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Summary of Question:	Reply To Reading Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Category:	Gurbani
Date Posted:	Saturday, 6/01/2002 8:20 PM MDT

While i believe your response is correct, i feel you did not fully answer the question. Before you start reading the SGGS you must first learn to do the five banis ( Jap Ji Sahib, Jap Sahib, Tav Parsad Savaiye, Chaupi Sahib, and Anand Sahib). After completing this then one should learn how to do Sukhmani Sahib. The next step should be Vara, Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurdas Ji. All meanings of the above Gurbani should be understood. Then read Panch Granthi and Bhagath Bani published by SSGP. After your flow and pronunciation of the above Gurbanis is correct, then start taking supervised and assisted readings in the presence of learned and practicing Sikhs who are fluent in pronunciation and the understanding of the SGGS. You may take the help of Gurbani Viakaran (grammar of gurbani) written by Bhai Sahib Singh, that may be helpful but does not replace the guidance of a learned sikh. Please remember that if you do not use proper pronunciation and grammar it can change the entire meaning of the SGGS, which can do more harm then good. And always remember as LSK explained you must be respectful, and feel the presence of Guru Himself talking to you. If you have any other questions where i might be of help please dont hesitate to email me at [email protected] . Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Guru's Sevadar,
BSK

(REPLY) In the United States, we have English translations of Siri Guru Granth Sahib available, and everyone is invited and encouraged to come and be in the Guru's court, and to have the privilege of reading in our Akhand Paths -- or whenever Guru is in Parkash. Although it is certainly ideal to follow the procedure you have listed above, it is not possible nor practical for most westerners. So, in spite of the fact that the real "rasa" comes from reciting the words of the Guru in the original Gurmukhi, nevertheless, great benefit comes to those who read even in English! I speak from my own experience of beginning to read only in English for several years, only much later learning Gurumukhi. Our Shabd Guru is for everyone. Our Guru's teachings are desperately needed by people today, and so with great respect and appreciation for your suggestion, I must submit that it is prohibitive. I believe even without 100% corrrect pronunciation (which of course is desirable and to hoped and prayed for) out living Guru blesses those who make the effort to experience the wisdom and guidance Guru provides. What you are suggesting would separate many people from that experience, and reserve it for a special "class" of educated people, and I don't believe that is how it should be. The whole world needs our Shabd Guru, and I think it's the responsibility of those who already have these teachings to share them as openly and freely as possible, so long as reverence and respect are maintained. My apologies if I have offended you in these words from my heart. Humbly yours, SP