BBC - Religions - Sikhism: Guru Nanak Guru Nanak A brief overview of the life of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion. On this page Guru Nanak Guru Nanak © Guru Nanak (1469-1539) was one of the greatest religious innovators of all time and the founder of the Sikh religion. Guru Nanak's birthday is celebrated by Sikhs on April 14th by the Nanakshahi calendar . (The date according to the lunar calendar changes annually but is usually in November.) Nanak's religious ideas draw on both Hindu and Islamic thought, but are far more than just a synthesis. Nanak was an original spiritual thinker and expressed his thoughts in extraordinary poetry that forms the basis of Sikh scripture. Little is known about the life of Nanak, but Sikh tradition has a much-loved set of stories or janam sakhis which relate various incidents from his life, and include many of his important teachings. Nanak was born about 40 miles from Lahore (now in Pakistan) in 1469.

Sikh traditions teach that his birth and early years were marked with many events that demonstrated that God had marked him out for something special and was keeping an eye on him. His family were Hindus, but Nanak soon showed an advanced interest in religion and studied Islam and Hinduism extensively. As a child he demonstrated great ability as a poet and philosopher. One famous story about Guru Nanak tells of his rebellion at the age of eleven. At this age Hindu boys of his caste would start to wear the sacred thread to distinguish them. Nanak refused, saying that people should be distinguished by the things that they did, and their individual qualities, rather than by a thread. Nanak continued to demonstrate a radical spiritual streak - arguing with local holy men and sages, both Hindu and Muslim, that external things like pilgrimages, penances, and poverty were of far less spiritual importance than internal changes to the individual's soul. He worked for a while as an accountant but while still quite young decided to devote himself to spiritual matters.

He was inspired by a powerful spiritual experience that gave him a vision of the true nature of God , and confirmed his idea that the way to spiritual growth was through meditation and through living in a way that reflected the presence of the divine within each human being. In 1496, although married and having a family, Nanak set out on a set of spiritual journeys through India, Tibet and Arabia that lasted nearly 30 years. He studied and debated with the learned men he met along the way and as his ideas took shape he began to teach a new route to spiritual fulfilment and the good life. The last part of his life was spent at Kartarpur in the Punjab, where he was joined by many disciples attracted by his teachings. The most famous teachings attributed to Guru Nanak are that there is only one God, and that all human beings can have direct access to God with no need of rituals or priests. His most radical social teachings denounced the caste system and taught that everyone is equal, regardless of caste or gender. Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People Home > Origins & Development > Sikh Gurus > Guru Nanak "Me, the bard out of work, the Lord has applied to His service.

In the very beginning He gave me the order to sing His praises night and day. The Master summoned the minstrel to His True Court. He clothed me with the robe of His true honour and eulogy. Since then the True Name had become my ambrosial food. They, who under the Guru's instruction, eat this food to their satisfaction, obtain peace. By singing the Guru's hymns, I, the minstrel spread the Lord's glory. Nanak, by praising the True Name I have obtained the perfect Lord." (Guru Nanak, Pauri, pg. 150) The founder of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469 in the Western Punjab village of Talwandi. He was born to a simple Hindu family. His father Mehta Kalian Das was an accountant in the employment of the local Muslim authorities. From an early age Guru Nanak made friends with both Hindu and Muslim children and was very inquisitive about the meaning of life. At the age of six he was sent to the village school teacher for schooling in reading and writing in Hindi and mathematics.

He was then schooled in the study of Muslim literature and learned Persian and Arabic. He was an unusually gifted child who learned quickly and often question his teachers. At age 13 it was time for Guru Nanak to be invested with the sacred thread according to the traditional Hindu custom. At the ceremony which was attended by family and friends and to the disappointment of his family Guru Nanak refused to accept the sacred cotton thread from the Hindu priest. He sang the following poem; "Let mercy be the cotton, contentment the thread, Continence the knot and truth the twist. O priest! If you have such a thread, Do give it to me. It'll not wear out, nor get soiled, nor burnt, nor lost. Says Nanak, blessed are those who go about wearing such a thread" (Rag Asa) As a young man herding the family cattle, Guru Nanak would spend long hours absorbed in meditation and in religious discussions with Muslim and Hindu holy men who lived in the forests surrounding the village. Thinking that if bound in marriage Guru Nanak might start taking interest in household affairs a suitable match was found for him. At age 16 he was married to Sulakhani daughter of a pious merchant.

