Caṛdī kalā

Charhdi Kala is an important expression and a central idea in Sikhism for a mind frame that a Sikh has to accept, acquire and practise. Historically, in Punjabi, it is synonymous to "resilience" and is an expression encouraging strength in the face of fear or pain. It loosely means having a “positive, buoyant and optimistic” attitude to life and to the future. Always to be – in "high spirits", "ever progressive", "forward looking", "always evolving," etc are some other terms used to describe this state of mind. It reflects a focused and clear mental state of a Sikh based on an undying dedication to and contentment with the Will of God. In the face of fear or pain - stay dutiful, stay focused, fulfill your obligations.

Sikhism dictates that Sikhs believes in the Will of God (Bhana) and that God is without enemies (Nirvaar) and is always merciful. Hence acceptance of his Will is in the interest of and for the benefit of His Creation, even if at times one suffers severe hardship. This attitude of "Chardi Kala" is to allow one to sail through the ups and downs of life with as little harm as possible to the individual. To join and help others in their hour of need is part of this “Chardi Kala” spirit.

The Sikhs are a unique spirit-born people believing in Guru Nanak’s basic concepts of “Work, Worship and Charity” and “Gurmukh, Naam, Daan, Ishnan.” Naam refers to the Power, the Energy, the Universal Cosmic Life Force and the vibrant manifestation of God in creation.

Chardi Kala indicates the elation or high spirits of Sikhism. Chardi Kala, meaning “the positive attitude” is an equivalence of a mind that never despairs, never admits defeat and refuses to be crushed by adversities. It is the cherished ideal mood which the Gurus have preached and for which a Sikh daily prays in his Ardas (Prayer). “Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, tere bhane’ Sarbaht dah Phahla”

Naam is the Power, the Energy that is always unlimited and never diminishes, no matter how much one partakes of it. In Gurbani Naam is also referred to as the Holy Life Force, as the Entity which is immanent and yet transcendent. As the Guru Granth Sahib tells us, “Says Nanak: Eternal is the foundation that the Guru has laid for my house and it becomes firmer with the passage of each day.” (Guru Granth Sahib page 500-501)

Chardi Kala is the superior and glorious state of mind in which there is no fear, jealousy or enmity and there is a constant celestial bliss of self-dignity, self-abundance and grandeur of soul. Chardi Kala is the indicator of a Sikh’s absolute faith in One Akal-Purakh. The five K’s of Khalsa, a gift from the Guru, are indicative of dignity and power. They are outer indications of the inner spirit that knows of no reverse or disappointment; of the personality that is unconquerable in its hopes, of the spiritual radiance that is always a fountain of inspiration to others.

The life of the Spirit-born people imbibed in Naam makes the Khalsa noble, bold and free, self-less, and sun-like. They represent moral influence, radiating peace, good-will, friendship, fellowship, life and vigour. They live in perpetual bloom like a flower with joy everlasting, and remain in a state of eternal bliss,^[1] not after death in some unknown region, but even now, here in this very life.

To join and help others in their hour of need is part of this “Chardi Kala” spirit.

External links

1. ^ Dr. Harjinder Singh Majhail, 2010. Philosophy of 'Charhdi Kala' and Higher State of Mind in SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB. Deepak Publishers, Jallandhar.