
By Dr. Devinder Pal Singh | Opinion |
Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century, places a strong emphasis on a profound spiritual journey towards realizing God and achieving spiritual liberation. At the heart of Sikh philosophy is the idea of progressing through distinct stages of spiritual consciousness. These stages, namely Love, Peace, Freedom, and Bliss, are not just arbitrary steps, but they hold a deep significance in the spiritual growth process. They are closely aligned with the teachings of Guru Nanak and the subsequent Sikh Gurus [1-2]. These stages serve as a structured pathway to spiritual maturity and enlightenment, offering a clear understanding of the spiritual journey in Sikhism.
Stage 1: Love (Prem)
In Sikhism, the journey toward God commences with Love, known as “Prem.” This stage is characterized by the awakening of profound, selfless love for the Divine and all creation. Sikhs express this love through Bhakti, which involves singing hymns (Kirtan), reciting prayers (Nitnem), and engaging in meditation (Simran). The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is filled with hymns that express love and longing for God. Love in Sikhism is not confined to personal devotion but extends to selfless service (Seva). Serving others without any expectation of reward is a manifestation of divine love. Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized that serving humanity is equivalent to serving God [3-4]. The principle of “Sarbat Da Bhala,” which means the welfare of all, stems from the love for all of God’s creation. This universal love breaks down barriers of caste, creed, and religion, promoting equality and unity. In this stage, the Sikh relies heavily on the Guru’s teachings (Gurmat) to cultivate and nurture love for God. The Guru, seen as the spiritual guide, is pivotal in helping the seeker develop a deep, loving relationship with the Divine. As the individual’s love for God deepens, they begin to experience inner peace. Guru Nanak says:
ਗਾਵੀਐ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਮਨਿ ਰਖੀਐ ਭਾਉ ॥ਦੁਖੁ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਘਰਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ ॥
Sing (the praises of the Lord), listen (to the teachings), and keep love in your heart. All sorrows and sufferings will be overcome, and you shall experience peace. (M. 1, p. 2)
Guru Nanak emphasizes a holistic approach to spirituality that involves singing the praises of God, attentively listening to divine teachings, and nurturing a loving and devoted heart [5]. This integrated practice helps overcome life’s sorrows and brings about inner peace and harmony. The quote highlights the importance of both devotion and mindfulness in the spiritual journey. The practice of loving devotion and selfless service creates a tranquil state of mind, which leads to the next stage: peace.
Stage 2: Peace (Shanti)
Peace, or “Shanti,” is a natural progression from a life rooted in love and devotion. This stage is a haven of inner tranquillity and equanimity. In Sikhism, peace is achieved through constant remembrance of God (Naam Simran). This practice helps quiet the mind and brings a sense of inner calm, even amidst external chaos. A key aspect of peace in Sikhism is accepting God’s will (Hukam). Sikhs are taught to accept whatever happens as God’s will, which helps them maintain peace of mind regardless of life’s challenges. Peace is also cultivated through mindfulness. Being fully present in each moment and recognizing the divine presence in all aspects of life fosters a deep sense of peace. Contentment is a significant virtue in Sikhism. By being content with what one has and trusting in God’s provision, a Sikh maintains peace and avoids the unrest caused by desires and material pursuits. Guru Arjan advises:
ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਸੀਗਾਰੁ ਬਨਾਵਉ ॥
Adorn yourself with truth, contentment, compassion, and righteousness. (M 5, p. 812)
Guru Arjan Dev’s quote encourages individuals to cultivate and embody four key virtues: truth, contentment, compassion, and righteousness. By adorning oneself with these qualities, one can lead a spiritually fulfilling and morally upright life. This holistic approach to personal development fosters inner peace and a harmonious relationship with others and the world around them. Establishing peace through acceptance, mindfulness, and contentment sets the stage for the experience of Freedom. With a peaceful mind, the Sikh is ready to transcend material and egoistic bonds and move toward Liberation.
Stage 3: Freedom (Mukti)
Freedom, or “Mukti,” in Sikhism refers to spiritual liberation and release from the cycle of birth and death (reincarnation). It signifies a state of freedom from the ego and worldly attachments. The primary obstacle to spiritual freedom is the ego (Haumai). Guru Amar Das states:
ਜੀਵਤੁ ਮਰੈ ਮਰੈ ਫੁਨਿ ਜੀਵੈ ਤਾਂ ਮੋਖੰਤਰੁ ਪਾਏ ॥
One who overcomes ego and attachment to the material world while still living is spiritually reborn. By dying to the ego and living a life of spiritual awareness, one attains this state of liberation. (M. 3, p. 550)
Guru Amar Das’s above quote emphasizes the transformative process of spiritual awakening. To attain freedom, one must first overcome the ego and detach from worldly desires and attachments while still alive. This ‘death’ to the material and egoistic self leads to a ‘rebirth’ into a higher state of consciousness, where one lives in accordance with divine will and virtues. Ultimately, this journey leads to mukati, the soul’s freedom and union with the Divine. This teaching highlights the importance of inner transformation and self-realization in the path to spiritual liberation [6].
