ADAM – \’When God saw towards Adam with His unapproving eyes, how could he stay long in heaven then? (Bhairo Kabir, p. 1161) The reference about Adam in Guru Granth Sahib is a back-handed compliment. On the face of it, it can be translated thus : “When God showed his eyes to Adam, he enjoyed heaven greatly.” In the first few chapters of the Bible, it is stated that after God had created the universe, he took some of the dust of the earth and created Adam, a man. He was kept in the Garden of Eden, where there were fruit trees, rivers and other things, which he could desire.
But still Adam was a lone man. Therefore God created his wife Eve from one of his ribs. Both of them lived happily. They had been forbidden by God to eat the fruit of one of the trees. This tree was the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil. The couple did not yet know the evil.
One day the devil entered the Garden in the form of a snake and persuaded Eve to eat the fruit of the above-mentioned tree. Eve tasted some of it and gave some to Adam. Thus on the inducement of the devil, they broke the law of the Garden and no longer remained innocent. As a punishment, they were driven out of the Garden. They had disobeyed God and had brought evil into the world.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh, Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Adam
The Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal scripture of Sikhism, is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and universal truths. It draws upon diverse cultural and religious narratives to convey profound teachings, fostering inclusivity and unity among humanity. One such reference is to Adam, a figure central to Abrahamic traditions, mentioned on page 1161 of the Guru Granth Sahib.
In Abrahamic lore, Adam is regarded as the first human created by God, symbolizing the origin of humanity. The Guru Granth Sahib acknowledges Adam as “Baba Adam,” highlighting his role as the progenitor of mankind. The scripture notes that Adam was graced by the Divine and lived in paradise for a significant period. This reference serves as a metaphorical reminder of humanity’s inherent connection to the Divine and the blessings bestowed upon creation.
The mention of Adam in the Guru Granth Sahib transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing the unity of all human beings under one Creator. It aligns with the Sikh principle of Ik Onkar—the belief in one universal God. By incorporating such shared symbols, the scripture promotes harmony and mutual respect among different faiths and cultures.
Furthermore, Adam’s narrative in the Guru Granth Sahib invites reflection on the human condition, the journey of spiritual realization, and the importance of divine grace. It underscores the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the need to seek fulfillment through devotion and righteous living.
Through its reference to Adam, the Guru Granth Sahib exemplifies its inclusive ethos and universal appeal. It transforms mythological elements into profound spiritual lessons, guiding humanity toward self-awareness, humility, and unity with the Divine.
In conclusion, the Guru Granth Sahib’s mention of Adam on page 1161 is a testament to its timeless wisdom and its ability to bridge cultural and religious narratives. It calls upon individuals to rise above divisions and embrace the shared values of love, compassion, and harmony.
