Introduction

The Siddha Goshti is Guru Nanak’s dialogue with the sages. These sages who had renounced the world were living in the caves in the Himalayas. They were yogis who believed in practising physical and mental exercises to attain spiritual powers (siddhies), which would ultimately lead to moksh (liberation).

While these ascetics asserted that one must withdraw from society and one’s family to attain detachment, Guru Nanak said attachment and detachment were a state of mind. You don’t have to give up anything; you can achieve detachment right in the middle of the marketplace. In fact, true detachment is that which can remain unruffled even in the thick of temptations.

The ascetics live away from the society but are dependent on the men and women of the world for their survival. But Guru Nanak said that all human beings must perform their duties and fulfill their responsibilities so as not to be a burden on society.

Siddha Goshti is a series of questions and answers. The account of these meetings of Guru Nanak with the sages is recorded on pages 938 to 946 of the Guru Granth Sahib. The dialogues are composed and sung in Rag Ramkali.

ਰਾਮਕਲੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧    ਸਿਧ ਗੋਸਟਿ        ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ।।

ਸਿਧ ਸਭਾ ਕਰਿ ਆਸਣਿ ਬੈਠੇ ਸੰਤ ਸਭਾ ਜੈਕਾਰੋ।।
ਤਿਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਰਹਰਾਸਿ ਹਮਾਰੀ ਸਾਚਾ ਅਪਰ ਅਪਾਰੋ।।
ਮਸਤਕੁ ਕਾਟਿ ਧਰੀ ਤਿਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਆਗੈ ਦੇਉ।।
ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਤੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਹਜ1 ਭਾਇ ਜਸੁ ਲੇਉ।। ੧।।

Ramkali Mahalla 1 Siddha Goshti ੴ Satgur Prasad

Siddha sabhaa kar aasan baithey sant sabhaa jaikaaro.
Tis aagey ardaas hamari saacha apar apaaro.
Mastak kaat dhari tis aagey tann mann aagey deo.
Nanak sant miley sach payeeye sahaj bhaaye jas leo. 1

रामकली महला 1 सिध गोष्टि ੴसतगुर प्रसाद

सिध सभा कर आसण बैठे सँँत सभा जैकारो।।
तिस आगे रहरास हमारी साचा अपर अपारो।।
मसतक काट धरी तिस आगे तन मन आगे देओ।।
नानक सँत मिले सच पाइए सहज भाए जस लेओ।। 1 ।।

Ramkali Mahalla 1 Siddha Goshti ੴ Satgur Prasad

Sitting in yogic postures, forming an assembly
The Siddhas announced their presence by salutations
To the One who is true, infinite and incomparably beautiful.
Making a gesture to cut off their heads, they proclaimed
To offer their body and mind for a dialogue with him.
In response, Nanak said Truth showers with the Guru’s blessings
And, the rest follows spontaneously.