ABHICH,According to Indian astrology \’Abhich\’ is the name of a certain conjunction of planets which is regarded as auspicious by the Hindus. On this day, Hindus take a bath in one of the holy rivers. On this festive day. which fell on January 14. 1553 Guru Amardas visited Kurukshetra to enlighten the people on spiritual matters, as a lot of pilgrims had gathered there. There is a reference to the Abhich festival in a hymn of Guru Ramdas on page 1116 of the Guru Granth Sahib.He wrote that the sight of the Guru is more blessed and blissful than a bath on this festival, which is also called \’Abhijit\’.
References :
1. Encyclopedia of Sikh Religion and Culture, R.C.Dogra and Dr.G.S. Mansukhani 1995
Abhich in Sikhism: Understanding Fearlessness through Spirituality
The term Abhich (or Abhichh) in Sikh philosophy refers to the state of being fearless, a quality that holds profound importance in the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. Fearlessness in Sikhism is not merely about the absence of fear but is deeply rooted in faith, divine connection, and living a life aligned with truth and righteousness.
The Foundation of Fearlessness in Sikhism
Fearlessness (Abhich) forms one of the foundational virtues encouraged by the Sikh Gurus. It stems from the unwavering belief in the oneness and omnipotence of Waheguru (God). According to Sikh teachings, when one surrenders to the divine will (Hukam) and recognizes the eternal presence of the Creator, fear of the unknown, of death, or of worldly challenges begins to dissolve.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, emphasized the idea of living fearlessly through his teachings and example. The Mool Mantar, which serves as the essence of Sikh philosophy, describes Waheguru as “Nirbhau” (without fear) and “Nirvair” (without hate). Sikhs are inspired to imbibe these qualities, striving to overcome fear and hostility in their lives.
Abhich in Gurbani
The Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism, contains numerous references to the quality of fearlessness. The Gurus encourage individuals to cultivate this virtue by connecting with Waheguru and practicing selflessness. For instance:
“Jin kai andar basai nirbhau, tin ka sahas abhigat hai.”
(“Those who have the Fearless Lord within their hearts possess a courage that cannot be shaken.”)
— Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1171
This line emphasizes that true courage and fearlessness arise from an inner connection with the divine.
Historical Examples of Fearlessness
The lives of the Sikh Gurus and their followers are filled with examples of Abhich. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, epitomized fearlessness by founding the Khalsa, a brotherhood of saint-soldiers dedicated to upholding righteousness and defending the oppressed. The Khalsa was taught to live fearlessly, with the belief that their actions were guided by divine justice.
Baba Deep Singh and other Sikh martyrs demonstrated unparalleled courage in the face of adversity, inspired by their unwavering faith and commitment to truth. Their fearless actions continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide to stand for justice and integrity.
The Path to Fearlessness
Sikhism provides a practical approach to cultivating Abhich in everyday life:
- Connecting with Waheguru: Through meditation (Naam Simran) and recitation of Gurbani, individuals strengthen their faith and develop inner resilience.
- Surrender to Hukam: Accepting divine will helps individuals overcome fear by fostering trust in the Creator’s plan.
- Selflessness: Serving others (Seva) without attachment reduces the grip of ego, which is often a root cause of fear.
- Living Truthfully: Aligning one’s actions with truth and righteousness builds moral courage.
Conclusion
In Sikhism, Abhich represents a profound spiritual state where fear is transcended through unwavering faith in Waheguru. It serves as a guiding principle, inspiring individuals to face challenges with courage, live with integrity, and uphold justice. The path to fearlessness is not about erasing fear entirely but about transforming it through divine connection, inner strength, and spiritual discipline.
