20/03/2024
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, which is now known as Nankana Sahib and is located in modern-day Pakistan. His life and teachings are central to Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that emerged in the Indian subcontinent in the 15th century.
Here is a brief overview of Guru Nanak's life:
Early Life: Guru Nanak was born into a Hindu family, and from a young age, he displayed a deep sense of spirituality and a quest for truth. He was known for his contemplative nature and concern for the suffering of humanity.
Divine Call: According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak had a profound spiritual experience around the age of 30 when he went missing for three days. It is believed that during this time, he had a direct encounter with the divine. He emerged from this experience with a message of oneness, compassion, and devotion to the one God.
Travels: Guru Nanak embarked on a series of journeys, collectively known as his Udasis, which took him to various parts of the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and even as far as Mecca. During these travels, he engaged in dialogues with people of different religious and cultural backgrounds and preached his message of the universality of God and the equality of all human beings.
Teachings: Guru Nanak's teachings revolved around the core principles of Sikhism, often summarized in three main pillars:
Naam Japna: The practice of reciting and meditating on God's name.
Kirat Karni: The concept of earning an honest living and conducting oneself with integrity.
Vand Chakna: Sharing with those in need and practicing selfless service.
Founding Sikhism: Guru Nanak's teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism, which emphasizes devotion to one God, rejection of caste and social hierarchies, and a strong sense of community and equality among its followers. He also established a simple and distinct way of life, including the practice of wearing the Five Ks (articles of faith).
Succession: Guru Nanak appointed his disciple Bhai Lehna as his successor, who became Guru Angad Dev, and this practice of succession continued through a line of ten Gurus. These Gurus helped spread and consolidate the Sikh faith.
Legacy: Guru Nanak's teachings continue to inspire millions of Sikhs worldwide. His hymns and compositions, which are collected in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, are still recited and sung in Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship). Guru Nanak's message of equality, social justice, and devotion to the one God remains central to the Sikh way of life.
Guru Nanak's life and teachings have had a profound and lasting impact not only on Sikhism but also on the broader religious and spiritual landscape of South Asia. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Guru Nanak Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Jayanti with great reverence by Sikhs around the world.