Guru Nanak did not object as he felt that married life did not conflict with spiritual pursuits. Guru Nanak was happily married, he loved his wife and eventually had two sons Sri Chand in 1494 and Lakshmi Chand three years later. Now that he had a family of his own Guru Nanak was persuaded by his parents to take a job as an accountant in charge of the stores of the Muslim governor of Sultanpur Daulat Khan Lodi. Guru Nanak agreed and was joined by his family and an old Muslim childhood friend Mardana, a musician by profession. Guru Nanak would work during the days, but early in the mornings and late at nights, he would meditate and sing hymns accompanied by Mardana on the rabab ( a string instrument). These sessions attracted a lot of attention and many people started joining the two. Early one morning accompanied by Mardana, Guru Nanak went to the river Bain for his bath. After plunging into the river, Guru Nanak did not surface and it was reported that he must have drowned. The villagers searched everywhere, but their was no trace of him. Guru Nanak was in holy communion with God.

The Lord God revealed himself to Guru Nanak and enlightened him. In praise of the Lord, Guru Nanak uttered; "There is but One God, His name is Truth, He is the Creator, He fears none, he is without hate, He never dies, He is beyond the cycle of births and death, He is self illuminated, He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru. He was True in the beginning, He was True when the ages commenced and has ever been True, He is also True now." (Japji) These words are enshrined at the beginning of the Sikh Holy Scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Nanak did not believe in a Trinity of Gods, or the belief that God can be born into human form. After three days Guru Nanak appeared at the same spot from where he had disappeared. He was no longer the same person he had been, there was a divine light in his eyes and his face was resplendent. He remained in a trance and said nothing. He gave up his job and distributed all of his belongings to the poor. When he finally broke his silence he uttered "There is no Hindu, no Muslim".

Daulat Khan asked what he meant when he said to Guru Nanak, "Perhaps the Hindus were no longer Hindus but the Muslims remain devout to their faith." Guru Nanak replied, "Let God's grace be the mosque, and devotion the prayer mat. Let the Quran be the good conduct. Let modesty be compassion, good manners fasting, you should be a Muslim the like of this. Let good deeds be your Kaaba and truth be your mentor. Your Kalma be your creed and prayer, God would then vindicate your honour." (Majh) Guru Nanak was thirty years old at this time in 1499. The next stage of his life began with extensive travels to spread the message of God. Accompanied by his Muslim rabab player Mardana for company, Guru Nanak undertook long journeys to convey his message to the people in the form of musical hymns. Guru Nanak choose this medium to propagate his message because it was easily understood by the population of the time. Wherever he traveled he used the local language to convey his message to the people. He traveled throughout the Indian Subcontinent and further east, west, and north to spread his mission.

Wherever he went he set up local cells called manjis, where his followers could gather to recite hymns and meditate. Once when Guru Nanak came to the small town of Saidpur in West Punjab he choose to stay there with Lalo, a low caste carpenter. At the same time the local chief of the town Malik Bhago, who was quite wealthy and a very proud man was holding a feast to which all holy men were invited. When Malik Bhago found out that Guru Nanak would not attend his feast but instead partook of the simple fare of his host Lalo, he was quite angry and had the Guru brought to him for questioning. When asked why he didn't join in the feast, the Guru sent for the meal served by Malik Bhago and also some of the simple meal served by Lalo. Holding these in separate hands he squeezed them, blood appeared out of the rich food of Malik Bhago, while milk oozed out of Lalos simple fare. Malik Bhago was put to shame and realized that his riches had been amassed by exploiting the poor, while what Lalo offered was the milk of hard earned honest work.

Another time while camped out at a town during the rainy season, several devotees would come to the Guru on a regular basis. One of them while on the way to see the Guru, came across a prostitute and was allured by her. Thereafter he would leave home on the pretext of going to see the Guru, but instead visited the prostitute. A few days later his friend who daily came to pay homage to the Guru was pricked by a thorn, while his neighbor, who visited the prostitute, found a gold coin in the street. The incident bewildered the Guru's devotee who came every day religiously. He mentioned it in the morning prayer meeting where Guru Nanak heard it and was amused. He told the Sikh; "Your friend was destined to come across a treasure but due to his evil ways, it has been reduced to a single coin. While on the account of your past karma you were to have been impaled with a stake, but having reformed yourself, you have been let off with the mere prick of a thorn." (Janamsakhi) When the Guru visited Kurukshetra in Haryana, a big fair was being held at the holy tank to celebrate the solar eclipse.

