Course Description

Literally a mare, Ghoria is a bani based on a marriage tradition prevalent in the north-western region of the Indian sub-continent, particularly Panjab. At the time of marriage, the women of the house come together and sing songs before the groom who ceremonially rides a mare before departing for the wedding at the bride’s place.

The Guru’s use of this ceremony, and its symbolism, equates it to the human life, quest, and true purpose. It draws a parallel between the worldly marriage and the marriage with the Divine.

Ghoria answers such questions as:

  • What is the purpose of this body and life?

  • How is the highest state achieved?

  • What is the way to establish a relationship with the Divine? 

  • How is the fickle mind controlled?

This course challenges anyone to reflect on the true purpose of life and realign priorities based on that understanding.

As with all SikhRI online courses, besides the learning of bani, participants also get to learn new vocabulary around the theme.

Ghoria online course has been made possible by the generous support of Dr. Kuldip Singh Kahlon of Abbotsford, British Columbia.

The registration for Ghoria is now open for all on the SikhRI website.

For any questions regarding the online course, don’t hesitate to reach out to Surender Pal Singh at [email protected].

Instructor

Surender Pal Singh

Surender Pal Singh is a researcher in Sikh studies. He serves as Content Manager at the Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI), where he develops curriculum, presentations, and research papers on Sikh history and culture. He teaches a course on Gurbani at Sidak, an annual leadership program by SikhRI. He is the co-author of Gurbani linguistics book Guru Granth Sahib – Its Language and Grammar and Workbook Gurbani Language and Grammar. He has over seven years of experience in teaching Gurbani linguistics and fifteen years of experience in teaching Sikh theology and culture. He received Master of Arts in English and Religious Studies. He lives in Panjab.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Readings

    • Handout 1: Bani (Gurmukhi) and Translation (English)

    • Handout 2: Interpretation by Prof. Sahib Singh (Panjabi)

    • Handout 3: Interpretation by Bhai Vir Singh (Panjabi)

    • Handout 4: Interpretation by Giani Haribans Singh (Panjabi)

    • Handout 4: Interpretation by Giani Haribans Singh (Panjabi)
  • 2

    Introduction

    • Introduction

    • Etymology

    • Sample Ghori: Introduction

    • Sample: Modern Ghori by Sarvjeet Kaur

    • Sample Ghori Discussion

    • Title
  • 3

    Sabad One

    • Stanza One

    • Stanza Two

    • Stanza Three

    • Stanza Four
  • 4

    Sabad Two

    • Stanza One

    • Stanza Two

    • Stanza Three

    • Stanza Four
  • 5

    Summary

    • Summary

    • Lessons