Spiritual Synthesis in Salok Mahla 9: A Conceptual and Theological Engagement with Indian Knowledge Systems
Harpreet Kaur and Inderpreet Kaur
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Abstract:
Introduction: Salok Mahla 9 by Guru Tegh Bahadur articulates a profound philosophical vision that resonates deeply with foundational concepts of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). His teachings—grounded in spiritual insight, moral resilience in the face of Mughal persecution, and unwavering commitment to human dignity—embody civilizational ideals of Dharma and self-liberation. Methods: This study adopts a comparative textual methodology to analyze how the verses of Salok Mahla 9 intersect with, reinterpret, and move across established Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions. The approach includes close reading, thematic mapping, and cross-traditional conceptual comparison. Key Thematic Insights: Key thematic insights indicate that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s verses articulate a distinctive spiritual synthesis that aligns with, yet productively reframes, key IKS concepts of existence, transience, ethical agency, suffering, and liberation. The analysis shows that the verses not only echo major Indian intellectual currents but also introduce an innovative Sikh perspective that enriches these discourses. Discussion and Conclusion: Through historical contextualization, the study demonstrates that Salok Mahla 9 is woven into the broader tapestry of Indian spiritual thought, contributing substantively to India’s civilizational knowledge heritage. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s insights therefore hold relevance not only for Sikh studies but also for scholars of Indian philosophy, comparative religion, and cultural history.
Keywords:
Comparative philosophy, Dharma, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Indian intellectual traditions, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), Liberation (Mukti), Salok Mahla 9, Sikh philosophy
Citation: Harpreet Kaur and Inderpreet Kaur (2026). Spiritual Synthesis in Salok Mahla 9: A Conceptual and Theological Engagement with Indian Knowledge Systems. Horizon J. Hum. Soc. Sci. Res. 8 (1), 245–252. https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2026.v8.n1.id1334.p245
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