There were a large number of pilgrims all over the country. On his arrival at the fair, Guru Nanak had Mardana cook them a meat dish of a deer presented to them by one of his followers. Upon finding that meat was being cooked on the holy premises, a large angry crowd gathered in anger to attack the Guru for what they thought amounted to sacrilege (Bhai Mani Singh, Gyan Ratnavali, pg. 123). Upon hearing the angry crowd Guru Nanak responded; "Only fools argue whether to eat meat or not. They don't understand truth nor do they meditate on it. Who can define what is meat and what is plant? Who knows where the sin lies, being a vegetarian or a non- vegetarian?" (Malhar) When Guru Nanak stopped at Hardwar a pilgrimage center on the Ganges river he found a large gathering of devotees. They were taking ritual baths in the holy river and offering water to the sun. When the Guru asked "Why do you throw water like that?" The pilgrims replied that they were offering it to their ancestors. Guru Nanak upon hearing this started throwing water in the opposite direction towards the west. When the pilgrims asked him what he was doing?.

Guru Nanak replied "I am sending water to my farm which is dry". They asked, "How will water reach you crops so far away?". Guru Nanak replied, "If your water can reach your ancestors in the region of the sun, why can't mine reach my fields a short distance away?" The pilgrims realized their folly and fell at the Gurus feet. On an eastern journey Guru Nanak visited Gorakhmata where he discussed the true meaning of asceticism with some yogis; "Asceticism doesn't lie in ascetic robes, or in walking staff, nor in the ashes. Asceticism doesn't lie in the earring, nor in the shaven head, nor blowing a conch. Asceticism lies in remaining pure amidst impurities. Asceticism doesn't lie in mere words; He is an ascetic who treats everyone alike. Asceticism doesn't lie in visiting burial places, It lies not in wandering about, nor in bathing at places of pilgrimage. Asceticism is to remain pure amidst impurities. (Suhi) After his first long journey, Guru Nanak returned home after twelve years of propagating his message.

He then set out on a second journey traveling as far south as Sri Lanka. On his return north he founded a settlement known as Kartharpur (the Abode of God) on the western banks of the Ravi river. Guru Nanak would one day settle down here in his old age. It was also here that he met a young devotee who would later go on to serve five of the following Gurus, Baba Buddha (the revered old one). On his third great journey Guru Nanak traveled as far north as Tibet. Wherever Guru Nanak traveled he always wore a combination of styles worn by Hindu and Muslim holy men and was always asked whether he was a Hindu or Muslim. Guru Nanak visited Sheikh Ibrahim the muslim successor of Baba Farid the great Sufi dervish of the twelfth century at Ajodhan. When asked by Ibrahim which of the two religions was the true way to attain God, Guru Nanak replied; "If there is one God, then there is only His way to attain Him, not another. One must follow that way and reject the other.

Worship not him who is born only to die, but Him who is eternal and is contained in the whole universe." On his fourth great journey in life Guru Nanak dressed in the blue garb of a Muslim pilgrim traveled to the west and visited Mecca, Medina and Baghdad. Arriving at Mecca, Guru Nanak fell asleep with his feet pointing towards the holy Kabba. When the watchman on his night rounds noticed this he kicked the Guru, saying, "How dare you turn your feet towards the house of God". At this Guru Nanak woke up and said, "Good man, I am weary after a long journey. Kindly turn my feet in the direction where God is not." When pilgrims and the holy men of the shrine gathered to hear Guru Nanak and question him, he sang in Persian; "I beseech you, O Lord! pray grant me a hearing. You are the truthful, the great, the merciful, and the faultless Creator. I know for certain, this world must perish, And death must come, I know this and nothing else. Neither wife, nor son, nor father, nor brothers shall be able to help.

I must go in the end, none can undo what is my fate. I have spend days and nights in vanity, contemplating evil. Never have I thought of good; this is what I am. I am ill-starred, miserly, careless, short-sighted, and rude. But says Nanak, I am yours, the dust of the feet of your servants." (Tilang) While in Baghdad contradicting the Muslim priests views that their were only seven upper and as many lower regions Guru Nanak shouted out his own prayer saying, "There are worlds and more worlds below them and there are a hundred thousand skies over them. No one has been able to find the limits and boundaries of God. If there be any account of God, than alone the mortal can write the same; but Gods account does not finish and the mortal himself dies while still writing.

Nanak says that one should call Him great, and God Himself knows His ownself." (Japji) In 1916 a tablet with the following inscription was uncovered in Baghdad, "In memory of the Guru, the holy Baba Nanak, King of holy men, this monument has been raised anew with the help of the seven saints." The date on the tablet 927 Hijri corresponds to A.D. 1520-1521. On his return journey home he stopped at Saidpur in western Punjab during the invasion of the first Mughal Emperor Babar. On seeing the extent of the massacre by the invaders, Mardana asked Guru Nanak why so many innocent people were put to death along with those few who were guilty. Guru Nanak told Mardana to wait under a banyan tree and after a while he would return to answer his question. While sitting under the tree Mardana was suddenly bitten by an ant. In anger Mardana killed as many ants as he could with his feet.

