Week 4 · Living our values · Day 26
Chardi Kala — always rising
Chardi kala — two words that carry the whole Sikh spirit. They mean ascending spirit, eternal optimism, rising energy. It is not the fake cheerfulness of pretending nothing is wrong; it is a deep, rooted joy that comes from trusting Waheguru even when life is difficult. Sikhs end the Ardas with a prayer for the chardi kala of all humanity — not just our own family or our own community, but everyone. When we choose to find light on a dark day, to be grateful when we could be bitter, we are living this beautiful teaching.
Chardi kala means staying positive, hopeful and joyful even when life is hard — rising like the sun, every single day.
Watch together Seva Time — Chardi Kala Rhyme Gurmukhi minute Trace today's letter — ਪ Pappa ਮਨਿ ਆਨੰਦੁ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ; ਭੇਟਿਆ ਗਹਿਰ ਗੰਭੀਰੁ ॥
Man aanand sadaa sukh paaiaa; bhetiaa gahir gambheer.
“In the mind is bliss — meeting the Profound and Unfathomable One, eternal peace is found.”
Ask: 'When is it hardest to stay hopeful? What helps you rise again when things go wrong?'
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