Five Virtues

Part of a series on Sikh practices and discipline
Five Banis · Five Ks · Five Evils · Five Virtues · Simran · Sewa · Three pillars · Sikh Rehat Maryada

In Sikhism, the Five Virtues are fundamental qualities which one should develop in order to reach Mukti, or to reunite or merge with God. The Sikh Gurus taught that these positive human qualities were Sat (truth), Daya (compassion), Santokh (contentment), Nimrata (humility), and Pyar (love).

1 Sat
2 Santokh
3 Daya
4 Nimrata
5 Pyar
6 References

Sat

Sikh beliefs

1a. Naam Simran
1b. Sewa

2. Three Pillars
- 2a. Naam Japo
- 2b. Kirat Karo
- 2c. Vand Chhako

3. Five Evils
- 3a. Kaam (lust)
- 3b. Krodh (wrath)
- 3c. Lobh (greed)
- 3d. Moh (attachment)
- 3e. Hankaar (ego, pride)

4. Five Virtues
- 4a. Sat
- 4b. Santokh
- 4c. Daya
- 4d. Nimrata
- 4e. Pyaar

Sat is the virtue of truthful living, which means practising "righteousness, honesty, justice, impartiality and fair play."^[1]

The Lord's humble servants are True — they practice Truth, and reflect upon the Word of the Guru's Shabad. The True Lord God unites them with Himself, and they keep the True Lord enshrined in their hearts. O Nanak, through the Name, I have obtained salvation and understanding; this alone is my wealth.

— Guru Granth Sahib, page 600

Santokh

Santokh, or contentment, is freedom "from ambition, envy, greed and jealousy. Without contentment, it is impossible to acquire peace of mind."^[1]

Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life. One who is so blessed by the Formless Lord God renounces selfishness, and becomes the dust of all.

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 51

Daya

The exercise of Daya, or compassion, involves "considering another's difficulty or sorrow as one's own and helping to relieve it as far as possible. Compassion also includes the overlooking of imperfections and mistakes of others, for to err is human."^[1]

Be kind to all beings-this is more meritorious than bathing at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage and the giving of charity.

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 136

Nimrata

Nimrata, translated as "humility", "benevolence" or "humbleness", is the fourth virtue.

The God-conscious being is steeped in humility.

— Guru Granth Sahib, page 273

Pyar

Pyar requires Sikhs to be filled with the love of God.

Let the Fear of God be your feet, and let His Love be your hands; let His Understanding be your eyes.

— Guru Granth Sahib,ang 139

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Mansukhani, Gobind Singh (1977). Introduction to Sikhism. New Delhi: Hemkunt Press. http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/mansukh/047.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-10.