Guru Nanak said to him, "You know now Mardana, why do the innocents suffer along with the guilty?" Guru Nanak and Mardana were both taken prisoner by the Mughal's. While in jail Guru Nanak sang a divine hymn about the senseless slaughter of the innocents by the Mughal invaders. Upon hearing it the jailer reported it to his king. Babar sent for the Guru and upon hearing him realized that Guru Nanak was a great religious figure. He asked for the Gurus forgiveness and set him free offering him a pouch of hashish. Guru Nanak refused saying the he was already intoxicated with the love and name of God. After having spent a lifetime of traveling abroad and setting up missions, an aged Guru Nanak returned home to Punjab. He settled down at Kartharpur with his wife and sons. Pilgrims came from far and near to hear the hymns and preaching of the Master. Here his followers would gather in the mornings and afternoons for religious services. He believed in a castless society without any distinctions based on birthright, religion or sex. He institutionalized the common kitchen called langar in Sikhism.

Here all can sit together and share a common meal, whether they were kings or beggars. While working the fields one day in 1532 Guru Nanak was approached by a new devotee who said, "I am Lehna," Guru Nanak looked at him and replied, "So you have arrived Lehna - the creditor. I have been waiting for you all these days. I must pay your debt." ("Lehna" in Punjabi means debt or creditor.) Lehna was a great devotee of the Hindu God Durga. One day having hearing about Guru Nanak and his teachings, he decided to visit and see the Guru for himself. Once Lehna met Guru Nanak he left his previous beliefs and became an ardent disciple of the Guru. Lehna's devotion to Guru Nanak was absolute, when he was not working on the farm, he would devote his spare time to the contemplation of God. Over time he became Guru Nanak's most ardent disciple. Guru Nanak put his followers to many tests to see who was the most faithful. Once while accompanied by Lehna and his two sons Guru Nanak came across what looked like a corpse covered with a sheet.

"Who would eat it?" asked Guru Nanak unexpectedly. His sons refused, thinking that their father was not in his senses. Lehna though agreed and as he removed the cover he found that it was a tray of sacred food. Lehna first offered it to Guru Nanak and his sons and then partook of the leftovers himself. Guru Nanak on seeing this replied; "Lehna, you were blessed with the sacred food because you could share it with others. If the people use the wealth bestowed on them by God for themselves alone or for treasuring it, it is like a corpse. But if they decide to share it with others, it becomes sacred food. You have known the secret. You are my image." (Janamsakhi) Guru Nanak then blessed Lehna with his ang (hand) and gave him a new name, Angad, saying "you are a part of my body". Guru Nanak placed five coins and a coconut in front of Guru Angad and then bowed before him. He then had Bahi Budhha anoint Angad with a saffron mark on his forehead. When Guru Nanak gathered his followers together for prayers he invited Angad to occupy the seat of the Guru.

Thus Guru Angad was ordained as the successor to Guru Nanak. Feeling his end was near, the Hindus said we will cremate you, the Muslims said we will bury you. Guru Nanak said; "You place flowers on either side, Hindus on my right, Muslims on my left. Those whose flowers remain fresh tomorrow will have their way." He then asked them to prey and lay down covering himself with a sheet. Thus on September 22, 1539 in the early hours of the morning Guru Nanak merged with the eternal light of the Creator. When the followers lifted the sheet they found nothing except the flowers which were all fresh. The Hindus took theirs and cremated them, while the Muslims took their flowers and buried them. Thus having spread the words of reform throughout his lifetime, Guru Nanak successfully challenged and questioned the existing religious tenants and laid the foundations of Sikhism. Copyright © 2011 Sikhs.org . All Rights Reserved A Brief Introduction to Sikhism A Brief Introduction to Sikhism The Commisceo Global Blog Keeping you up to date with all the news, articles, tools, opinions and press relating to the world of cultural understanding, in and out of business.

A Brief Introduction to Sikhism Tuesday, 01 September 2015 Cultural Diversity Background and Information Sikhism was founded in the 16th century in the Punjab, India. The Sikh religion was established around 500 years ago by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who promulgated a message of devotion and emphasised the importance of remembering God at all times. Sikh means ‘disciple’, therefore Sikhs are seen as the disciples of God who follow the teachings within the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book). Origins Although the Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he passed on his teachings to nine gurus, who along with Guru Nanak Dev Ji became known as the ‘Ten Gurus’, these are (in order): 1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji – the founder of the Sikh religion 2. Guru Angad Dev Ji – created the ‘Gurmukhi’ (written Punjabi) which the Guru Granth Sahib is written in. 3.

