Gurbani

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Gurbani (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ, pronunciation: [ɡɝbaːɳiː], lit. the Guru's words) is a Sikh term, very commonly used by Sikhs to refer to various compositions by the Sikh Gurus and other writers of Guru Granth Sahib. In general, hymns in the central text of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib, are called Gurbani. Among Amritdhari Sikhs, a few texts from Dasam Granth which are read as Nitnem, like Tav-Prasad Savaiye and Chaupai, are also considered Gurbani. In Adi Granth, Gurbani is a sound which comes directly from the Supreme and the text is a written form of the same in worldly language and scripts. It is also called Guru’s Bani.^[1]

Prior to reading Gurbani or meditating it's compulsory to cover the head with a turban, dupatta or other cloth, as well as removing shoes, performing at least the Panj Ishnan^[2] (washing of the 5 main parts of the body), and if possible using a teeth-cleaning twig.^[3] Gurbani are explanations of qualities of the Primal Lord and Soul which a Sikh should comprehend and with which they can attain the supreme state. Sikh historical writings, unauthentic writings or apocryphal compositions written under the names of Sikh Gurus and other writings by Sikhs are not considered Gurbani and are referred to as Kachi Bani (ਕੱਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ; meaning adulterated verses).^[4]