September 29, 2025
Welcome to the 25th issue of Sikh Echoes — where Sikh wisdom, history, and spirit meet today’s reflections.
Each issue illuminates our journey through the teachings of Gurbani.
Thank you for being here and reflecting together.
Each issue follows a simple format:
- 1 verse to reflect on
- 1 word to deepen understanding
- 1 hymn (or shabad) to anchor the soul
This week, we explore the nature of slander and the slanderer. It is a common experience that when someone speaks ill of another, listeners often pay close attention. Criticism seems to add spice to conversation, even when it lacks truth or foundation. Slander can arise from jealousy, insecurity, or simple habit, and it reflects more about the one speaking than the one being spoken about. In Sikh teachings, ninda is viewed not merely as harmful to others, but as a spiritual disease that binds the slanderer to suffering. Understanding this can help us cultivate awareness and approach our interactions with greater mindfulness and compassion.
1. Verse to Reflect on
Gurmukhi
ਨਿੰਦਕੁ ਐਸੇ ਹੀ ਝਰਿ ਪਰੀਐ ॥
ਇਹ ਨੀਸਾਨੀ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਭਾਈ ਜਿਉ ਕਾਲਰ ਭੀਤਿ ਗਿਰੀਐ ॥
Hindi
निंदकु ऐसे ही झरि परीऐ ॥
इह नीसानी सुनहु तुम भाई जिउ कालर भीति गिरीऐ ॥
Transliteration
Nindak aise hee jhar pariai.
Ih neesaani sunhu tum bhai jio kaalar bheet gireiai.
Translation
A slanderer collapses away.
This is the distinctive sign - listen, O Siblings of Destiny: they collapse like a wall of sand.
This verse compares the fate of a slanderer to a wall of sand that eventually crumbles and falls away. Just as the sand cannot cling forever, the slanderer too cannot endure; their downfall is inevitable. Those who engage in slander ultimately destroy themselves.
Guru Arjan Dev | Guru Granth Sahib | Ang 823
2. Word to Deepen Understanding
Ninda (ਬੀਜ | निंदा)
Ninda is slander, criticism, or speaking ill of others. In Sikhi, ninda is seen not just as harmful speech but as a reflection of inner ignorance and ego. It is considered a spiritual disease that binds the soul to suffering, distances one from the Divine, and corrodes inner peace. Gurbani teaches that those who indulge in ninda ultimately bring about their own downfall, while those who rise above it walk the path of truth and harmony.
3. Shabad to Anchor the Soul
This week’s shabad (at the end of the newsletter) teaches that a true devotee of God remains unaffected by slander. If someone criticizes or speaks ill of a saint, the saint does not lose their virtues. Everything happens according to the will of the Master, who guides both action and speech. The shabad encourages us to trust in Divine will, remain grounded in our own virtues, and not be disturbed by the negativity or judgment of others.
Thank you for reading
Your presence here creates this shared space of learning and light.
If something sparked a thought or feeling today, I would love to hear it. Your reflections help Sikh Echoes grow stronger and more heartfelt.
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Until next week, stay inspired, stay courageous, and stay connected with the timeless wisdom of Gurbani.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