Guru Amar Das Ji – established ‘Guru Ka Langar’ (still served in all Gurdwaras) which saw all rich and poor eating together and becoming one no matter what caste difference they may have been. 4. Guru Ram Das Ji – founded Amritsar and began the creation of the Golden Temple in Amritsar which is seen as a very important and spiritual place for Sikhs. 5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji – completed the construction of the Golden Temple in Amritsar and created the ‘Sukhmani Sahib’ (a prayer that for Sikhs to read every morning). 6. Guru Hargobind Singh Ji – was the first guru who took up a sword to defend the religion and urged anyone to help the weak and vulnerable. 7. Guru Har Rai Singh Ji - devoted his life preaching the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. 8. Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji – became a symbol of ‘purity’ and emphasised the importance of speaking the truth and believing in Sikhism. 9. Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Ji – founded the town of Anandpur, which now has a holy temple called ‘Anandpur Sahib’.

He was killed for supporting his religion and refusing to convert to Islam during the unrest between India and Pakistan regarding Kashmir. 10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji – created the ‘Khalsa’ (brotherhood). He came out into a group of people in 1699 with a sword dripping of blood and asked who was ready to give their life for Sikhism. To which five males came forward, Guru Gobind Singh Ji led them all into a tent. He gave these five men ‘Amrit’ (holy water) and baptised them as the ‘beloved five’, who were ready to give their life for their religion. These became his and the Sikh religions disciples, as they did not fear death in the name of their religion. This day is celebrated annually as ‘Vaisakhi’. All these teachings are still emphasised within the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh Ji decided that there was no need for a further living soul of a guru and therefore named the 11th guru as ‘Guru Granth Sahib Ji’. This guru would last for eternity, in the form of the Sikh transcripts which everyone can read and hear today. Demographics The Sikh religion originated in Punjab (northern India).

This is where the highest population of Sikhs can be found today, living within towns and villages. Punjab has many holy ‘gurdwaras’ (temples), which sees many people from the community coming together to pray daily. These ‘gurdwaras’ all have significance and are related to the ten gurus. There currently is 25.8 million Sikhs worldwide, with 75% of these living in the Punjab. Currently 2% of all Indians worldwide are Sikhs, with the majority residing in Canada, America and the United Kingdom, Middle East and Australia. Sikhs can also be found in smaller countries like Mauritius, Nepal and Fiji. It is also worth noting that a minority of Sikhs do not follow the principles and do not pray daily, however they still regard themselves as Sikhs and therefore are included within these figures. Beliefs Sikhs believe that there is only one God; he is the creator of life and death. They believe that god exists throughout our daily lives although he may not be visible; he is with us in spirit everywhere we go (‘Ik Om Kar’). Equality is a very important element within the Sikh religion, regardless of caste and class all humans are seen as equal.

Everyone possesses the same rights, with all men and women being treated equally in the Gurdwara (temple). This emphasis on equality then sees many people from all ethnical backgrounds being welcomed into the Gurdwara and in to ‘Guru ka Langar’. They also believe that when a Sikh dies, his or her soul is recreated in another living body whether this is human or an animal. This depends upon what an individual has done in his or her past life, if it is good their soul is relived within a human, if it is not then it is relived in the form of an animal. Therefore, our deeds in a past life lead way to our life in the future; this is a decision that is in the hands of God. The Sikh religion encourage that life should be lived in truth and justice. Sikhs should earn their money honestly and not take away from others and they should only consume what rightfully belongs to them. Sikhs should also undertake a form of ‘sewa’ (service to God), by giving to the needy and helping others, this usually takes place at the ‘Gurdwara’.

The 5 Ks Sikhs who are baptised and make a special commitment to Sikhism, go through an ‘Amrit’ ceremony. They are then known as part of the ‘Khalsa panth’ (brotherhood of all those who have committed). They are all required to wear the five Ks to represent this unity and spiritual being. These five Ks were given to the five baptised ‘Khalsa’ by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, on a day that is now known and celebrated as ‘Vaisakhi’. The five Ks represent: 1. Kesh (hair) – uncut hair and beard as it is given to us by god 2. Kangha (wooden comb) – to be worn in the hair at all times, as a symbol of cleanliness 3. Katchera (shorts) – cotton underwear which symbolise purity 4. Kara (steel bangle) – worn on the wrist to symbolise truth and freedom 5. Kirpan (sword) – to defend the truth Interesting Facts Like Christianity, Sunday is seen as a spiritual day when most Sikhs get together at there local temple and pray.

