The author's own interpretations has been used for many these words, since often the definitions fall short. The Mahan Kosh is also a good resource to consult for definitions and meanings also.
Commonly translated as soul, consciousness, mind. However, this is perhaps more accurately described as the "Separateness" from God or the distinct individual part of God that is embedded in a separate self.
Meaning speech, utterance. Used in this manifesto as short for Gurbani.
One who does Bhagti, devotional worship of God.
One of the expressions of God in a feminine form with particular emphasis on the life giving qualities. Creative energy of God.
Warrior spirit/essence. To be imbued with Bir Ras is to adopt a mindset willing to engage in battle.
Short for Brahma
Knowledge and wisdom of Brahma/God
Royal court that brings together musicians, poets, philosophers and others into a single space to highlight excellence in each field or to hold discussions. Generally under the patronage of a monarch or noble.
Translated as "tenth part". This is a practice amongst Sikhs to pay 10% of their earnings towards charity, the community or the Khalsa and the Guru.
Slavery, oppression
Commonly referred to as VahiGuru in Sikh tradition. God in Sikhi is not referring to a cloud wizard. Instead, it is understood as existence itself. In love for God, certain personified qualities are attributed to it which aids in reaching enlightenment (oneness or realisation of the nature of existence/reality). God is therefore everything in existence. There is nothing but God.
Speech, utterances, writings of the Guru
Gu = Darkness, Ru = Light. Hence a Guru is that which brings light (symbolising knowledge/wisdom) to dispel the darkness (ignorance). An "enlightener".
A building that houses the Guru. Acts as a place of worship
Wisdom, knowledge
A name for God.
I, me - the feeling of a separate sense of self
Order. This refers to "God's will" or the natural predetermined set of events ordained by God
Non-duality. Ik - refers to the number one, as to avoid any misinterpretation. Oan/Om - the first breakdown of that one to help understand it. It is made up of 3 syllables - A, U, M which each symbolise the waking state of consciousness, dream state, and dreamless sleep state. This covers all possible layers of reality, thereby symbolising that this Ik, is indeed present in every aspect of existence. The Kaar further reminds of this as it symbolises the Ik present in all three states of consciousness (Turiya). There are other breakdowns of this such as the creation and expansion of existence or the Trimurti version, however they all pertain to the same thing - that all reality is essentially the same thing - thingness itself. Ik Onkaar highlights the non-dualism of Sikh philosophy, and all of Gurbani is designed to explain it and how to transcend the illusion that we are separate from it.
World - hence Jagat Guru means the Guru for the whole world
The first section of the Guru Granth Sahib, written by Guru Nanak and read daily by Sikhs
Term of respect
One of the expressions of God in a feminine form with particular emphasis on rage and destruction of enemies in battle.
Age of darkness, iron age - In Hindu mythology the surface level interpretation is referring to the period of immoral behaviour and a lack of societal ethics. However, on a deeper level, it can refer to one's own state of mind
Action - can refer to the laws of cause and effect. Put your foot in a puddle and it gets wet.
One of the original expressions of Sikhi as a religion. This refers to the order of warrior saints established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The Guru aimed to turn many of his Sikhs into saint-soldiers in order to fight oppression and tyranny.
To search and uncover (knowledge)
A tradition established by Guru Nanak that refers to the free community kitchen that feeds all regardless of any caste, religion, background or other arbitrary labels.
One of the expressions of God in a feminine form with particular emphasis on wealth and prosperity.
A great being - referring to those people who have successfully overcome the illusion of separateness and have become enlightened. They are "one with God".
Another name for Shiva
Refers to the material, physical reality. It is also referred to as the illusion of separateness from God. However, it is still God. The illusion still exists, it’s just a matter of perception. When discussing the topics of this manifesto (and most things in general), these are in the illusion.
Temporal/worldly matters.
Without fear
Without hate
A line from Gurbani
The (Sikh) path/community
Supreme Atma. Another word for God.
Spiritual matters
or Ragas - a specify mood. This refers to the system of Indian classical music, of which Gurbani is divided by.
The mythological hero in the Ramayan. He acts as metaphor for God as well as Dharam (duty). The Sikh Gurus are also descended from his line as is reveled in Guru Gobind Singh's Bachittar Natak from Dassam Granth
One of the main Ithiaas in Vedic traditions. Guru Gobind Singh also has his own version: 'Ram Avtar', which is a translated version of the original but with more emphasis on the Bir Ras components of the story.
Story
A type of poetic verse
Time, situation, period
Saint
Saint Soldier
Age of truth, Golden age - In Hindu mythology the surface level interpretation is referring to the period of enlightenment and a society that is completely in tune with its spirituality. However, on a deeper level, it can refer to one's own state of mind
(selfless) service - often referring to charitable actions
word(s) of the Guru - often referring to hymns, verses and sections in the Guru Granth Sahib
Martyr - one who overcomes their innate instinct of self-preservation (embedded through millions of years of evolution) in order to uphold the preservation of the life and property of others above his own.
One of the 3 principle deities in Hindu mythology. Shiva is the destroyer god, symbolising the destructive aspects of God. In order for new things to arise, the old must be destroyed (altered, changed). Sometimes in Bani this can be used interchangeably as a term for God.
A type of hermit or ascetic
Sikhism - the spiritual framework as established by Guru Nanak. Sikhi itself isn't a religion, as it is merely the set of teachings that can be adopted and understood by all humanity without obligation. The Khalsa can be seen as one of the religions of Sikhi (alongside Udasin, Nirmale, Sevapanthi etc). Sikhi can be practised either with religion or without.
A teaching, lessons
Remembrance - referring to a meditative practice that put focus on God
Soldier
The wife of Raam Chandar. Can also symbolise the self.
Without fear
Term of respect
Focused, dedicated form of meditation
A type of sword
Devotion
Devotee
A teaching (from a Guru)
One of the six main schools of Hindu mythology, primarily dealing with the Upanishads
Contemplation
One of the 3 principal dieties in Hindu mythology. Vishnu is the sustainer god, symbolising the aspects of God involved with maintaining existence. Vishnu is often incarnated as Avtars in many Ithiaas. Sometimes in Bani this can be used interchangeably as a term for God.
Practitioner of Yoga - someone seeking union with God
