Tuesday, April 18, 2023

The Five Karmic Virtues



 Buddhism and Sikhism share the precepts of the Five Virtues.  These can be considered guide posts towards Karmic Balance and Right Action in a Harmonious Life:

Sat the virtue of Truthful Living:

    The Lord's humble servants are True — they practice Truth, and reflect upon the Word of the Guru's Shabad. The True Lord God unites them with Himself, and they keep the True Lord enshrined in their hearts. O Nanak, through the Name, I have obtained salvation and understanding; this alone is my wealth.

— Guru Granth Sahib

Santokh is Contentment or Freedom from ambition, envy, greed, and jealousy.  Without which it is impossible to acquire Peace of Mind:

Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life. One who is so blessed by the Formless Lord God renounces selfishness, and becomes the dust of all.

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 51

Daya is the exercise of Compassion: 

Be kind to all beings-this is more meritorious than bathing at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage and the giving of charity.

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 136

Nimrata is Humility, Benevolence, and Humbleness:

Humility, Nanak Says is the essence, the very root of all virtues

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 470

The God-conscious being is steeped in humility.

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 273

Pyaar is the Love of God

Let the Fear of God be your feet, and let His Love be your hands; let His Understanding be your eyes.

— Guru Granth Sahib,ang 139

Each one of these virtues leads to the next and so on.  The path to virtue leads you through your own heart.  When your heart opens up, you are faced with your own Truth.

Peace and Balance,

John



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