What is the ultimate Sacrifice in Sikhism?

Guru Arjan Dev Ji made the ultimate sacrifice, but before he made the physical sacrifice of his body - He already had sacrificed his Self to Almighty Waheguru.

"Sada Kurban kita Guru vitoh jis dia ed wadiaia"

"I always make my sacrifices to the Guru who has great excellences."

Anand Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib

When Guru Nanak started the Sikh faith he made one thing clear to his Sikhs (disciples). They had to be prepared to sacrifice everything for the faith. His was a game of Love where one could lose ones head. One had to be prepared to sacrifice everything for Waheguru.

"Jau Tau Prem Khelan Ka Chao, Sirr Dhar Tali Gali meri auo.

Et marg per dharije, Sirr deeje kaan na keeje"

"Should you seek to engage in the Game of Love, step into my street with your head placed on your palm, while onto this stepping, ungrudgingly sacrifice your head."

p1412 Guru Granth Sahib

It was almost 200 years later that Guru Gobind Singh made this same demand of his Sikhs on the day of Vaisakhi 1699. He asked His Sikhs as to who was prepared to give their heads (sacrifice their lives) to him. Five GurSikhs accepted the Guru's command and offered their heads. They had made the ultimate comitment to their Guru. It is for this reason that they were named the Panj Payaras (Five loved ones). Through their love for their Guru they were prepared to sacrifice everything.

Why should they go so far? They were prepared to make sacrifices because they had submitted themselves to Waheguru. By listening to, understanding and singing Gurbani they had learnt the true GurSikh way of life. Once one comes to this stage one is totally in love with Waheguru. Once this stage of Love is reached, when the Ego is beaten, sacrifice is something one does without thinking twice.

Give up Your-Self, Your Ego, Your Haumai, this is the ultimate sacrifice that a Sikh must make. You can start on this game of love today.

Jatinder Singh