Piri Miri

Piri Miri

Piri Miri is fundamental to Sikh faith. Establishment of Akal Takhat, throne/authority of the Timeless, by the sixth guru was physical manifestation of the concept that started with the first guru and continued through his successor gurus.

Guru Nanak called the cruel rulers and their officials raajey sheeh mukadam kutey. P 1288 – the rules as lions and their officials as dogs. He said Jey jeevai pat-i lathi jaaey; sabh haraam jeyta kichh-u khaaey, p 142. If one lives by losing dignity, then whatever s/he gets is dishonest. The fourth guru said “Nirbhau japai sagal bhau mittai” p 293 one who invokes/obeys the highest authority, has no fear. The ninth guru said “bhai kaahoo ko deyt nah nah bhai maanat aan-i. Kahu Nanak sun rey manaa giaani taah-i bkhaan” p 1427. One who neither intimidates nor is intimidated; that person is learned.

Another way of looking at is fusion of spiritual and secular aspects of life. There is no dichotomy on this subject in Gurbani.. Gurbani is replete with examples of life conforming to Hukam/Divine commands/natural law in achieving everything to be at peace in life and attaining union with the Almighty. The same method applies for Sukh/comfort in Halat (here in life) and Palat (in the hereafter). This is exemplified with harmony between husband and wife and conformance of soul to the Supreme Spirit “Aatma pratama eyko karai” M; 1, p 661. “Eyh kineyhi chaakri jit bhau khasam na jaaey” M: 2, p 475. What sort of service it is if one has fear of the employer. Here God is the Master and the seeker the servant. There are other examples like Sachaa Sauda – honest trade/truthful living, sowing seed in soil with proper moisture and season in farming/sowing Naam in mind.

The concept evolved from protest and resistance  by the first guru to physical battling by the sixth guru, maintaining a cavalry of 2200 riders  by the seventh, and finally battles with the opponents by the tenth guru, but always in defence, not starting with offence.

There is another aspect. Sages of the past retired to the mountains and jungles in order to escape temptations. Guru Nanak tackled this issue with the Yogis in his composition Sidh Gosatt, SGGS p 938 and told them how conformance to Naam with the guru’s guidance makes householders makes a perfect life.

Khalsa, Sant Sipaahi, the saint soldiers were culmination of this process of evolution.