Guru Granth Sahib's Teachings on Jyotish Vidya • Sikhizm

Guru Granth Sahib on Jyotish Vidya: The Sikh Perspective on Astrology

Astrology, or Jyotish Vidya, is a topic that has fascinated humanity for centuries. The ancient practice of astrology aims to interpret the positions and movements of celestial bodies and their potential influence on human affairs. In many spiritual traditions, astrology is used to gain insight into one's destiny, personality, and the challenges one may face. However, in Sikhism, the relationship between astrology and spirituality is approached with caution. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, offers guidance on the topic, emphasizing reliance on the divine will and the importance of seeking the Guru's wisdom.

In this post, we will explore the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib regarding astrology, fate, and the concept of divine will, using selected verses from Gurbani that provide deep insights into how Sikhs view Jyotish Vidya. These teachings help us understand that, while astrology may hold some relevance, ultimate power rests with the Creator, and we must trust in the Guru’s teachings above all.

What Does Guru Granth Sahib Say About Jyotish Vidya?

The Guru Granth Sahib does not explicitly reject astrology, but it highlights the significance of spiritual wisdom and guidance over worldly knowledge. While astrology can provide some understanding of human nature and life events, it cannot compare to the deeper wisdom found in the Guru's teachings. Here are some key verses from the Guru Granth Sahib that shed light on this subject.

1. Verse: "Chint Andesa Gant Taj Jan Hukam Pachatta"

Original Verse (Gurbani): ਚਿੰਤ ਅੰਦੇਸਾ ਗਣਤ ਤਜਿ ਜਨਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥ ਨਹ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਨਹ ਛੋਡਿ ਜਾਇ ਨਾਨਕ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤਾ ॥ (੫, ੮੧੩-੨)

Translation in English: "One who abandons the worries and fears, and follows the divine command, realizes the truth. Nothing perishes or fades away, and Nanak is immersed in the divine love."

Translation in Punjabi: "ਜੋ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤੇ ਡਰ ਨੂੰ ਤਿਆਗ ਕੇ, ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਹੁਕਮ ਨੂੰ ਸਵੀਕਾਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਸਚਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਝਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕੁਝ ਵੀ ਨਾਸ਼ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ, ਨਾ ਹੀ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਰੰਗ ਵਿਚ ਰੰਗੀਨ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ।"

This verse emphasizes that one should focus on the divine will (Hukam) rather than worrying about the complexities of fate or astrology. When we trust in God's plan, we will find peace and understanding, regardless of the planetary influences.

2. Verse: "Jin Keea Tin Dekhia Aape Jaanai Soe"

Original Verse (Gurbani): ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ (੩, ੧੦੯੩-੯)

Translation in English: "Whatever has been created by the Creator, He alone knows its workings and understanding."

Translation in Punjabi: "ਜੋ ਕੁਝ ਵੀ ਰਚਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਓਹੀ ਜਾਣਦਾ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਉਸਦਾ ਰਚਨਹਾਰ ਹੈ।"

This verse reminds us that only the Creator knows the workings of the universe. No matter how much knowledge one gains through astrology or other worldly means, the ultimate understanding lies with God. Sikhs are encouraged to rely on the Guru’s teachings for the correct path.

3. Verse: "Saha Ganhe Na Karahi Beechaar"

Original Verse (Gurbani): ਸਾਹਾ ਗਣਹਿ ਨ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਾਹੇ ਊਪਰਿ ਏਕੰਕਾਰੁ ॥ (੧, ੯੦੪-੧੦)

Translation in English: "People do not contemplate the Creator’s power, but count the numbers of their fortune. Above all, there is the one Creator, who is the ultimate reality."

Translation in Punjabi: "ਲੋਕ ਆਪਣੇ ਭਾਗਾਂ ਦੀ ਗਣਨਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਪਰ ਉਸ ਰਚਨਹਾਰ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਦਾ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਦੇ। ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਉੱਪਰ ਇੱਕ ਸਿਰਜਨਹਾਰ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਸੱਚਾਈ ਦਾ ਅਸਲ ਸਰੋਤ ਹੈ।"

This verse emphasizes that while people may focus on numerology, astrology, and other methods to understand their future, true wisdom comes from recognizing the oneness of God, who governs the universe.

4. Verse: "Ganat Ganeeai Sahasa Dukh Jeeai"

Original Verse (Gurbani): ਗਣਤ ਗਣੀਐ ਸਹਸਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਜੀਐ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਰਣਿ ਪਵੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਥੀਐ ॥ (੧, ੯੦੪-੧੬)

Translation in English: "Count your numbers, and you will live in doubt and suffering. But if you take refuge in the Guru, you will find peace and joy."

