BRAHMGIANI (Skt. brahmajnanin), lit. “the knower of Brahman” or “one possessing the knowledge of Brahman.” The knowledge (giana, jnana) of the Universal Spirit (Brahman) consists not in the mere recognition of His existence, but in a continuous consciousness about Him—His realization in the heart, or rather the realization of a total identity of the individual soul (atman) with that Universal Soul (Brahman), which makes the former transcend joy and sorrow and life and death.
This total identity signifies, in essence, the oneness of the Universe with that Universal Soul and of the latter with the individual souls, which a Brahmgiani realizes as the Ultimate Reality. The concept of Brahman in Sikhism delineates the Universal Spirit in theistic terms as the Absolute, the Creator, and the Ordainer of the Universe, which is, as it were, His visible form. The concept of Brahmgiani in Sikhism is elaborated in the sublime poetry of Guru Arjan, Nanak V, in his Sukhmani (GG, 272-274). According to him, a Brahmgiani is one who has realized, in his life, the One Supreme Spirit as well as his identity with individual selves.
Such a person has also been called gurmukh, sadhu, or sant. The Brahmgiani enjoys the highest spiritual status, and he is accorded the highest veneration. The Brahmgiani in Sukhmani is postulated as being unattached (nirlep), like the lotus in water. He is endowed with Divine realization; he is deeply humane and compassionate. To all is he gracious, casting an equal glance on all like the sun, and indifferent to praise or dispraise like the earth. He has humility and is ever anxious to do good to others.
In a moment of exaltation, Guru Arjan pronounces him the Supreme Being Himself; such is his merit, such his holiness: “Nanak Brahmgiani api parmesur” (GG, 273). He is compared to the earth, to whom he who is digging it with a shovel and he who is plastering it with sandalwood are alike. Brahmgiani is gracious and compassionate to all. From all bonds is he free. On God is solely his reliance, and on Him are all his hopes centered. Ever is he awake in spirit. To all does he bring liberation by his counsel.
Brahmgiani is the creator of all, immortal, dying never. Brahmgiani is the conferrer of the way of liberation, the perfect being, rewarder of deeds. Brahmgiani is the succorer of the helpless; Brahmgiani affords protection to all. All creation is Brahmgiani’s image; Brahmgiani himself is the Supreme Being. Brahmgiani alone is deserving of his high repute; of all is Brahmgiani the overlord, says Nanak (GG, 273-274). Brahmgiani looks on all beings equally and impartially—Brahmgiani sada samdarsi (GG, 272). He showers the nectar of love and affection on all (GG, 373).
An embodiment of compassion, he does good to others and helps those in distress. A model of piety and righteousness, he is the repository of all ethical virtues and a shunner of all vices and sins (GG, 272, 273). He is unaffected by the pleasures and enjoyments of the world, just as the lotus leaf remains untouched by water. He is fully in control of his mind and is pure and blemishless (GG, 272-273). He takes pleasure and pain, profit and loss alike. A Brahmgiani leads others to the path of holiness and piety.
He commands their spontaneous respect and reverence by virtue of his great glory and profound spiritual influence over them (GG, 273). He is a serene and sublime soul and an ideal human entity of ineffable greatness, who, in his supreme spiritual attainment, eminently commands the vision of the Universal Soul in himself and who has even been exalted by Guru Arjan to the position of the Supreme Being, in the eighth ashtpadi or canto of Sukhmani: “Brahmgiani puran purakhu bidhata… Brahmgiani api nirankaru” (GG, 273-274).
References :
1. Winternitz, M., History of Indian Literature. Tr. S. Ketkar. Calcutta, 1927
2. Sher Singh, The Philosophy of Sikhism. Lahore, 1944
3. Nripinder Singh, The Sikh Moral Tradition. Delhi, 1990
4. Jodh Singh, Bhai, Gurmati Nirnaya. Lahore, 1932
Brahmgiani: The Realized Soul in Sikhism
In Sikhism, the term Brahmgiani (Sanskrit: brahmajnanin, “knower of Brahman”) refers to an enlightened individual who has attained spiritual realization of the Universal Spirit (Brahman). This knowledge transcends mere intellectual understanding and manifests as a continuous awareness of the divine presence within and around us. The Brahmgiani embodies the ultimate spiritual state, where the individual soul (atman) unites with the Universal Soul (Brahman), achieving freedom from the dualities of joy and sorrow, life and death.
The Concept of Brahmgiani
The Brahmgiani in Sikhism is not merely a scholar or philosopher but a person who experiences total oneness with Waheguru (God). This oneness aligns with the Sikh concept of Naam (the Name of God) as the essence of all existence. The Brahmgiani has realized the divine will (Hukam) and lives in harmony with the universe, free from ego (haumai) and attachments to material pleasures.
Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru of Sikhism, provides a detailed and poetic description of the Brahmgiani in his composition Sukhmani Sahib, a revered section of the Guru Granth Sahib (pages 272–274). The Brahmgiani is depicted as the epitome of virtues such as humility, compassion, and equanimity. They are deeply aware of their interconnectedness with all beings and radiate love, kindness, and divine wisdom.
Qualities of a Brahmgiani
- Unattachment (Nirlep): Like the lotus in water, the Brahmgiani remains untouched by worldly temptations.
- Divine Realization: They have profound awareness of Waheguru and see the divine presence in all creation.
- Compassion: A Brahmgiani is deeply humane and compassionate, ever gracious toward others.
- Equanimity: They view all beings with an equal gaze, indifferent to praise or criticism.
- Purity of Mind: The Brahmgiani is free from vices such as greed, anger, and pride.
- Spiritual Guide: They uplift others by showing them the path to spiritual liberation through counsel and example.
The Brahmgiani as the Ideal Being
Guru Arjan extols the Brahmgiani to such an extent that, in moments of spiritual exaltation, he describes them as one with the Supreme Being: “Nanak Brahmgiani api parmesur” (The Brahmgiani is the Supreme Lord Himself). While this does not imply divinity in the literal sense, it signifies the spiritual perfection and complete alignment with divine will that the Brahmgiani attains.
The Brahmgiani is compared to elements of nature such as the earth, which remains impartial whether someone digs it or adorns it with sandalwood. They bring liberation to those around them and are revered as beacons of divine light and wisdom.
Modern Relevance of the Brahmgiani Concept
In today’s world, the Brahmgiani serves as an inspiring ideal for individuals striving for spiritual growth. The qualities described—humility, compassion, and equanimity—are universal virtues that can guide people to live more meaningful and harmonious lives. While the ultimate state of Brahmgiani may be rare, its principles encourage everyone to cultivate a deeper connection with the divine and act selflessly for the welfare of others.
Conclusion
The Brahmgiani is a symbol of spiritual perfection and divine realization in Sikhism. Their life reflects the ultimate goal of Sikh philosophy: to rise above ego and duality, unite with Waheguru, and inspire others on their spiritual journey. The poetry of Guru Arjan in Sukhmani Sahib captures the profound essence of the Brahmgiani as a serene, compassionate, and enlightened soul who embodies the virtues of Waheguru. This timeless concept continues to guide and uplift those seeking a path to spiritual fulfillment.
