[WEB DATA: <span>Ik Onkar (ੴ), pronounced as "Ikk Onkar" or "Ek Onkar," is a fundamental concept in Sikhism, representing the idea of </span><span><strong>one Supreme Being</strong></span><span>. This phrase is not only the opening line of the Mul Mantar—the foundational statement of Sikh beliefs—but also the first words of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. The term literally translates to "One Om," symbolizing the unity and singularity of God, who is viewed as the sole creator and sustainer of the universe</span><span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="Ik Onkar - Wikipedia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ik_Onkar"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="2"></span></span></a></span><span><span class=""><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="Ek Onkar - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia." href="https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ek_Onkar"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="5"></span></span></a>.</span></span><span></span>
<h2 class="">Significance in Sikhism</h2>
<span><strong>Central Tenet</strong></span><span>: Ik Onkar encapsulates the essence of Sikh philosophy, emphasizing monotheism. It asserts that there is only one God, who transcends all forms and identities. This belief is foundational to Sikh teachings and is reiterated throughout various hymns and writings by Sikh Gurus</span><span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="IK-OANKAR (ੴ) - SikhNet" href="https://www.sikhnet.com/news/ik-oankar-%E0%A9%B4"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="1"></span></span></a></span><span><span class=""><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="Ik Onkar - Wikipedia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ik_Onkar"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="2"></span></span></a>.</span></span><span></span><span class=""></span>
<span><strong>Symbolism</strong></span><span>: The symbol itself consists of the numeral "1" (representing unity) and "Onkar," which is derived from "Om," a sacred sound in Hinduism. However, in Sikhism, it has been redefined to signify a singular divine presence, distancing it from polytheistic interpretations</span><span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="IK-OANKAR (ੴ) - SikhNet" href="https://www.sikhnet.com/news/ik-oankar-%E0%A9%B4"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="1"></span></span></a></span><span><span class=""><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="Ek Onkar - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia." href="https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ek_Onkar"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="5"></span></span></a>.</span></span><span> The openness of the letter "Oora" in the symbol denotes inclusivity and universality, transcending cultural and religious boundaries</span><span><span class=""><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="IK-OANKAR (ੴ) - SikhNet" href="https://www.sikhnet.com/news/ik-oankar-%E0%A9%B4"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="1"></span></span></a>.</span></span><span></span>
<h2 class="">Historical Context</h2>
<span>The concept of Ik Onkar has evolved over time, with significant contributions from various scholars. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, articulated this idea as a rejection of the Hindu trinity and as a new understanding of divinity. Subsequent Gurus reinforced this teaching through their writings, making it a cornerstone of Sikh identity</span><span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="IK-OANKAR (ੴ) - SikhNet" href="https://www.sikhnet.com/news/ik-oankar-%E0%A9%B4"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="1"></span></span></a></span><span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="Ik Onkar - Wikipedia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ik_Onkar"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="2"></span></span></a></span><span><span class=""><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="Ek Onkar - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia." href="https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ek_Onkar"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="5"></span></span></a>.</span></span><span></span>
<h2 class="">Cultural Impact</h2>
<span>Ik Onkar has become a symbol not just for Sikhs but also for spiritual seekers worldwide. It represents a universal truth that resonates across different cultures and religions. The phrase is often inscribed in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and serves as a visual emblem alongside other religious symbols like the Christian cross or the Islamic crescent</span><span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="IK-OANKAR (ੴ) - SikhNet" href="https://www.sikhnet.com/news/ik-oankar-%E0%A9%B4"><span class=""><span class="" data-number="1"></span></span></a></span><span><span class=""><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" class="" data-state="closed" aria-label="Ik Onkar Satnam Mantra With Lyrics | ੴ ਇੱਕ ਓਅੰਕਾਰ" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0a_l0dpkQA"><div class=""><button class="" type="button"><div class="">4<svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-prefix="far" data-icon="circle-play" class="" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M464 256A208 208 0 1 0 48 256a208 208 0 1 0 416 0zM0 256a256 256 0 1 1 512 0A256 256 0 1 1 0 256zM188.3 147.1c7.6-4.2 16.8-4.1 24.3 .5l144 88c7.1 4.4 11.5 12.1 11.5 20.5s-4.4 16.1-11.5 20.5l-144 88c-7.4 4.5-16.7 4.7-24.3 .5s-12.3-12.2-12.3-20.9V168c0-8.7 4.7-16.7 12.3-20.9z"></path></svg></div></button></div></a>.</span></span><span></span><span class=""></span>
<span>In conclusion, Ik Onkar stands as a profound declaration of unity within diversity, encapsulating the core belief in one God that defines Sikhism. Its historical significance and cultural resonance continue to inspire millions around the globe.</span>]

user: Ik onkaar Please look at the WEB DATA, and answer the prompt please do not say anything about the web data like saying "According to the web data" or anything like that. With the web data, you have data about the year 2024, so if the data is about the past or future, please consider that.