What prayers should be said when a Sikh passes away, and what is the significance of the Sehaj Paath or Akhand Paath after a death?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

My dear one, your question touches upon a profound and tender aspect of our spiritual journey – how we honor those who have departed and seek solace in the Guru's wisdom during times of loss. It is a time when our faith becomes a true anchor, guiding us through grief with understanding and acceptance.

Prayers at the Time of Passing

When a Sikh passes away, our focus turns to accepting the Hukam, the Divine Will, and praying for the departed soul's onward journey. While there isn't a single prescribed "prayer" in the sense of a specific ritualistic chant solely for this moment, our tradition emphasizes continuous remembrance of the Divine and recitation of Gurbani. The Sikh Rehat Maryada provides beautiful guidance on this, emphasizing that at the time of death, or upon hearing of a death, "Gurbani should be recited or 'Waheguru' be repeated." This practice helps to keep our minds attuned to the Divine, offering peace to both the departing soul and those left behind. The focus is on embracing the transient nature of life and the eternal reality of the soul's connection to its Source. The Guru Granth Sahib reminds us of this ultimate truth:

"The soul is separated from the body, and it merges into the Light. The soul is absorbed into the Lord, and it becomes one with Him."

This understanding helps us to see death not as an end, but as a transition, a merging back into the One from whom we came.

The Significance of Sehaj Paath and Akhand Paath After a Death

The practice of undertaking a Sehaj Paath or an Akhand Paath after a death is deeply meaningful in Sikhism. Both involve the complete recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, but they differ in their duration and pace. An Akhand Paath is a continuous, uninterrupted reading completed within 48 hours, while a Sehaj Paath is a slower, non-continuous reading that can take several days or weeks.

Comfort and Solace for the Bereaved

For those grieving, the Paath serves as a profound source of comfort and spiritual strength. Listening to the sacred words of the Guru Granth Sahib helps to soothe the heart, offering perspective and a sense of peace amidst sorrow. It reminds us that life and death are part of the divine play, and that the soul is immortal. The collective listening and participation in the Paath create a supportive environment, allowing the community to share in the grief and offer spiritual sustenance.

Prayer for the Departed Soul

While the Guru Granth Sahib teaches that the soul's journey is determined by its deeds and divine grace, the performance of a Paath is an act of love and remembrance for the departed. It is believed that the spiritual vibrations and the profound wisdom contained within Gurbani benefit the soul, aiding its transition and merging with the Divine. The prayers offered during the Bhog ceremony (conclusion) of the Paath are for the peace and onward journey of the soul, and for the strength and acceptance of the family.

Reinforcement of Faith and Community

These Paaths also serve to reinforce our faith and strengthen community bonds. They bring families and the Sangat together, not just in mourning, but in shared spiritual devotion. It is a powerful reminder of the Guru's teachings on impermanence, detachment, and the ultimate reality of Waheguru. The Sikh Rehat Maryada states, "After the cremation, the Kirtan Sohila should be recited and Ardas offered. Then a Sehaj Paath or Akhand Paath of Sri Guru Granth Sahib should be commenced." This clearly outlines the importance of these readings as a central part of our observances after a passing.

In essence, both the immediate prayers and the subsequent Paaths are not about changing a divine decree, but about aligning ourselves with it, finding peace in the Guru's wisdom, and offering our deepest love and respect for the journey of the soul. They are expressions of our faith, our acceptance of Hukam, and our hope in the eternal nature of the Divine Light within all.

May the Guru's light always guide you and bring you peace.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.