MANMUKH, the ego guided person, as opposed to gurmukh`who is Guru guided. The gurmukhmanmukh bipolarity represents the personality typology employed in the Sikh sacred literature. Basically it opposes and contrasts the ocentric and egocentric personality types. The word manmukh is compounded of man (mind, lower self) and mukh (face): thus one who has his face towards his own mind or ego is egocentric.
`The gurmukh keeps his face towards the Guru for guidance while the manmukh turns away from himgurmukhi sanmukhu manmukhi vemukhid” (GG, l3l).Thus is a manmukh characterised in another verse: “This is of the nature of a manmukh that he cherishes not (the Lord`s) Name and reflects not on (His) Word” (GG, 509). While the gurmukh ever lives in the presence of God, the manmukh remains oblivious of Him. “The manmukh depends upon his own intelligence and calculations (not realizing that) whatever happens is by God`s Will manmukhi ganat ganavam karatd kare su hoi” (GG,60).
His own calculations put him into kannic bondage, for he becomes a slave to his own impulses. Anger and avarice, lust and delusion, arrogance and passion tighten their grip on him. He obeys his own impulses refusing to reckon any law outside of himself. He never cares to listen to the word of the Guru or the advice of the holy.”He is lost in the wilderness of his own delusions and passions manmukhi bharami bhavai bebani” (GG, 941). Forgetting the Giver, that is God, he chases material goods all the time. The longer he remains under the sway of his baser self (man), the farther he drifts from God`s grace.
The manmukh is compared to a stone which, even if kept in water for long, remains unsoaked at heart: “manmukh patharu sailu hai dhrigu jivanu phika. jal mahi keta rakhiai abh antari suka” (GG, 419). He allows his senses to be ruled by his passions: his egoity stands between him and the Lord. Guru Nanak applied the term manmukh to those persons who were egoridden materialistic, and hypocritical. They pose to be religious, but are in reality proud and evilminded.His successor Gurus, besides the above typology, applied the term to persons who calumniated the Guru, opposed his teachings and doctrines and kept away from the sangat (fellowship of the holy).
Bhai Gurdas had the Gurus` calumniators in mind when he discoursed on manmukhs in his Vars. After the institution of the Khalsa, those kesadharis who did not receive pahul were, in a sense, considered to be manmukhs like those who took pahul but then did not abide by stipulated conduct. Apart from this latter day usage, the term in its original conceptual signification refers to one who believes in duality (dvaitbhava) and who led by his self will refuses the Guru`s guidance and wantonly indulges his impulses. He loves the gifts but forgets the Giver.
References :
1. Sabadarth Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar, 1964
2. Sher Singh, The Philosophy of Sikhism. Lahore, 1944
3. Ishar Singh, The Philosophy of Sikhism. Delhi, 1985
4. Jagjit Singh, Perspectives on Sikh Studies. Delhi, 1985
5. Khazan Singh, History and Philosophy of Sikh Religion. Patiala, 1964
6. Nripinder Singh, The Sikh Moral Tradition. Delhi, 1990
7. Avtar Singh, Ethics of the Sikhs. Paliala, 1970
Manmukh: A Life Guided by Ego in Sikhism
In Sikhism, the term Manmukh refers to an individual who is self-centered and guided by their ego (man = mind, mukh = facing). It describes a person who turns away from the teachings of the Guru and follows their own worldly desires and attachments, rather than seeking spiritual growth and connection with Waheguru (God). The concept of Manmukh is deeply significant in Sikh philosophy as a counterpoint to the Gurmukh, the spiritually enlightened person who lives in harmony with the Guru’s teachings.
Characteristics of a Manmukh
A Manmukh is someone whose life is driven by selfishness, materialism, and the pursuit of transient pleasures. They are often caught in the cycle of haumai (ego) and maya (illusion), which blinds them to the true purpose of life—union with the divine. Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus emphasize in the Guru Granth Sahib that such individuals are prone to negative emotions like greed, anger, lust, pride, and attachment, which ultimately lead to spiritual stagnation.
The Manmukh is disconnected from the Naam (the Name of God) and fails to live according to Hukam (divine will). They are often described as being trapped in ignorance, unaware of the divine presence within themselves and the world around them.
Consequences of Being a Manmukh
According to Sikh teachings, the path of the Manmukh leads to suffering and bondage. By prioritizing worldly gains over spiritual truth, they remain entangled in the cycle of birth and death (samsara). The absence of connection with the divine results in a lack of true peace and fulfillment. The Guru Granth Sahib describes the Manmukh as spiritually blind, unable to see the guiding light of the Guru’s wisdom.
Transformation from Manmukh to Gurmukh
Sikhism teaches that the state of being a Manmukh is not permanent. Through sincere devotion, humility, and effort, one can transcend the ego and become a Gurmukh—a person oriented toward the Guru and aligned with divine will. This transformation requires cultivating virtues such as love, compassion, contentment, and faith, and dedicating oneself to the Naam through meditation and prayer.
The role of the Guru is central in this journey. By following the Guru’s guidance, one can overcome ignorance and ego, finding the true path to liberation (mukti). The teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib inspire individuals to move from the self-centered life of the Manmukh to the spiritually centered life of the Gurmukh.
Relevance in Modern Life
The concept of Manmukh remains highly relevant today, as people navigate the distractions and pressures of modern society. The pursuit of material success, social status, and fleeting pleasures often overshadows the deeper quest for spiritual growth and purpose. The teachings about Manmukh serve as a reminder to remain vigilant against the pitfalls of ego and to focus on cultivating a meaningful connection with the divine.
Conclusion
In Sikh philosophy, Manmukh represents a cautionary state of being—one defined by ego and disconnection from the divine. However, it also highlights the potential for transformation and spiritual growth. By recognizing the limitations of a self-centered life and embracing the teachings of the Guru, one can embark on the journey toward becoming a Gurmukh, leading a life of purpose, devotion, and ultimate union with Waheguru.
