Sikhism: Core Teaching – Ik Onkar – 01/05
🌼Ik Onkar – There is Only One God
🔱 The Eternal Foundation of Sikh Spirituality
The very first word of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji—the sacred scripture of Sikhism—is not a salutation, nor a narrative. It is a divine mathematical and philosophical truth:
ੴ – Ik Onkar
Ik (੧ – One), Oankar (ਓਅੰਕਾਰ – Creative Reality)
There is only One Supreme Reality, the Creative Force behind all.
This single phrase is the beating heart of Sikhism, a revolutionary declaration that shattered boundaries of religion, caste, nation, and creed, over 550 years ago. It is both simplistic in expression and infinite in depth.
🕉️ Meaning and Structure of Ik Onkar
The phrase ੴ (Ik Onkar) is composed of:
- ੧ (Ik) – The numeral one, symbolizing absolute unity.
- ਓ (O) – Signifies the primordial sound, comparable to Aum in Vedic tradition.
- ਅੰਕਾਰ (Aṅkaar) – From Sanskrit Omkaar, meaning creative vibration, the eternal unfolding of Divine will.
Together, Ik Onkar encapsulates:
- God is One, without a second.
- God is the source, the creative essence, and the sustainer of all that exists.
- God is formless (Nirankar), timeless (Akal), and all-pervading.
📜 Guru Nanak’s Vision of Oneness
When Guru Nanak Dev Ji emerged from his spiritual experience in the Kali Bein river, the first words he uttered were:
“ਨ ਕੋ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨ ਕੋ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ॥”
Na ko Hindu, na ko Musalmaan
There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim – only the One Divine exists.
This statement wasn’t a denial of religious identities—it was a bold affirmation of divine unity. Nanak’s God was not limited to any sect, idol, or scripture. He saw the Divine as One Light pervading all beings.
“ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ॥”
Ek noor te sabh jag upjeya, kaun bhale ko mande?
From the One Light, the entire universe emerged. Then who is good and who is bad?
🕊️ God Is Not Distant – God Is Within
The One God of Sikhism is not an entity sitting above the clouds. He is Immanent (Sagun) and Transcendent (Nirgun)—dwelling within each cell of existence.
“ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਆਰਾਧਣਾ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਜਪਿ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਉ॥ ਨੈਨਿ ਨਿਹਾਲੇ ਦਰਸਨੈ ਨਿਤ ਸਚੇ ਸੇਵਕ ਥਾਉ॥”
Antar Gur aaraadhnaa, jihva jap Gur naao
Within yourself, meditate on the Guru; with your tongue, chant His Name.
Unlike other theological systems that create duality between God and soul, Sikhism teaches absolute non-dualism (Advaita) in practical life.
🌍 Universal Implications of Ik Onkar
Ik Onkar is not just theology—it’s a blueprint for living. Its ripple effects can be felt across every dimension of life:
1. Religious Tolerance
If God is One, then all religions are merely paths to that One. There is no need for conversion, only realization.
“ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ॥ ਤਿਸ ਦੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ॥”
Sabh meh jot, jot hai soi. Tis dai chaanan sabh meh chaanan hoi.
The One Light shines in all; it is that Light that illuminates everyone.
2. Equality of All Beings
Every human carries the same divine spark. Thus, no one is high or low, male or female, privileged or cursed.
“ਮਾਨਸ ਕੀ ਜਾਤ ਸਭੈ ਏਕੈ ਪਹਿਚਾਨਬੋ॥”
Maanas ki jaat sabhai ekai pehchaanbo
Recognize the entire human race as one.
3. Oneness with Nature
The same Divine energy that flows in your breath flows in the rivers, stars, and trees. Spiritual ecology begins here.
“ਪਵਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ॥”
Pavan Guru, Paani Pita, Maata Dharat Mahat
Air is the Guru, water the father, and earth the great mother.
🧘♂️ Personal Practice – Living Ik Onkar
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Simran (Remembrance) | Repeating Waheguru or Ik Onkar purifies the mind and aligns us with the Divine. |
| Seva (Selfless Service) | Serving others is serving the One Light in all. |
| Compassionate Living | If God resides in all, every action must reflect reverence for others. |
| Silencing the Ego | Ego creates separation; Ik Onkar dissolves “I” into “One.” |
“ਤੂੰ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਤੁਮ ਪਹਿ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ॥ ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਸਭੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਾਸਿ॥”
Tu Thaakur tum peh ardaas, jeeo pind sabh teri raas
You are my Lord; I pray to You. My body and soul are all Your possessions.
🌟 What Makes “Ik Onkar” Revolutionary?
| Traditional View | Ik Onkar Vision |
|---|---|
| Multiple gods for multiple roles | One God, infinitely manifest |
| God as male | God is beyond gender |
| Only my path is true | All paths lead to One |
| God resides in temples or heavens | God resides within each soul |
| Birth and caste determine purity | All are equally Divine |
This is why Guru Nanak’s message spread like wildfire across India and beyond—not through force or fear, but through truth and love.
🔚 Conclusion
Ik Onkar is not a slogan. It is a cosmic vibration, a mystical reality, and a call to unity. In a fragmented world divided by religion, race, and ego, this single phrase reminds us that we are all One in Spirit.
Let this timeless teaching become your inner compass. Chant it, meditate on it, reflect upon it, and live it. In every moment, Ik Onkar invites us to:
See the One in all, and all in the One.
🕯️ Daily Reflection for Sanatana Seekers
“ਜਿਸੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਵਸੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ॥ ਸੋਈ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ॥”
Jis ridai vasai eko Naam, soi poora pardhaan
One whose heart is filled with the One Name is truly complete and supreme.