One of the central teachings in Sikhism, that in my mind signifies a really deep philosophy in just one word, Chardi Kala which literally translated means “high spirits”. Our daily prayer ends with Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, tere bhane’ Sarbaht dah Phahla or the “Repeat the name of Guru Nanak in high spirits, may all be blessed under his care”. Chardi Kala signifies a perennially blossoming, unwilting spirit, a perpetual state of certitude resting on the unwavering belief in Divine justice. In Chardi Kala there is confidence in the ultimate victory of Truth over falsehood and of Good over evil.
Sikhs consider Chardi Kala as the central attitude on how one should live their life. Chardi Kala, also meaning “the positive attitude” is an equivalence of a mind that never despairs, never admits defeat and refuses to be crushed by adversities. It means “In High Spirits of the Lord”. All our Gurus repeatedly emphasized in their teaching, poems, songs and lectures that one should always work towards Chardi Kala, be joyous and playful mood even in the time of adversity and despair.
Have you ever observed children, how care-free they are? Regardless of whatever happens, they are mostly always joyful, mischievous and happy. Even if they fall down and get hurt they may cry about it a little but then quickly forget it and move on with life. There is very little despair and brooding over the past as they are always looking for the next game or experience.
Our Gurus encourage us to be like children and remember always that we are all children in the metaphorical eyes of the divine, the one Universe.
This ability to remain positive even in the midst of ‘Calamity’ is Chardi Kala. And where does this Chardi Kala stem from? Well in its purest sense, it’s from Naam. When we enjoy the bliss and joy of knowing our inner and outer Beloved, there can be no question of being sad, it’s all Sweet Hukam, it’s all Chardi Kala.
The example which perfectly defines Chardi Kala is Guru Gobind Singh Ji, when his four sons got martyred in front of him, and he said” chaar muye to kya hua jeevat kai hazar"
Sikhism dictates that Sikhs believe in the Will of God (Bhana) and that God is without enemies (Nirvaar) and is always merciful. Hence an acceptance of his Will is in the interest of and for the benefit of His Creation, even if at times one suffers severe hardship. This attitude of "Chardi Kala" is to allow one to sail through the ups and downs of life with as little harm as possible to the individual. To join and help others in their hour of need is part of this “Chardi Kala” spirit.
(For the family of my Khalsa, I have sacrificed my four sons, So what if four are dead, when thousands more are alive) . This is the height of Chardi Kala.
The five K’s of Khalsa, a gift from the Guru; are indicative of dignity and power. They are outer indications of the inner spirit that knows of no reverse or disappointment; of that personality that is unconquerable in its hopes, of its spiritual radiance that is always a fountain of inspiration to others
Its imbibed in our daily prayers that a Sikh never despairs, never admits defeat and refuses to be crushed by adversities. To all those who find it difficult to rise up, Always Remember “Chardi Kala “ and Move forward with that elevated spirit, Guru Sahib has imbibed us with!
