Quotes by Guru Nanak reflect the timeless wisdom of Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the revered founder of Sikhism. He was a visionary spiritual leader with teachings that transcended the boundaries of religion, caste, and culture. Born in Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan), Guru Nanak dedicated his life to spreading the message of equality, unity, and devotion to one God. His words, preserved in the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, continue to inspire millions around the globe.
Significant Impact of Guru Nanak Ji:
- Introduced Sikhism, emphasizing a path of devotion, service, and truth.
- Challenged social injustices like caste discrimination and gender inequality.
- Advocated for harmony and universal brotherhood through his teachings and extensive travels (Udasis).
Key Teachings of Guru Nanak Ji:
Guru Nanak Ji’s teachings, recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, revolve around three main principles:
- Naam Japna (Meditation on God’s name)
- Kirat Karni (Honest living)
- Vand Chakna (Sharing with all).
As we celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti on 15th November 2024, his quotes serve as timeless wisdom, offering guidance in leading a meaningful life. In the following sections, we explore some of Guru Nanak quotes in English, which continue to enlighten and inspire.
Top 20 Quotes by Guru Nanak Dev Ji
● Quotes by Guru Nanak Dev Ji on God and Spirituality
- “Alone let him constantly meditate in solitude on that which is salutary for his soul, for he who meditates in solitude attains supreme bliss.”
True happiness comes not from external sources but from within, through dedicated self-reflection and meditation.
- “Dwell in peace in the home of your own being, and the Messenger of Death will not be able to touch you.”
Inner peace and a strong sense of self are the keys to overcoming fear of death.
- “God is one, but he has innumerable forms. He is the creator of all and He himself takes the human form.”
The divine is present in all things and can be experienced in countless ways, one of which is through the human form.
- “There, where neither your children nor your spouse shall accompany you, the Name of the Lord shall emancipate you.”
While worldly attachments provide comfort and support during life, true and lasting liberation comes from focusing on a spiritual connection and faith.
- “I am not the born; how can there be either birth or death for me?”
The true self is eternal and unchanging and exceeds the limitations of individual existence.
- “Thou has a thousand eyes and yet not one eye; Thou host a thousand forms and yet not one form.”
This profound quote highlights the infinite and formless nature of God, who manifests in countless ways yet remains beyond human comprehension.
- “Those who have loved are those that have found God”
These quotes by Guru Nanak teach us that true love, free of ego and selfishness, is the ultimate path to experiencing the divine presence.
- “Even Kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God.”
Even the most powerful people, with their wealth and control, cannot truly compare to someone who possesses a deep love for God.
● Quotes by Guru Nanak Dev Ji on the World
- “In this world when you ask of happiness, Pain steps forward.”
Happiness often comes after experiencing pain or hardship.
- “Burn worldly love, rub the ashes and make ink of it, make the heart the pen, the intellect the writer, write that which has no end or limit.”
The quote encourages us to detach from worldly attachments and utilize our hearts and minds to explore the limitless realm of spiritual knowledge and devotion.
- “Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru, none can cross over to the other shore.”
Without the guidance of a Guru, one cannot overcome their limitations and attain spiritual liberation.
- “The world is a drama, staged in a dream.”
The world is seen as an illusion, similar to a temporary dream. Our joys and sorrows, achievements and failures, are all part of a temporary play with no lasting impact on our true selves.
● Quotes by Guru Nanak Dev Ji on Humanity
- “Speak only that which will bring you honor.”
Speak with honesty, truth, and kindness to uphold your dignity and reputation.
- “The highest religion is to rise to universal brotherhood; aye to consider all creatures your equals.”
Universal brotherhood is not just a moral principle, but the ultimate goal of religious practice.
- “Through shallow intellect, the mind becomes shallow, and one eats the fly, along with the sweets.”
When our thinking and understanding lack depth, our mind becomes limited and prone to accepting everything without critical evaluation. This can lead to accepting harmful or misleading information, just as one might blindly consume both the sweet and the fly mixed in with it.
- “Be kind to all beings, this is more meritorious than bathing at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage and donating money.”
Genuine compassion and acts of kindness towards all living beings hold greater value than completing religious pilgrimages or donating wealth.
- “He who regards all men as equals is religious.”
This quotes by Guru Nanak Dev Ji teach us that true religion lies in embracing equality for all.
- “Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living.”
Quotes by Guru Nanak teach us that living truthfully surpasses mere acknowledgment of the truth.
- “The greatest comforts and lasting peace are obtained when one eradicates selfishness from within.”
This quote by Guru Nanak ji reminds us that selflessness leads to profound inner peace.
- “Like the juggler, deceiving by his tricks, one is deluded by egotism, falsehood and illusion.”
Just like a juggler deceives us with his tricks, our ego, our tendency to believe in falsehoods, and the illusions we create for ourselves can mislead us and keep us from seeing the truth.
These famous quotes by Guru Nanak are timeless teachings that inspire us to rise above worldly attachments and embrace a life of love, truth, and spirituality. His profound wisdom continues to guide generations, offering a path to inner peace and universal harmony. On this Gurpurab, let us reflect on these quotes on Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti and strive to live a life rooted in compassion and selflessness.
FAQs
- What was Guru Nanak’s famous quote?
Answer: “There is but One God. His name is Truth; He is the Creator. He fears none; he is without hate. He never dies; He is beyond the cycle of births and death. He is self-illuminated. He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru. He was True in the beginning; He was True when the ages commenced and has ever been True. He is also True now.” This is Guru Nanak’s famous quote.
- What is Guru Nanak’s main message?
Answer: Guru Nanak’s main message revolves around the belief in one God, the importance of equality and social justice, and the need for selfless service.
- Where Guru Nanak born?
Answer: Guru Nanak was born in Nankana Sahib, a town located in present-day Pakistan, on April 15, 1469. Nankana Sahib is now a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs around the world.
Also Read: 15 Religion Quotes to Awaken Your Humanity