Orange and Blue are the colours that reflect the ‘Khalsa’ Every Sikh has the middle name Singh (males) and Kaur (females) Singh means ‘lion’ and Kaur means ‘princess’ Sikhism - Sikh Religion Hinduism Buddhism Jainism Sikhism Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev who was born in 1469 in Talwandi in present Pakistan (a part of undivided India before 1947) was the founder of Sikh religion. Sikh literally means a "disciple". Followers of Guru Nanak Dev were referred to as Sikhs and the new faith was termed as "Sikhism. He preached that there is only One God (Ik- Omkar) and one should be kind and loving to His creation irrespective of caste, creed & gender. The goal of our life is to lead an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. Sikhs should remember God at all times and practice living a virtuous and truthful life while maintaining a balance between their spiritual obligations and temporal obligations. There have been a total of ten Gurus in Sikh history - 1. Guru Nanak Dev (1469 - 1539) - founder of Sikh religion. 2.

Guru Angad Dev (1504 -1552) - The 2nd Guru developed Gurmukhi Lipi (script), in which later, Guru Granth Sahib was composed. 3. Guru Amardas (1479 - 1574) - 3rd Guru founded the town of Goindwal as headquarters the Sikhs and contributed towards social reforms. He formalized the importance communal eating (Langar). 4. Guru Ramdas (1534 - 1581) - He was the 4th Sikh Guru and founded the town of Amritsar that became the main religious centre for the Sikhs. He also initiated concept of voluntary service ("Kaar Sewa"). 5. Guru Arjan Dev (1563 - 1606) - The 5th Guru Arjan Dev compiled first version of Guru Granth Sahib (also referred to as "Pothi Sahib" & "Aadi Granth"). Constructed Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar town in 1604.

The ruling Mogul emperor Jahangir could not tolerate growing popularity of Sikhism and ordered assassination of Guru Arjan Dev in 1606 A.D. 6. Guru Hargobind (1595 - 1644) - He was the 6th Sikh Guru and he constructed Akal Takhat (Waheguru's throne of justice) facing Harmandir Sahib. He started giving military training to the Sikhs at Akal Takhat. Guru Hargobind installed a Sikh flag called "Nishan Sahib" (meaning Landmark) outside "Akal Takhat. " 7. Guru Har Rai (1630 - 1661): The 7th Sikh Guru advocated Sewa (selfless service) and took it to common man. 8. Guru Harkrishan (1656 - 1664): The younger son of Guru Har Rai became 8th Sikh Guru at a very young age of 5 years. The older son Ram Rai was disqualified by Guru Har Rai. Guru Harkishan contacted chicken pox while he was trying to help the victims of the epidemic and died at a young age.

9. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621 - 1675) - The 9th Sikh Guru founded the town of Anandpur Sahib (�City Of Bliss�). He sacrificed his life while opposing the anti draconian rules of Mughal King Aurangzeb. 10. Guru Gobind Singh (1666 - 1708)- He completed the mission of initiating Khalsa in the year 1699. The first five devoted Sikhs who came forward to offer their lives in response to Guru Gobind Singh's demand were regarded as �Five Beloved Ones� (Panj-Piyare). �Code of conduct� for the Sikhs was established and the Sikhs were given a special & unique physical appearance by virtue of five essential items as part of their uniform all beginning with letter �K�. Kesh - Hairs ; Kangha - Hair Brush; Kada - Iron Bangle; Kripan - Sword ;Katch - cotton loincloth. Literal meaning of Khalsa is "Pure".

Guru Gobind Singh's description of �The Khalsa� was: �The Khalsa� is one who rides the horse and is prepared to fight the enemy in the battlefield all the time. �The Khalsa� attains the virtues of One Almighty (Waheguru) and does not look upon any one except the Almighty. Khalsa loves the Creator and respects & loves His creation. Guru Gobind Singh recompiled Guru Granth Sahib. He nominated Guru Granth Sahib as the Sikh �Word Guru� thus ending the line of human gurus. He continued the fight against the oppression and injustice of Mughal rulers. Llinks to useful web sites on Sikhism: Sikhs org - This site provides information on history and teachings of Sikhism. Gate way to Sikhism - Lots of information, links on Sikhism on this site and a nice Golden temple picture. Nanak - Wikiquote Nanak Jump to: navigation , search Make compassion the cotton, contentment the thread, modesty the knot and truth the twist.

