Meaning: The quote "I am not the born; how can there be either birth or death for me?" attributed to Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, reflects a profound spiritual insight into the nature of existence and the self. Guru Nanak was a philosopher, poet, and religious leader who lived in the 15th and 16th centuries in the Indian subcontinent. His teachings and philosophy have had a significant impact on the development of Sikhism and continue to inspire people around the world.

In this quote, Guru Nanak challenges the conventional understanding of birth and death by asserting the timeless and eternal nature of the self. He is essentially questioning the notion of individual identity and mortality, suggesting that the true self transcends the limitations of physical birth and death. This concept is closely related to the idea of the soul or consciousness as an eternal and unchanging essence that exists beyond the temporal realm.

One interpretation of Guru Nanak's words is that he is pointing to the ultimate reality of the self as being beyond the cycle of birth and death. From a spiritual perspective, this can be understood as a recognition of the divine and immortal nature of the self, which is not subject to the impermanence of the physical body. It reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and the eternal essence that underlies individual existence.

Guru Nanak's teachings emphasize the unity of all beings and the importance of recognizing the divine spark within each person. He spoke out against social and religious divisions, advocating for equality, compassion, and the pursuit of truth. In the context of his broader philosophy, the quote can be seen as a reminder of the fundamental unity of all existence and the illusory nature of individual identity and mortality.

From a philosophical standpoint, Guru Nanak's words can also be interpreted in the context of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. According to this perspective, the true self, or Atman, is not subject to birth and death, as it is ultimately one with the universal consciousness, or Brahman. This non-dualistic understanding aligns with Guru Nanak's emphasis on the eternal nature of the self and its essential unity with the divine.

In Sikhism, the concept of "Ik Onkar," meaning "One God," encapsulates the idea of the divine as the ultimate reality underlying all of creation. This monotheistic belief system is central to Sikh philosophy and is reflected in Guru Nanak's teachings about the timeless and formless nature of the divine. The quote in question can be understood as an expression of this fundamental principle, asserting the eternal nature of the self in relation to the divine unity of all existence.

Overall, Guru Nanak's quote "I am not the born; how can there be either birth or death for me?" encapsulates a profound insight into the nature of the self and its relationship to the divine. It challenges conventional notions of individual identity and mortality, pointing to the timeless and eternal essence that transcends the cycle of birth and death. This perspective aligns with the broader teachings of Sikhism and reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and the ultimate unity of existence.