Question

Two statements as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): Baba Guru k Devji advocated Nirgu Bhakti.
Reason (R): For Baba Guru k, the absolute or 'rab' had no gender or form.

• A. Assertion (A) is correct and Reason (R) is the correct explation of Assertion (A).
• B. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explation of Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect.
• D. Assertion (A) is incorrect, but Reason (R) is correct.

Hint:

In devotiol history: Nirgu = Formless, attribute-less Divine (e.g., Kabir, Guru k); Sagu = Manifested Divine with attributes, form, and incartion (e.g., Mirabai, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Tulsidas).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question presents an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R) regarding the teachings of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and asks for the evaluation of their correctness and correlation.

Assertion (A): Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji advocated Nirguṇa Bhakti.

Reason (R): For Baba Guru Nanak Ji, the absolute or 'rab' had no gender or form.

Let's analyze both statements:

1. Understanding Nirguṇa Bhakti:
   • Nirguṇa Bhakti refers to devotion towards a formless, non-attribute God. It emphasizes the worship of God as a spiritual and non-material entity, without a particular form, name, or personality.
   • Baba Guru Nanak's teachings formed the basis of Sikhism. His emphasis was on the equality of all humanity, the importance of devotion and prayer, and the belief in a formless God, which aligns with the principles of Nirguṇa Bhakti.
2. Exploring the Reason (R):
   • According to Sikhism, God is described as 'Waheguru', 'Ek Onkar', and the 'Absolute'. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings emphasize that God is formless, beyond human comprehension, and does not possess a gender or physical attributes.
   • This formless, non-gendered view of God is central to why Guru Nanak Ji advocated Nirguṇa Bhakti. It supports the claim made in the Assertion.

Based on the above explanations, both the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct. Moreover, the Reason (R) accurately explains why the Assertion is true. Therefore, the correct answer is: Assertion (A) is correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).