Guru Nanak ( April 15 , 1469 – September 22 , 1539 ) also addressed as Baba Nanak or Nanak Shah founded the religion of Sikhism . He was the first of the ten Sikh Gurus , while the Guru Granth Sahib is considered as the eleventh guru. He travelled widely through out the country propagating the message of one God who dwells in every one of God's creations and constitutes the eternal Truth. His birth is celebrated world-wide on Kartik Puranmashi , the full-moon day which falls on different dates each year in the month of Kartik , October–November. Contents Gurdwara Janam Asthan , birth place of Guru Nanak. The impurity of the mind is greed, and the impurity of the tongue is falsehood. The impurity of the eyes is to gaze upon the beauty of another man's wife, and his wealth. The impurity of the ears is to listen to the slander of others. O Nanak, the mortal's soul goes, bound and gagged to the city of Death. All impurity comes from doubt and attachment to duality.

Birth and death are subject to the Command of the Lord's Will; through His Will we come and go. Asa di Var Make compassion the cotton, contentment the thread, modesty the knot and truth the twist. This is the sacred thread of the soul; if you have it, then go ahead and put it on me. Raag Aasaa 471:5383-4 Of a woman are we conceived, Of a woman are we born, To a woman are we betrothed and married, It is a woman who keeps the race going, Another companion is sought when the life-partner dies, Through a woman are established social ties. Why should we consider woman cursed and condemned, When from woman are born leaders and rulers. From woman alone is born a woman, Without woman there can be no human birth. Without woman, O Nanak, only the True One exists. Be it man or be it woman, Only those who sing His glory Are blessed and radiant with His Beauty, In His Presence and with His grace They appear with a radiant face. Raag Aasaa Mehal 1, p.

473; in Aad Guru Granth Sahib (1983 edition by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee); also in Guru Nanak and His Times (1971) by Anil Chandra Banerjee, p. 78 You shall everywhere mind the book of the Granth-Sahib as your Guru; whatever you shall ask it will show you. As quoted in Religious Thought and Life in India : An Account of the Religions of the Indian Peoples, Based on a Life's Study of Their Literature and on Personal Investigations in Their Own Country (1883) by Monier Monier-Williams There is no Hindu, nor any Mussalman. This was his first statement after his enlightenment as quoted in Journal of Sikh Studies, Vol. 7, 1-2 (February - August 1980), p. 39; also in "Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469 - 1539)" Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469 - 1539)[ edit ] Fresco of Guru Nanak . Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469 - 1539) . Sikh History.com.

Retrieved on 14 December 2013. If Ganges water will reach your ancestors in heaven, why should the water I throw up not reach my fields in the Punjab, which are far less distant ? O Lallo, as the words of the Lord come to me, so do I express them. The sun and moon, O Lord, are Thy lamps; the firmament Thy salver; the orbs of the stars the pearls encased in it. The perfume of the sandal is Thine incense, the wind is Thy fan, all the forests are Thy flowers, O Lord of light. What worship is this, O Thou destroyer of birth ? Unbeaten strains of ecstasy are the trumpets of Thy worship. Thou has a thousand eyes and yet not one eye; Thou host a thousand forms and yet not one form; Thou hast a thousand stainless feet and yet not one foot; Thou hast a thousand organs of smell and yet not one organ. I am fascinated by this play of 'l hine. The light which is in everything is Chine, O Lord of light. From its brilliancy everything is illuminated; By the Guru's teaching the light becometh manifest.

What pleaseth Thee is the real worship. O God, my mind is fascinated with Thy lotus feet as the bumble-bee with the flower; night and day I thirst for them. Give the water of Thy favour to the Sarang (bird) Nanak, so that he may dwell in Thy Name. Guru Nanak quotes[ edit ] write that which has no end or limit. Death would not be called bad, O people, if one knew how to truly die. I am neither a child, a young man, nor an ancient; nor am I of any caste. Even Kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God. those who have loved are those that have found God. I am neither male nor female, nor am I sexless. I am the Peaceful One, whose form is self-effulgent, powerful radiance. Dwell in peace in the home of your own being, and the Messenger of Death will not be able to touch you. Owing to ignorance of the rope the rope appears to be a snake; owing to ignorance of the Self the transient state arises of the individualized, limited, phenomenal aspect of the Self.

There is but One God, His name is Truth, He is the Creator, He fears none, he is without hate, He never dies, He is beyond the cycle of births and death, He is self illuminated, He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru. He was True in the beginning, He was True when the ages commenced and has ever been True, He is also True now. Whatever kind of seed is sown in a field, prepared in due season, a plant of that same kind, marked with the peculiar qualities of the seed, springs up in it. There is but one God. True is His Name, creative His personality and immortal His form. He is without fear sans enmity, unborn and self-illumined. By the Guru's grace He is obtained. Nanak, the whole world is in distress. He, who believes in the Name, becomes victorious. Life Of Guru Nanak: Chapter I[ edit ] Some hymns sung in specific raaga|ragas cited in . Life Of Guru Nanak: Chapter I . Sacred Texts.com. The one Lord who created the world is the Lord of all. Fortunate is their advent into the world, whose hearts remain attached to God's service.

