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ਸਿੱਖਬਾਣੀ · SikhBani

What does Gurbani say about humility?

Answered from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib · 2026-10-18
Ang 470 STTM ↗ Guru NanakRaag Aasaa ✓ verified
ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥
mithat neevee naanakaa gun cha(n)giaaeeaa tat ||
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness.
Ang 1384 STTM ↗ Sheikh FaridSalok Fareed Jee ✓ verified
ਨਿਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਅਖਰੁ ਖਵਣੁ ਗੁਣੁ ਜਿਹਬਾ ਮਣੀਆ ਮੰਤੁ ॥
nivan s akhar khavan gun jihabaa maneeaa ma(n)t ||
Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra.
Ang 971 STTM ↗ Bhagat KabirRaag Raamkalee ✓ verified
ਨਮਸਕਾਰੁ ਕਰਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
namasakaar kar hiradai maahi ||
Bow in humility within your heart,
Ang 266 STTM ↗ Guru ArjanRaag Gauree ✓ verified
ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਜੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਨੀਚਾ ॥
aapas kau jo jaanai neechaa ||
One who sees himself as lowly,
Ang 15 STTM ↗ Guru NanakSiree Raag ✓ verified
ਨੀਚਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਨੀਚ ਜਾਤਿ ਨੀਚੀ ਹੂ ਅਤਿ ਨੀਚੁ ॥
neechaa a(n)dar neech jaat neechee hoo at neech ||
Nanak seeks the company of the lowest of the low class, the very lowest of the low.
AI study commentary — not Gurbani
These lines present humility as both an inward disposition and a way of relating to others. Guru Nanak in Raag Aasaa on Ang 470 joins humility with sweetness and calls them the essence of virtue and goodness. Sheikh Farid on Ang 1384 connects humility with forgiveness and gentle speech, showing how it becomes visible in conduct. Bhagat Kabir in Raag Raamkalee on Ang 971 places the bowing within the heart, emphasizing inward humility rather than merely an outward gesture. Guru Arjan in Raag Gauree on Ang 266 describes the humble person as one who regards oneself as lowly. Guru Nanak in Siree Raag on Ang 15 gives this humility a social dimension by seeking the company of the lowest of the low. Together, the selections portray humility not as self-display, but as inward reverence, forgiving and sweet behavior, freedom from self-importance, and solidarity with those treated as low.
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