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Summary of Question:	What Is The 'Word Of The Shabad'
Category:	Meditation
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 9/03/2002 11:20 AM MDT

Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru ji ki fateh

I just want to say that u are running a brilliant service and its great. Thanxx!

What I wanted to ask was that what is the "Word of the Shabad". I've seen it many times in the translations of hukamnamas on sikhnet and it usually comes up with something like "he who realizes the word of the shabad...".

It sounds pretty important so it would be great if you could tell me what it is and what it means. Thank you.

Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru ji ki fateh
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REPLY
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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Great question. The "word of the Shabd" is a reference to the Naam, or Name. Shabd of course also means an entire verse in Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Shabd means "holy word" and "realizing the Word of the Shabd" is like saying "he who realizes the truth of this gurbani, etc" However, it is not necessarily an understanding that comes immediately or right away. That is why we chant and meditate on the Naam. This meditation develops our spiritual understanding, and such understanding goes beyond mere human words. Guru Nanak understood this, but to give it some focal point for us to work with, he used the word "Shabd".

Please search this Forum and this website using keywords "Shabd Guru" or "Shabad Guru". You will see many references that will expand your understanding of this concept. The Guru of all Sikhs, from Nanak forward, was/is Shabd Guru, represented today in Siri Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK