Gurmat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gurmat (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰਮਤਿ[1]) is a Sikh term, used in a general sense as a name for the faith.[2][3] Specifically, the term refers to the doctrines espoused by the Sikh gurus, found within gurbani.[4] It combines the words gur (meaning "guru") and mat (meaning "doctrine").[4] In Sikhism, it is believed that true knowledge is obtained from the gurus.[4][5] Sikhs believe that proper following of gurmat allows them to connect to the divine and achieve spiritual liberation, which they believe is the true purpose of human life, with the ultimate goal being a state of union-hood with divinity.[4][5] Those following gurmat practice naam japna, listen to bani, and achieve darshan (sacred envisionment) of the divine.[4][5] The human-mind is polluted with vices, especially egotism, thus following gurmat allows one to transcend these inhibitions and also the illusion of the external world, as it purifies the soul.[5]