In Gurmat (the Sikh way of life), reality is fundamentally rooted in Paratama (Universal Consciousness), the ground of all existence. This consciousness is expressed as Ongkaar (ੴ), the vibrational essence of creation, described in Gurbani as the unstruck sound (Anhad Naad), a cosmic resonance that gives rise to the infinite vibratory phenomena of the universe. This primordial vibration serves as the creative force behind all existence, as affirmed in the Mool Mantar:
“ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ।”
(There is One Universal Creator, whose Name is Truth. The Creator is Fearless, Without Hatred, Beyond Time, Unborn, Self-Existent, and realized through Guru’s Grace.)
Gurmat provides an ontological model that not only describes the nature of existence but offers a transformative pathway to experiencing life as an interconnected whole. This model bridges the gap between spirituality and science, presenting a framework where consciousness is both the source and the substance of reality, dynamically expressed through vibrational energy.
The Science Behind Gurmat Ontology
Consciousness as the Ground of Reality
In Gurmat, Paratama (Universal Consciousness) is the ultimate substratum of existence. It is not a distant deity but an immanent presence, described as “ਰਬਾਬੀ ਵਾਜੈ ਤੇਰੀ” (Your divine instrument plays eternally, Guru Nanak, SGGS 879). This consciousness is self-existent (Saibhang) and manifests reality through its vibratory nature, as expressed in Ongkaar.
The term Ongkaar reflects the unstruck cosmic sound (Anhad Naad) that permeates all creation. This concept aligns with modern physics, which recognizes the vibrational and electromagnetic nature of energy and matter. In Gurbani, it is said:
“ਨਾਦੰ ਨਾਦਿ ਨਾਦੁ ਬੇਅੰਤੈ।”
(The sound current, the infinite vibration, resounds endlessly. – SGGS 879)
Vibrational Reality and Akash
The vibrations of Ongkaar are expressed through Akash (ether), which serves as the medium for these waves to manifest as energy and form. This aligns with contemporary scientific concepts of the electromagnetic field as the foundation of physical reality. In Gurmat, this vibrational interplay is described as the dynamic unfolding of creation, preservation, and dissolution (Tri-Gun), all of which are inherently divine. As Guru Nanak states:
“ਸੁੰਨ ਮਹਿ ਸਚੋ ਸਚੁ ਰਖਿਆ।”
(Within the primal void, the True Lord established the eternal reality. – SGGS 1037)
Ontological Living: From Self-Realization to Self-Sovereignty
Self-Realization (Aatam Gyaan)
Gurmat offers a pathway for humans to align with this ontological reality. Through meditation on Naam (the Divine Name), individuals transcend the illusion of ego (Haumai), realizing their oneness with the infinite consciousness. Guru Nanak says:
“ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ।”
(O Nanak, one who realizes the Divine Command loses their ego. – SGGS 1)
This self-realization brings a profound understanding of one’s essence as a spark of the universal consciousness, leading to liberation from suffering and duality.
Self-Transendence (Jeevan Mukti)
Gurmat emphasizes that self-realization must manifest as action in the world. Living in alignment with divine consciousness inspires ethical living, compassion, and service (Seva). This is not an escape from life but an actualization of one’s highest potential while engaged in worldly responsibilities. Guru Nanak encapsulates this integration as:
“ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਉਦਾਸੀ ਅਤਿ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ।”
(One can be detached and deeply spiritual even while living in a household. – SGGS 869)
Self-Sovereignty (Miri-Piri)
The ultimate outcome of this ontological living is self-sovereignty—a state of mastery over one’s inner and outer worlds. This principle is epitomized in the Sikh concept of Miri-Piri, where spiritual sovereignty (Piri) and temporal sovereignty (Miri) are integrated into a holistic expression of freedom, responsibility, and well-being. Guru Gobind Singh beautifully articulated this balance:
“ਸਿਰ ਜਬ ਧਰ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਰਮਿਆ, ਜਬ ਹੀ ਅਨਦ ਅਨੂਪ ਸਦ ਰੰਗਿਆ।”
(When one surrenders ego to Divine Will, true bliss and divine sovereignty are realized. – Dasam Granth)
A New Ontological Experience of Reality
Gurmat invites us to experience reality as an interconnected, vibrant, and conscious whole. This model integrates spiritual wisdom with scientific inquiry, offering a holistic framework for well-being:
- Mental Clarity: Through Naam meditation and Gurbani reflection, the mind is freed from egoic distortions, achieving balance and clarity.
- Emotional Resilience: Recognizing one’s unity with all existence cultivates compassion and equanimity.
- Physical Well-Being: Living ethically and mindfully fosters harmony in daily life, promoting health and vitality.
- Spiritual Sovereignty: Aligning with Ongkaar empowers individuals to live authentically, embodying divine consciousness in every aspect of life.
This ontological living transcends mere philosophical understanding, providing a practical pathway from self-realization to self-sovereignty. It transforms life into a dance of interconnected vibrations, guided by the divine symphony of Ongkaar, leading to wholeness and well-being. As Guru Nanak declares:
“ਏਕਾ ਮਾਈ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਵਿਆਈ ਤਿਨਿ ਚੇਲੇ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ।”
(The One Divine Mother manifested creation through vibrational wisdom, and all beings are its reflections. – SGGS 7)
In this way, Gurmat provides not just an understanding of reality but a transformative experience that harmonizes consciousness, life, and existence.
(c) Davinder S Panesar 2024