Gyani
Encyclopedia
A gyani is someone learned in the Sikh religion and who often leads the congregation in prayers, such as Ardas
, or in singing (kirtan
). The word "Ghian" in Punjabi
means knowledge. So a "gyani" is someone who has spiritual and religious knowledge and can help the congregation, called the Sadh Sangat, in understanding the Sacred Texts and the history of the religion.
A gyani can be a male or a female, as the Sikh religion gives equal rights to both sexes. He or she will have undergone an intensive course of study and evaluation at an academic or religious institute, will have a thorough knowledge of the Guru Granth Sahib
, the Sikh Holy Granth (or Book), and will have the ability to translate the words of sacred text into simple everyday language. Gyanis can also communicate in English, a major bonus to western children who are not fluent in Punjabi
or Gurmukhi, the language of the holy scriptures.
Spiritually, a true gyani is called a Brahm gyani. This is what the Guru Granth Sahib says about such a person:
Ardas
The Ardās is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or after undertaking any significant task; after reciting the daily Banis ; or completion of a service like the Paath , kirtan program or any other religious program. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating...
, or in singing (kirtan
Kirtan
Kirtan or Kirtana is call-and-response chanting or "responsory" performed in India's devotional traditions. A person performing kirtan is known as a kirtankar. Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, the two-headed...
). The word "Ghian" in Punjabi
Punjabi language
Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by inhabitants of the historical Punjab region . For Sikhs, the Punjabi language stands as the official language in which all ceremonies take place. In Pakistan, Punjabi is the most widely spoken language...
means knowledge. So a "gyani" is someone who has spiritual and religious knowledge and can help the congregation, called the Sadh Sangat, in understanding the Sacred Texts and the history of the religion.
A gyani can be a male or a female, as the Sikh religion gives equal rights to both sexes. He or she will have undergone an intensive course of study and evaluation at an academic or religious institute, will have a thorough knowledge of the Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
, the Sikh Holy Granth (or Book), and will have the ability to translate the words of sacred text into simple everyday language. Gyanis can also communicate in English, a major bonus to western children who are not fluent in Punjabi
Punjabi language
Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by inhabitants of the historical Punjab region . For Sikhs, the Punjabi language stands as the official language in which all ceremonies take place. In Pakistan, Punjabi is the most widely spoken language...
or Gurmukhi, the language of the holy scriptures.
Spiritually, a true gyani is called a Brahm gyani. This is what the Guru Granth Sahib says about such a person:
See also
- Pratap Singh GianiPratap Singh GianiPratap Singh Giani was a Sikh academician, scholar and calligraphist.He was born in 1855, the son of Bhai Bhag Singh Giani of Lahore. As a young boy, Partap Singh learnt Punjabi, Urdu and Sanskrit and studied Sikh scriptures...
- Giani Chet SinghGiani Chet SinghGiani Chet Singh was an Indian scholar.He was born at Bhakhrewali, Gujrat district. He learned Punjabi from the village Granthi. But he got primary education in Urdu medium. Under the guidance of Pundit Narain Singh he studied many Granths in Urdu and Hindi...
- Giani Zail Singh
- Gyani Inder Singh