Bani Interpretation: 

Nitnem and Hukamnama

📘 Course Title: Bani Interpretation – Nitnem and Hukamnama


🧭 Course Objective:

To develop a deep understanding and personal connection with daily Sikh prayers (Nitnem Banis) and the Guru's daily message (Hukamnama), with emphasis on interpretation, context, and application in daily life.


🗂️ Module 1: Introduction to Bani and Interpretation

  • What is Bani? Definition and reverence in Sikhism.
  • The nature of Gurbani as Divine Wisdom.
  • Historical development and preservation of Nitnem.
  • Basics of Gurbani interpretation (vichar): literal vs spiritual meaning.


📖 Module 2: Nitnem – Structure and Significance

✅ Daily Prayers Covered:

  1. Japji Sahib
  2. Jaap Sahib
  3. Tav-Prasad Savaiye
  4. Chaupai Sahib
  5. Anand Sahib
  6. Rehras Sahib
  7. Kirtan Sohila

🔍 For Each Bani:

  • Historical and scriptural background.
  • Structure and poetic features.
  • Key themes and teachings.
  • Interpretation of selected pauris/shabads.
  • Daily application and inner transformation.


🌄 Module 3: Hukamnama – The Guru's Word for Today

  • Historical origin of the Hukamnama tradition.
  • How the Hukamnama is taken at Sri Harmandir Sahib.
  • Structure and language of a typical Hukamnama.
  • Thematic study of different types of Hukamnamas.
  • Methods of personal reflection and interpretation.


🧠 Module 4: Methods of Interpretation

  • Linguistic tools: Gurmukhi, root words, metaphors.
  • Contextual approach: Guru period, cultural setting.
  • Sikh exegesis traditions: Bhai Gurdas, traditional commentaries.
  • Modern interpretative challenges and approaches.


🛠️ Module 5: Practice and Reflection

  • Group vichar sessions on a daily Hukamnama.
  • Comparative interpretations (e.g., SGPC vs modern scholars).
  • Reflective journaling exercises: "What did the Hukamnama say to me today?"
  • Memorization and recitation practice.


🧾 Assessment & Certification (Optional)

  • Written reflections on selected Banis.
  • Oral presentations or group discussions.
  • Interpretation of a Hukamnama with justification.
  • Completion of self-assessment journal.


📚 Recommended Resources

  • Steek (annotated versions) by SGPC, Bhai Veer Singh, Prof. Sahib Singh.
  • Online Hukamnama archives (e.g., SikhNet, SGPC.net).
  • Dictionaries: Mahan Kosh, Gurbani Kosh.