Sikh Glossary and Terms - A

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Adi Granth Adi means first, Adi Granth is the first edition of the Guru Granth Sahib as was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604 (AD).
Ahankar -> Hankar
Akal Purkh It means Timeless One, or The Being Beyond Time and is applied as a name of God.
Akhand Path An uninterrupted continuos reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. It is undertaken by a team of readers and takes approximately 48 hours.
Amrit The sweet water which is used during the Khalsa initiation ceremony. Literally: nectar of immortality.
Amrit Bani A term applied to the Sikh Scriptures, meaning the words are as sweet as nectar (Amrit).
Amrit Vela The early morning hours before dawn. This is considered an auspicious time for meditation and prayer as stressed by Nanak .
Amritdhari A Sikh who has undergone the Khalsa initiation ceremony.
Amrit Sanchar The rite of initiation into the Khalsa brotherhood.
Anand A state of bliss which defies description. It is also the name of a composition by Guru Amar Daas (page 917 of the Guru Granth Sahib ).
Anand Karaj The Sikh wedding ceremony.
Anand Sahib Composition by Guru Amar Daas found on page 917 of the Guru Granth Sahib . Parts of it are used in a number of Sikh ceremonies.
Anbhav Prakash The enlightened perception of reality which is enjoyed by a person who has become a Gurmukh .
Antim Ardas The last of the Sikh funeral rites.
Artha Wealth, it is acceptable to acquire wealth, but it should not become an end to itself.
Asa Di Var A collection of hymns meant to be sung at dawn.
Atma The soul which is considered immortal.


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