Today we are celebrating the first ever prakash of Guru Granth Sahib.
My painting depicts the Darbar (court) of Guru Granth Sahib ji, inside the Harimandir Sahib complex. After Guru Arjun Dev ji completed the scripture, it was installed in Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple.
Guru Granth Sahib ji contains the writings of the Saints of medieval India, as well as the writings of several of the Gurus in the sikh tradition. Its central thrust is Truth and it contains practical spirituality – to meet with the Truth and then to perform responsible actions in a manner whereby you lose yourself in that process.
Naturally, in the hymns of Guru Granth Sahib ji, we see a blend of devotion to the Truth, responsible actions and meditation, and criticism of irresponsible actions, including the self-deceptive habits we all have. Each hymn of Guru Granth Sahib ji leads the reader towards these fundamentals of life, these higher values associated with truthful living.
Even though Guru Granth Sahib ji had been a source of teaching for the sikhs since its first prakash, the official status of “Guru” was given to this scripture by Guru Gobind Singh ji before he passed away.
Regardless of whether I paint the Gods, the Gurus or the Guardians, I always listen to the hymns from Guru Granth Sahib ji, alongside it. Many artworks I have produced are a direct consequence of doing so, where the inspiration came from my meditations on these hymns.
In my daily life as well, my north star is the practical spirituality that is described in Guru Granth Sahib ji. I am always scrutinizing my behaviour, my habits and my thoughts, and testing them on the standard set within the hymns.
My goal in life is to be the servant of Truth, and to lose myself deeply in its devotion, with each breath.
Hopefully my art inspires you to serve the Truth, as well as becoming Kings and Queens of your respective domains.
I hope you enjoy this painting.