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Summary of Question:	Difference Between A Sant And A Giani
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 8/29/2001 1:54 AM MDT

Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh

The moderators response to this question states the generally prevalent understanding on the definition of these terms.

Unfortunately, that is not what Siri Guru Granth Sahib states about the expression Sant. As per Siri Guru Granth Sahib, the expression Sant when used in Singular form is meant only for GURU SAHIB (and NOT an individual). When used in plural form it is meant for ALL GURSIKHS in general (and NOT for an individual).

In the days of the Guru, there was NO individual given the title of SANT. The honorofic expression of choice was the expression BABA. Even Guru Nanak Sahib has been referred to as BABA on several occasions. Another Gursikh who annointed 6 Gurus, continues to be refered to in our history as BABA BUDDHA.

The expression SANT was apparently first used in the case of BABA Attar Singh Mastuana wale in the early 20th century and since has spread like wildfire to denote any one who wears a round turban, is clinically obese and lives off the earnings of others.

For a detailed write up on this subject, please click on the following link:

http://www.panthkhalsa.org/gurmat/gurmat.html#SANT

Regarding Giani, it means as the moderator has mentioned a LEARNED PERSON in common use. Again that is the commonly accepted meaning but one that is not necessarily in agreement with what Siri Guru Granth Sahib says.

One of the properties that a Gurmukh has is that he is illuminated with "Gyan". This word literally means WISDOM of the Guru, which is supposed to fill you up completely with the love of the creator and destroy the five dhoots (evils) that come with the body. A lot of people who are in the business of explaining what Gurmat is after READING the texts (Without EXPEREINCING them), now like to be called GIANIS. But these are dead wood GIANIS.

The Authentic Giani is one who has the GYAN of the Guru. These people are few and far between. You can recognise them though through their humility and the calm and radiant expression on their face. They can literally LOOK at you and know what is going on in your mind, but are TOO humble to say that they KNOW what you are saying, where you are coming from and what you have in mind as well as what is your past.

Such people are VERY rare. And when you find them the first thing that you will notice that they ensure that no body calls them either SANTS or GIANIS and no one touches their feet.

This definition pretty much excludes all the current day so called SANTS or GIANIS.

Please excuse any mistakes in interpretation

Humbly

Hargurmit Singh
[email protected]