bani) or
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After the completion of a service such as hymn-singing (Kirtan).