The Teachings of Guru Arjan

Abstract

Guru Arjan's numerous works in the Adi Granth offer clues about his teachings. His most important work is Sukhmani (‘The Pearl of Peace’ or ‘Peace of Mind’), a lengthy composition that focuses on the crucial significance of the Divine Name in a person's quest for liberation. This chapter not only examines Guru Arjan's teachings by highlighting those aspects of his teachings which are remarkably consistent with the doctrinal pattern set by Guru Nanak but also examines the different shades of emphasis in those of his works which are characteristically his own. In the analysis, the chapter considers W.H. McLeod's Guru Nanak and the Sikh Religion in which he assumes that Guru Nanak's writings bear witness to his experience of Akal Purakh. McLeod also argues that a coherent doctrinal pattern may be discerned in Guru Nanak's works. This chapter also discusses Guru Arjan's views on the nature of ultimate reality, the cosmos, human nature and the human being, divine revelation, and the discipline of the Sikh Panth.