ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ (sresṭ dharam)
Meaning: noun: The supreme or best dharma (religious observance or practice); righteous path to the Divine
Quote:
ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ॥ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ॥
ਸਾਰੇ ਧਰਮਾਂ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਉੱਤਮ ਧਰਮ ਇਹ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮਨੁਖ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੇ, (ਇਹੀ ਸਾਰੇ ਕਰਮਾਂ ਵਿਚੋਂ) ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮ ਹੈ।
sarab dharam mahi sresṭ dharam. hari ko naam jap nirmal karam.
Of all dharmas, the supreme dharma is, one should reflect on the Name of the Divine; this alone is the purest karma (of all sacred karmas). -Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 266
Message: According to Guru Arjan Sahib the supreme religious practice is to reflect on Naam. But how do we define Naam to the average person? It can be defined as the essence of the Divine within us. It is unchanging, eternal and the life current that pervades the entire creation. It is all of the attributes of the Divine.
The religious practice of any kind requires us to be aware of a higher power that created us. This process of being aware, and being grateful for the life the Creator has given us, establishes a bond between Him and human. Reflecting on this bond, humans can shape their lives according to the wisdom of the Divine. Reflection and contemplation on this relationship bring either an understanding of it or a critique.
Understanding opens the door to wisdom, while critique closes it.
Etymology: Blend of sresṭ from Sanskrit shreshṭh (supreme, excellent, noble, best) + dharam from Sanskrit dharma or dharm (custom, duty; righteousness, morality, virtue; law, etc.), ultimately from Indo-European root dhar (to hold firmly or support).