Translation in Punjabi: "ਜੇ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਗਣਨਾਵਾਂ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸੰਦੇਹ ਅਤੇ ਦੁੱਖ ਵਿਚ ਜੀਵੋਗੇ। ਪਰ ਜੇ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾਵੋਗੇ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸੁਖ ਅਤੇ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਪਾਓਗੇ।"

This verse teaches that focusing too much on calculations or astrological predictions leads to confusion and suffering. Only by surrendering to the Guru and accepting divine will can one find true peace.

5. Verse: "Gan Gan Jotak Kaandi Keeni"

Original Verse (Gurbani): ਗਣਿ ਗਣਿ ਜੋਤਕੁ ਕਾਂਡੀ ਕੀਨੀ ॥ ਪੜੈ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ ਤਤੁ ਨ ਚੀਨੀ ॥ ਸਭਸੈ ਊਪਰਿ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਹੋਰ ਕਥਨੀ ਬਦਉ ਨ ਸਗਲੀ ਛਾਰੁ ॥ (੧, ੯੦੪-੧੨)

Translation in English: "The astrologer may calculate and read the stars, but he does not understand the essence. Above all, contemplate on the Guru’s Word. Other words and practices lead to nothing but ashes."

Translation in Punjabi: "ਜੋਤਕ ਆਪਣੇ ਗਣਤਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਤਾਰਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਪੜ੍ਹਾਈ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਉਹ ਸੱਚਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਮਝਦਾ। ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਉੱਪਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਕਰੋ। ਹੋਰ ਬਚਨ ਅਤੇ ਅਮਲ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਥੋੜਾ ਹੀ ਸਿੱਖਦੇ ਹਨ।"

This verse critiques the reliance on astrology for understanding life’s mysteries. It stresses the superiority of spiritual wisdom over worldly practices, particularly astrology, which may not lead to true enlightenment.

6. Verse: "Man Ki Patree Vaachani Sukhii Hu Sukh Saar"

Original Verse (Gurbani): ਮਨ ਕੀ ਪਤ੍ਰੀ ਵਾਚਣੀ ਸੁਖੀ ਹੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ (੩, ੧੦੯੩-੧੮)

Translation in English: "The true happiness lies in understanding the essence of the mind, and finding peace in the teachings of the Guru."

Translation in Punjabi: "ਅਸਲ ਸੁਖ ਮਨ ਦੀ ਸਾਰਥਕਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ ਵਿਚ ਸੁਖੀ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੈ।"

This verse highlights the importance of inner peace and mental clarity, which comes from the teachings of the Guru. Relying on astrology or external methods does not bring lasting happiness, but Guru’s wisdom does.

7. Verse: "Aagam Nirgam Jotik Jaanhi Bahu Bahu Biakarna"

Original Verse (Gurbani): ਆਗਮ ਨਿਰਗਮ ਜੋਤਿਕ ਜਾਨਹਿ ਬਹੁ ਬਹੁ ਬਿਆਕਰਨਾ ॥ ਤੰਤ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਸਭ ਅਉਖਧ ਜਾਨਹਿ ਅੰਤਿ ਤਊ ਮਰਨਾ ॥ (ਕਬੀਰ,੪੭੬-੧੯)

Translation in English: "Some call themselves experts in astrology, knowing many different techniques, but in the end, they all must die. Knowledge of the divine, however, transcends life and death."

Translation in Punjabi: "ਕੁਝ ਲੋਕ ਆਪਣੇ ਆਪ ਨੂੰ ਜੋਤਿਕ ਮਾਹਰ ਮੰਨਦੇ ਹਨ, ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਤਕਨੀਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਹਨ, ਪਰ ਆਖਿਰਕਾਰ ਉਹ ਸਭ ਮਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਹਨ। ਪਰ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਅਤੇ ਮੌਤ ਤੋਂ ਉੱਪਰ ਹੈ।"

This verse stresses that worldly knowledge, including astrology, is transient. True wisdom, which transcends life and death, is found only in the understanding of the divine.

Conclusion: Guru Granth Sahib's Perspective on Jyotish Vidya

While Guru Granth Sahib does not outrightly reject Jyotish Vidya, it offers a clear perspective: reliance on astrology and similar worldly practices does not provide lasting peace or understanding. Instead, Sikhs are encouraged to trust in the divine will (Hukam) and seek wisdom through the Guru’s teachings. Astrology, with its focus on stars and planets, can offer some insights into human behavior and life events, but ultimate knowledge lies in understanding God’s will and embracing spiritual wisdom.

By contemplating the teachings of the Guru, one can achieve true peace and clarity in life, far beyond the reach of any external influences. Thus, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji encourages us to seek spiritual guidance over astrological predictions, and in doing so, we will find the ultimate truth and liberation.