Sat (Sanskrit) - in Sikhism

In Sikhism

In Sikhism, Sat is the most important virtue which Sikhs try to develop during their life. God is Truth and by trying to ‘practise truth’ (i.e. live a truthful life), Sikhs believe that they can live in accordance with God’s will - hukam - which teaches that: Truth is not just about speaking the truth but also about recognizing and living in line with the true nature of reality. Acting justly towards others, honesty, treating everyone as equals and avoiding criticising others are all examples of truthful living for Sikhs.

Sikhs believe that human beings must work at developing all the God-like qualities they have in order to truly love God. Love of God is not just a feeling but always involves showing love for God by selfless service to God’s creation. A person who is Gurmukh does not act out of selfishness but, by focusing on God acts out of compassion for others and becomes the slave of the Lord’s slaves. Thus finding the Lord, he eradicates ego from within.

Maya and haumai are overcome by focusing only on God while serving God in creation. Material wealth, fame and praise are unimportant because the Gurmukh is focused on the only thing of lasting value – God - as the wealth of the Naam shall never be exhausted; no one can estimate its worth.

The other four qualities in the arsenal of five that a Sikh must wear are: Contentment (Santokh), Compassion (Daya), Humility (Nimrata) and Love (Pyare). These five qualities are essential for Sikhs and it is their duty to meditate and recite the Gurbani so that these virtues become a part of their mind set.