A Sikh named Bhai Kalu Ji once plead to Guru Nanak Dev Ji Mahraj to explain who is a Sanmukh. Guru Ji then explained that a Sanmukh person is one that turns his back to sins (ਪਾਪ) and faces virtuous actions (ਪੁੰਨ). Guru ji elaborated that a Sanmukh person comes for Guru Ji’s darshan & witnesses his mind. There are 4 ways a Sanmukh person witnesses his mind:
1. ਮੈਤ੍ਰੀ (Friendship)
If someone desires all the comforts of the world, he only gets what is destined for him according to his Karam. But if he considers all Sikhs to be his friends, he will see their happiness as his too. He will also consider what is his to be theirs too and will willingly share his wealth, knowledge or any virtues with other Sikhs. He always try to make other Sikhs happy like a friend would.
2. ਕਰੁਣਾ (Compassion)
If someone has less wealth, intelligence, knowledge or strength, a Sanmukh Sikh will treat the person as he would treat his nephew. He gives them support and doesn’t make them feel inferior.
3. ਮੁਦਤਾ (Happiness)
If someone is more virtuous or knowledgeable, Sanmukh Sikh gets happy hearing & looking at his virtues & say “Dhan is Waheguru who has produced such great Sikh”. He feels as good as he would hearing the praise of his father or Guru & doesn’t slander them.
4. ਉਪੇਖਿਆ (Disregarding)
A Sanmukh Sikh possesses the quality of Upekhya where preaches based on his wisdom and Guru teachings to everyone. If someone doesn’t want to accept the teaching, a Sanmukh Sikh is not stubborn in insisting the person to accept it. He realises that this person doesn’t have preordained destiny and stays silent.
This was the teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Mahraj to Bhai Kalu Khatri.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji Mahraj was also asked this similar question by Bhai Samunda on who is a Sanmukh Sikh? Guru Arjan Dev Ji replied that when we send someone to do some task, he faces (keeping Sanmukh) the task and completes the task. One who destructs the task instead of accomplishing it is not a Sanmukh. Similarly, a Sikh is sent by Waheguru to practice Naam, Daan and Ishnaan. Sikhs having their Ishnaan at Amrit Vela and reciting Naam while always giving charity is a Sanmukh Sikh. Those that spends their life indulging in vices is a Vemukh person.
Bhai Samunda Ji pleaded that if You shall be compassionate on us, only then can we be Your Sanmukh Sikh.
Guru Ji replied that if a person strives to always Sanmukh, Guru Sahib’s compassion shall always be upon him.
- Sikha di Bhagat Mala by Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji