Osgoode’s Sikh Students Association wishes everyone who celebrates a blessed Gurpurab!
2024 marked the 555th anniversary of the birth of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasize the oneness of God but also place a strong focus on the values of equality, humility, and selfless service. As we reflect on the significance of this milestone, here are five key takeaways from Guru Nanak’s teachings—values that we, as future lawyers, should always carry with us, no matter the area of law we choose to pursue. These principles transcend many centuries, offering timeless guidance for how we practice law and engage with society.
OUR DUTIES AS ADVOCATES
As future lawyers, it is important to advocate for justice and uphold the law. The teachings of Guru Nanak have called for the protection of human rights, the pursuit of truth, and challenging injustice. Guru Nanak’s emphasis on equality, compassion, and standing up for the oppressed aligns with the ethical obligations of lawyers to defend the vulnerable, confront corruption, and promote social justice. By embodying these values, lawyers can contribute to a legal system that is not just a tool of governance, but a means of fostering dignity, respect, and equality for all individuals. We are equipped with the power to create positive change and, irrespective of our personal beliefs, our work should reflect Guru Nanak’s teachings.
SELFLESS SERVICE (SEVA)
Seva is the Punjabi word for describing the act of selfless service without any expectation of reward or recognition. In the Sikh tradition, seva is seen as a way to live out the teachings of Guru Nanak and embody the values of humility, compassion, and selflessness. It involves serving the community, helping those in need, and contributing to the welfare of others regardless of their background, religion, or status. We commonly think of volunteering when we think of acts of seva. However, seva can take many other forms, including assisting those in need, such as the elderly, sharing knowledge, offering emotional support, or working toward social justice.
Seva is performed with a spirit of humility without seeking personal gain. Every year, Osgoode’s Sikh Students Association participates in its Seva Initiative. This initiative includes synergizing our cultural and moral values by distributing meals to homeless communities in downtown Toronto, fostering a greater sense of compassion and empathy for those in need. This tradition takes place during the month of January, which is typically the coldest time of the year, and offers a glimpse into the daily struggles that the homeless experience.
We invite all Osgoode students to help us this upcoming winter to foster Guru Nanak’s values of humility and compassion when we help those in need with this small gesture. This synthesizes our ability to create small changes in exchange for exposure to the struggles that people in our community face.
COMMUNITY KITCHEN (LANGAR)
Our Seva Initiative is an extension of the concept of langar. Langar is a central practice in Sikhism that involves serving free meals to all people, regardless of their background, religion, or social status. In many ways, it is akin to a community kitchen where everyone is welcome. Those who practice seva prepare and serve nutritious vegetarian meals to everyone that comes to the Gurdwara (the Sikh place of worship). One offers their peace and presence without expecting anything in return. If you are able to, you would join everyone who is eating food by sitting on the floor. Otherwise, you may sit along the langar hall. By sitting together in the langar hall, people from all walks of life share a meal as equals, embodying the Sikh belief that all are equal.
Langar continues to be a hallmark of Sikh Gurdwaras worldwide, symbolizing the spirit of service and collective responsibility for everyone. If you know anyone who needs warmth and food, please encourage them to visit the Gurdwara where they will be taken care of.
EQUALITY OF ALL/ONENESS (IK)
For those who are more fortunate, it’s easy to forget what it’s like for those on the other side of the equation. In a time when prices are soaring and affordability is a growing concern for many, we sometimes unconsciously associate our self-worth with our net worth. This tendency to define ourselves by material wealth or social status can overshadow the deeper values that unite us all.
Guru Nanak, however, strongly rejected the rigid caste system, social classes, discrimination, and inequality. He emphasized that all human beings, regardless of their caste, gender, or social status, are equal in the eyes of God, and represent ik, or oneness. This belief calls on us to reconsider how we view others and, more importantly, how we act toward them. True compassion and empathy require us to acknowledge the struggles of others and work towards a society where dignity, respect, and equality are afforded to all. In a world that often reinforces divisions, Guru Nanak’s teachings urge us to rise above societal distinctions. As legal professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure that the law reflects these values and that we advocate for the marginalized, the oppressed, and the voiceless.
EARNING THROUGH HONEST MEANS (KIRAT KARNI)
During law school, we often hear about the importance of being a good lawyer and doing honest work to promote the rule of law. Kirat karni aligns closely with one of Guru Nanak’s core teachings. Regardless of our political or religious affiliations, it is a guiding value in the legal profession. As lawyers, we are bound to uphold the integrity of the law, and that begins with practicing truthfulness and honesty in all our dealings, whether personal or professional. Upholding these values not only strengthens the legal system but also fosters trust and respect in the communities we serve. Our commitment to truth, fairness, and ethical conduct is foundational to our role as advocates for justice.