One reason that Sikhs immerse themselves in the sacred sound current and practice Shabad Guru is to cultivate the sacred qualities of a Gurmukh Sikh or a Sanmukh Sikh within themselves.

 

Gurmukh

“Gurmukh” literally means “Guru’s mouth or voice.” A Gurmukh is a Sikh who follows the way of life prescribed by the Guru, and acts in accordance with the Guru’s teachings. To be a Gurmukh is to follow the ways of SatGurBani, or the Mother Tongue of the Khalsa.  The Gurmukh does not follow one’s animal instincts and desires.The Gurmukh dwells upon the Name of God. He constantly meditates through simran (divine remembrance), and gains stability of mind. The concept of the “Gurmukh” Sikh appears throughout the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, and the qualities of a Gurmukh have been described by a number of the ten Sikh Gurus.

 

Manmukh

“Manmukh” literally means “to follow one’s mind or desires.” The opposite of Gurmukh is Manmukh. The Manmukh is attached to worldly desires, material wealth and sensual enjoyments. Their desires and needs are unlimited. To be a Manmukh is be self-centered and to follow your own mind or desires without regards for anyone else. The Manmukh lacks understanding of the ultimate purpose of life, and their relationship with Truth and the Divine. Illusion prevails, and ego and “I-am-ness” reign supreme.

 

Sanmukh

Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, described the qualities of a “Sanmukh” Sikh. Sanmukhs turn away from sinful acts and perform good deeds. When a Sanmukh Sikh is fortunate enough to meet the Guru, they sit close to the Guru and listen carefully to the Guru’s teachings. When a Sanmukh Sikh is blessed to sit in the presence of the Guru, they actively control their wandering mind and shift their focus away from their own wants and desires and to the Guru’s teachings. Guru Nanak also shared the four main characteristics of a Sanmukh Sikh: friendliness (Maitri); compassion (Karuna); happiness (Mudhta) and restraint (Upikhia). The Upikhia quality of a Sanmukh Sikh means to share the teachings of the Guru with the world, but to refrain from getting into arguments with those who do not believe in the Guru, and to stay calm in all interactions and have love and acceptance for all.

 

Beymukh

“Beymukh” means “turning one’s back on the Guru.” Beymukh is the opposite of Sanmukh. A Beymukh turns their back on their Guru and follows a path of spiritual destruction. Their state of mind is reflected in their actions, reactions and deeds, as well as their thoughts and mental outlook and behavior towards their Guru and the Divine. The Beymukh forgets the kindness and blessings of the Guru, and the eternal treasures given by the Guru to them. They back out and turn to slandering the Guru. The path of the Beymukh leads to all kinds of suffering and pain, and transmigration and reincarnation after death.

 

~Resources: “Gurmukh” (SikhiWiki); “Manmukh” (SikhiWiki); Gurprit Kaur, “Who is a Sanmukh Sikh?” (Basics of Sikh), Kulbir Singh, “Qualities of a Sanmukh Sikh” (Discover Sikhism) and “Beymukh and Sanmukh” (SatNaam).