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Gurdwara means "The Door to the Guru," or "The Guru’s Gate."
When we enter Gurdwara, we are in the actual Presence of our living Guru, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Siri Guru Granth Sahib is the embodiment of the Word, the Shabads, the Songs of worship and prayer of the Gurus. Guru Nanak, the first of the Sikh Gurus, received the Guruship from the Word of God, and transmitted It to all mankind. The Mantle of Guruship passed through ten bodies, until Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Master, compiled these sacred teachings into their present form, and gave the Guruship back to the Word of God, where it now resides, and will for all time.
When we enter the Presence of the Guru, we do so with ultimate respect and humility. All that we think and say and do in the Presence of the Guru should reflect this attitude of gratitude and humility.
The key to all behavior in Gurdwara is grace. Whatever you do, maintain your grace. Gurdwara is a group meditation – please respect the devotion and the love of the other members of the Sadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. They are in Gurdwara to experience the Guru, to receive His Blessing, and grow in consciousness.
