Mool Mantar

— Teachings of Truth

Ek Onkar (ੴ) or Ik Onkar

Ek Onkar (ੴ) or Ik Onkar is one of the central ideas of Sikhism.

The phrase appears at the very beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib and summarizes the foundation of Sikh philosophy. The opening line of the Sikh scripture is called the Mool Mantar. This was revealed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Meaning of "Ek Onkar"

Ek / Ik = One

Onkar / Omkar = The Ultimate Reality, Divine Existence, Cosmic Consciousness

But its meaning is deeper than simply numerical "one."

It points toward:

• Unity behind all existence

• The same divine presence in all beings

• The idea that reality is fundamentally undivided

Philosophical Meaning

Ik Onkar is not merely a statement about religion. It is also a statement about existence itself.

It teaches:

• Humanity is fundamentally one

• Divisions of caste, religion, race, and status are superficial

• The same divine essence exists everywhere

This is why Sikh teachings strongly oppose:

• Caste discrimination

• Ritual superiority

• Blind dogma

• Ego-centered living

Core Message in Simple Words

A very simple way to understand Ik Onkar is:

• Reality is one.

• Humanity is one.

• The Divine is everywhere.

• Truthful living matters more than outer identity.

Ik Onkaar

There is one God

Sat Naam

Whose name is Truth

Kartaa Purakh

Is the Creator

Nirbh-a-o Nirvair

Has no fear, has no hate

Akaal Moorat

Is omnipresent

Ajoonee Saibhn

Never born and Self-perpetuating

Gur Parsaad

With Guru's grace

Jap

Recite (pray)

Aad Sach

True since the beginning (of time)

Jugaad Sach

True through the ages

Hai Bhee Sach

Is true now

Naanak Hosee Bhee Sach

Says Nanak, will forever be true

Sochai Soch Naa Hov-a-ee

By thinking, God cannot be known

Jay Sochee Lakh Vaar

Even if you think a hundred thousand times (lakh)

Chupai Chup Naa Hov-a-ee

Even by remaining quiet (silent), inner stillness won't happen

Jay Laa-i Rahaa Liv Taar

Even if poised deep in meditation forever

Bhukhi-aa Bhukh Naa Utree

The hungry will not be satiated

Jay Bannaa Puree-aa Bhaar

Even if loaded with worldly goods

Sehas Si-aanpaa Lakh Hoh Taa

One may possess a million wits

Ik Naa Chalai Naal

But not one will accompany you (to the end)

Kiv Sachi-aaraa Ho-ee-ai

So how can we realize Truth?

Kiv Koorhai Tutai Paal

How can one shatter falsehood?

Hukam Rajaa-ee Chalnaa Naanak Likhi-aa Naal

Says Nanak, it is by abiding the Divine Command and walking the path as willed by God.