As one year draws to a close and another begins, reflection comes naturally. This moment of transition coincides with the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose life and teachings continue to shape how I understand courage, devotion, and responsibility in a complex world.

My earliest introduction to Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s spirit came not from books, but from my grandmother. As a child, when fear or hesitation arose, she would narrate sakhis from Guru Ji’s life—stories of resolve, sacrifice, and unshakeable faith. Those stories stayed with me. Years later, reading Shri Kalgidhar Chamatkar by Bhai Vir Singh gave historical depth and spiritual clarity to what she had intuitively passed on.

Looking back, I see five enduring messages of Guru Gobind Singh Ji that continue to guide my inner journey.

1. Courage Anchored in Righteous Action

Guru Gobind Singh Ji did not seek courage for conquest, but courage rooted in righteousness. This finds its clearest expression in his prayer:

“Deh Shiva bar mohe ehe, shubh karman se kabhu na tarun.”

Grant me this boon, O Lord, that I may never turn away from righteous action.

This prayer reshaped my understanding of what strength means. It is not a request for comfort or success, but for moral clarity—the ability to do what is right, even when it is difficult. In everyday life, this teaching calls us to choose integrity over convenience and conscience over comfort.

2. Awakening Strength in the Ordinary

One of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s most striking declarations is:

“Chiriyon se main baaj laraun.”

I will make sparrows fight hawks.

This is not a glorification of violence, but a proclamation of empowerment. Guru Ji awakened dignity and courage in ordinary people, transforming fear into faith and passivity into purpose. It reminds us that true strength does not come from privilege or power, but from inner conviction anchored in truth.

3. Love as the Highest Spiritual Path

As I grew older, my questions shifted from courage to devotion. In a conversation with my spiritual guide, I kept asking: What is Naam? How can it be understood?

He replied gently, “Naam cannot be explained. It has to be experienced.”

When I pressed further, he said, “The closest expression is Prema Bhakti—loving devotion to Waheguru and His creation.” He then quoted Guru Gobind Singh Ji:

“Sach kahon sun leho sabhai,

Jin prem kiyo tin hi Prabh payo.”

I speak the truth—listen, all: only those who have loved have realised the Divine.

This transformed my understanding of spirituality. Naam was no longer an abstract idea or ritual—it became a way of living, expressed through love, humility, compassion, and .

4. Grace, Longing, and Trust in the Beloved

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s spirituality is most touching when expressed in moments of separation and hardship. In Mitter Pyare Nu, he writes with deep intimacy:

“Mitter pyare nu haal muridan da kehna,

Tudh bin rog rajaiyan da odhan.”

O beloved Friend, convey the state of Your devotees:

Without You, even royal comforts feel like disease.

This verse teaches that spiritual strength does not mean the absence of pain—it means remaining connected in love, even in the midst of suffering. Faith here is not denial of hardship, but trust that remains alive through it.

5. The Khalsa: Living as the Guru’s Reflection

Guru Gobind Singh Ji did not merely teach ideals—he gave them living form through the creation of the Khalsa. In his own words:

“Khalsa mero roop hai khaas,

Khalse mein hau karo nivaas.”

The Khalsa is my special form; within the Khalsa, I eternally abide.

For me, this is not about external identity alone, but inner responsibility—to live with fearlessness without hatred, discipline without ego, and devotion without withdrawal from the world. These values resonate far beyond any single faith.

A New Year Prayer and Resolve

As the new year begins, I hold a quiet prayer rather than a proclamation: to keep my Nitnem steady; to seek the company of enlightened souls in Sangat; to offer more sewa with fewer expectations; to nurture a thankful heart; to cultivate equanimity of mind and grace of spirit; to grow in courage rooted in righteousness; to connect more deeply with Waheguru through Gurbani and Simran; and to carry a little less ego and self-centredness each day. My resolve is simple: to be a better Sikh—not in form, but in spirit—and in doing so, a better human being. May the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji inspire us all, across faiths and traditions, to live with courage, love, and truth.

( Maninder is a seasoned BFSI industry executive, strategic consultant, and trusted advisor to leading MNCs and innovative FinTech startups. He lives in Chandigarh. )