GURMUKH (gur = Guru; mukh = face), a word employed in Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, in several distinct shades of signification. The gurmukh is, for instance, the Primordial Guru (God) who created all forms; it is He, too, who strings them into one thread oan gurmukhi kio akdrd ekahi suli provanhdrd (GG, 250). Gurmukh is also the Guru who instils the awe of the Fearless One, and through the Word shapes the misshapen (minds).
In another sense, gurmukh is the God conscious or the God inspired man who, imbued with the Word, is crowned with glory at the Lord`s portal gurmukhi hari dari sob/id pde (GG, 125).In Marii Solahe by Guru Amar Das, Gurmukh is the mystic sound {ndd), spiritual knowledge (Ved), and the contemplation thereof (GO, 1058). At a few places in the Guru Granth Sahib the word gurmukh is used in its literal sense of the face of the Guru. “Beholding the Guru`s countenance one attains the highest bliss guru mukhu dekhi garii sukhu pdyau” (GG, 1400).
Varyingly, it signifies “by the Master`s Word” (adv.). “By the Master`s Word is attained the Name that is like cool water, whereby elixir of the Name divine is quaffed in long draughts gurmukhi ndmu sital jalu paid hari hari ndmu pid rasu jhik” (GG, 1336).However, the principal sense in which the word most frequently occurs in the Guru Granth Sahib is that of the God inspired or the ocentric man one who follows the way of life prescribed by the Guru and acts on his precepts.
In this sense, he has his “face turned towards the Guru.” Gurmukh is a Siddha or the perfect being. Guru Nanak, according to Sidha Gosti, had as a pilgrim been searching for such a one all over gurmukhi khojat bhae uddsi (GG, 939). Gurmukh stands in contradistinction to manmukh, the egocentred one, who has turned his face away from the Guru: the ego centred one turns his back (upon him) gurmukhi sanmukhu m,anmukhi vemukhid (GG, 131).
The gurmukh thus embodies the acme of the personality typology postulated in Sikh thought.The God facing man (gurmukh) is inspired by the Guru`s spirit. He scrupulously follows the Guru`s teaching and lives as the Master bids, for he is “merged in the Guru`s Word” (GG, 1054-55). Gurmukh lives for truth and right cousness. Having bathed in the pool of truth the soul of the gizrmukh is purified. Truth pervades his speech, Truth bedecks his vision, Truth fills his actions, too.
To a gurmukh alone is Truth revealed, for he is rid of doubt, delusion and pride gurmukhi hovai su sojhi pde haum.ai maid bharamu gavde (GG, 1058-59). His is an illumined mind free from ignorance and dubiety.While a manmukh even at his best practises but deception, the gurmukh is a serene follower of truth. Discrimination (vivek) is his hallmark and he burns his ego through concentration on the Sabad (sabda) gurmukhi haumai sabadi jalde (GG, 942).
The gurmukh dwells upon the Name of God. He constantly meditates through simran and gains stability of mind. Mind not attuned to the true self becomes limited. The gurmukh dispels all dubiety of the mind gunnukhi sagaH ganat mifdvai (GG, 9`12). Freedom from attachment characterizes his conduct. The gurmukh carries out actions, but himself he transcends them. His deeds are good spontaneously. He is above pleasure and pain.
The Lord Himself lias apportioned woe and weal to man… but the gurmukh is untouched by these. He is a re-nouncer in spirit even while carrying out duties of the householder. The gurmukh indulges in the actions dictated by his destiny and yet is not lost in them because spiritual discipline and divine enlightenment qualify him to distinguish truly between desired action (pravrtii) and renunciation (nivrtf.i) gurmukhi parvirafi nannrati pachhdni (GG, 911).
Jndm, sant, brahmgidm are some oilier terms which are used in Gurbam synonymously with gurmukh. In Sikhism the connotation of gurmukh is wide and comprehensive and the term has been applied to a whole continuum of the enlightened ones from the self searching jigydsu through one who lias attained sahaj (equipoise), mental and spiritual.
References :
1. Sabaddarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964.
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Singh Grandhi. Amritsar, 1927-33
3. Jodh Singh, Bhai, Gurmati Ninaya. Lahore, 1932
4. Avtar Singh, Ethics of the Sikhs. Patiala, 1970
5. Nripinder Singh, The Sikh Moral Tradition. Delhi, 1990
6. Wazir Singh, Philosophy of Sikh Religion. Delhi, 1981
7. Sher Singh, The Philosophy of Sikhism. Lahore, 1911
A Gurmukh in Sikhism represents the ideal spiritual being, one who is oriented toward the Guru and aligned with divine will. The term, derived from Punjabi, means “follower of the Guru” and encapsulates a life lived in harmony with the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. To be a Gurmukh is to transcend worldly attachments, ego, and ignorance, and to fully embody devotion, humility, and truth in every thought and action.
The concept of Gurmukh is deeply rooted in the Guru Granth Sahib, which emphasizes the importance of turning away from the self-centeredness of Manmukh (an ego-driven individual) and embracing the Guru’s wisdom. A Gurmukh embodies the divine virtues and maintains unwavering focus on the Naam (the Name of God). In doing so, they achieve spiritual liberation while living, experiencing the blissful union with Waheguru.
A Gurmukh is entirely immersed in the divine, perceiving the presence of Waheguru in all creation. Their actions are guided by selflessness and compassion, reflecting their profound connection with the universal truth. They live a life of service, promoting justice, equality, and the welfare of others, yet remain detached from pride or worldly desires. A Gurmukh does not merely follow rituals or seek intellectual understanding of spirituality; they embody the essence of Sikh teachings and radiate the light of divine grace.
In Sikhism, becoming a Gurmukh is seen as the ultimate goal, achieved through surrender to the Guru, meditation, and living according to Hukam (divine will). The state of Gurmukh is celebrated as one of eternal peace, where the individual transcends the cycles of birth and death and merges into the infinite oneness of Waheguru.
This timeless concept continues to inspire individuals to seek a higher purpose, guiding them toward a life enriched with spiritual wisdom, selfless service, and unity with the divine. It remains a cornerstone of Sikh philosophy, offering a profound framework for cultivating harmony within oneself and the world.