In this stage, the Sikh strives to overcome the ego through humility (Nimrata) and surrender to God’s will. Realizing the self’s insignificance compared to the divine’s vastness is crucial. Freedom involves letting go of attachments to material possessions, relationships, and even one’s own identity. This non-attachment is cultivated by understanding that everything in the material world is transient. Spiritual freedom in Sikhism is characterized by a union with God. This is often described as a state of bliss (Anand) where the soul merges with the divine, experiencing ultimate freedom. The liberated individual lives in accordance with the Guru’s teachings, embodying virtues such as truthfulness (Sach), compassion (Daya), and righteousness (Dharam). This way of life reflects a state of inner freedom and alignment with divine principles. As the Sikh attains liberation from ego and attachments, they naturally begin to experience profound bliss. This bliss arises from realizing their true nature and the presence of the Divine within, leading to the final stage: Bliss.
Stage 4: Bliss (Anand)
Bliss, or “Anand,” represents the culmination of the spiritual journey in Sikhism. It is a state of joy or eternal happiness that arises from living in harmony with the divine will. Joy, as a state of eternal bliss (Sahaj), transcends temporary happiness. This bliss is not dependent on external circumstances but stems from a deep, inner connection with God [5]. Guru Arjan Dev articulates:
ਸੂਖ ਸਹਜ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਆਨੰਦਾ ॥ ਜਪਿ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਵੇ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦਾ ॥
They are blessed with peace, equanimity, tranquillity, and bliss. By repeatedly meditating and chanting, one lives in supreme bliss. (M. 5, p. 194)
Guru Arjan Dev’s above quote emphasizes the transformative power of continuous meditation and chanting of God’s name. By engaging in this practice, one attains peace, equanimity, tranquillity, and bliss. These states of being culminate in supreme bliss, where the individual lives in constant awareness and connection with the divine. This teaching highlights the importance of persistent spiritual practice in achieving profound inner fulfillment and liberation.
An individual in this stage experiences immense gratitude for all aspects of life. This gratitude enhances their sense of bliss and deepens their connection with the Divine. This stage is filled with a sense of divine playfulness. The Sikh views life as a divine play (Leela) orchestrated by God, engaging with it joyfully and without attachment. Blissful individuals experience a profound sense of oneness with all creation. This unity consciousness brings about a deep sense of fulfillment and peace, knowing that they are an integral part of the Divine. The bliss experienced in this stage radiates outward, positively influencing others. A blissful Sikh naturally spreads happiness and positivity, uplifting the spirits of those around them. To sustain this state of bliss, continual spiritual practice and mindfulness are essential [5]. Regular meditation, gratitude, and engagement in selfless service help maintain this state of being.
Integrating the Four Stages
In Sikhism, these stages are not strictly linear but often overlap and interweave. A Sikh may experience elements of Love, Peace, Freedom, and Bliss simultaneously or move back and forth between stages. Each stage supports and enhances the others, creating a holistic approach to spiritual development. Each stage presents its own challenges that serve as catalysts for growth. For example, the Love stage might bring up unresolved issues from the past, the Peace stage might test one’s patience and resilience, the Freedom stage might challenge one’s courage to break free from societal norms, and the Bliss stage might require constant mindfulness to sustain.
Here are a few practical steps that can help in the progression of the spiritual journey of an individual.
- Cultivate Love: Engage in practices that open the heart, such as Kirtan, Seva, and meditation.
- Seek Peace: Incorporate Naam Simran, acceptance of God’s will, and mindfulness into daily life.
- Embrace Freedom: Reflect on and release attachments, live humbly, and follow the Guru’s teachings.
- Celebrate Bliss: Practice gratitude, maintain a playful attitude, and engage in blissful activities.
Conclusion
The four stages of spiritual life, “Love, Peace, Freedom, and Bliss,” offer a comprehensive framework for understanding the spiritual journey in Sikhism. By navigating these stages, Sikhs can achieve a deeper connection with God and realize their true nature, leading to a fulfilling and harmonious life. This journey is deeply personal and unique to each individual, yet the universal principles of love, peace, freedom, and bliss provide a guiding light for all who seek spiritual enlightenment within the Sikh tradition.
References
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), 1983 (Reprint), S.G.P.C., Amritsar, p 1-1430.
- Sahib Singh. Guru Granth darpan. https://www.gurugranthdarpan.net/
- D. P. Singh. (2014, July-Aug.). Relevance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 21st Century, The Sikh Bulletin, USA. 17 (7& 8). 18-22.
- Devinder Pal Singh. (2019). Universal Relevance of Guru Nanak’s Teachings, The Sikh Review, Kolkata, WB. India. Part -I: 67(11). 15-21; (Part -II): 67 (12). 19-30.
- D. P. Singh. (2023). Spirituality – A Gurbani Perspective. The Sikh Review, Kolkata, WB, India. 71 (6): 10-14.
- Devinder Pal Singh, Bhai Harbans Lal (2023). Sikhism – A Universal Religion. The Sikh Bulletin, USA 25 (3): 19-21.

Dr. D. P. Singh, M.Sc., Ph.D. is Director, Center for Understanding Sikhism, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He is a physicist by training, a teacher by profession and a writer by choice. He specializes in writing on Science, Religion and Environmental topics. Currently, he is working as Director, CanBridge Learning & Educational Consultant to various educational institutions in Canada. Email: drdpsn@gmail.com
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