O foolish man, why hast thou forgotten Him? When thou adjustest thine account, my friend, thou shalt be deemed educated. The Primal Being is the Giver; He alone is true. No account shall be due by the pious man who understandeth by means of these letters. Praise Him whose limit cannot be found. They who practise truth and perform service shall obtain their reward. He who knoweth divine knowledge is the learned pandit. He who knoweth the one God in all creatures would never say 'I exist by myself '. When the hair groweth white, it shineth without soap. King Death's hunters follow him who is bound by the chain of mammon. The Creator, Lord of the world, giveth sustenance to His slaves. All the world is bound in His bonds; no other authority prevaileth. He who hath renounced the singing of God's word, is arrogant in his language. He who fashioned vessels made kilns in which He put them and burnt them. The servant who performeth the Guru's work, who remaineth obedient to His commands, Who deemeth bad and good as the same, shall in this way be absorbed in Him.

He who made the four Veds, the four mines, and the four ages Hath been in every age a Jogi , a worldly man, or a learned pandit . About Guru Nanak[ edit ] The 5 Udasis and other locations visited by Guru Nanak Nanak's religion consisted in the love of God, love of man and love of godly living. His religion was above the limits of caste, creed and country. He gave his love to all, Hindus , Muslims , Indians and foreigners alike. His religion was a people's movement based on modern conceptions of secularism and socialism, a common brotherhood of all human beings. Like Rousseau , Nanak felt 250 years earlier that it was the common people who made up the human race. They had always toiled and tussled for princes, priests and politicians. What did not concern the common people was hardly worth considering. Nanak's work to begin with assumed the form of an agrarian movement. His teachings were purely in Punjabi language mostly spoken by cultivators. He appealed to the downtrodden and the oppressed peasants and petty traders as they were ground down between the two mill stones of Government tyranny and the new Muslims' brutality.

Nanak's faith was simple and sublime. It was the life lived. His religion was not a system of philosophy like Hinduism . It was a discipline, a way of life, a force, which connected one Sikh with another as well as with the Guru. Dr H.R. Gupta, the well-known historian in "Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469 - 1539)". In Nanak's time Indian society was based on caste and was divided into countless watertight Compartments. Men were considered high and low on account of their birth and not according to their deeds. Equality of human beings was a dream. There was no spirit of national unity except feelings of community fellowship. In Nanak's views men's love of God was the criterion to judge whether a person was good or bad, high or low. As the caste system was not based on divine love, he condemned it. Nanak aimed at creating a casteless and classless society similar to the modern type of socialist society in which all were equal and where one member did not exploit the other. Nanak insisted that every Sikh house should serve as a place of love and devotion, a true guest house (Sach dharamshala).

Every Sikh was enjoined to welcome a traveller or a needy person and to share his meals and other comforts with him. "Guru Nanak aimed at uplifting the individual as well as building a nation. Dr H.R. Gupta, the well-known historian in "Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469 - 1539)". Shri Babaji shows us the practical side of the teachings of great saints like Guru Nanak, who did not preach a particular religion or cult. He gave teachings of spiritual perfection, valid for all mankind. To follow these teachings is to realize good for all humanity and the unity of all humanity and the unity of the individual soul with the universal Soul. Shri Shastriji about Haidakhan Babaji , cited in: The Teachings of Babaji, 10 April 1983.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jee (1469 - 1539): The Founder of Sikh Religion | SikhNet Home Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jee (1469 - 1539): The Founder of Sikh Religion Sikhs all over the world are celebrating Guru Nanak’s Birthday (Properly called as: Pawan Prakash Utsav) on November 10,... November 9, 2011: Sikhs all over the world are celebrating Guru Nanak’s Birthday (Properly called as: Pawan Prakash Utsav) on November 10, 2011 with great devotion and celebrations. Guru Nanak Professed: God is one. He has innumerable forms. He is the creator of all. Truth is High; Higher Still is Truthful Living. Engage in a daily practice of Meditation (by reciting and chanting of God’s Name). Honest Living. Daily earnings must be through honest means. Share with the needy. It is the greatest and true worship of all time. Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus .

The Sikhs believe that all subsequent Gurus possessed Guru Nanak’s divinity and religious authority. One of the most spiritual and sacred Compilations of Guru Nanak, called as Japji states: "There is but One Universal Creator God; His name is ‘Truth’ and He is the Creator. He fears none; He is without hate; He never dies; He is beyond the cycle of births and death; He is self existent and self illuminated; He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru. He was True in the primal beginning; True throughout the ages; Ever been True. He is also True now." These words are enshrined at the beginning of the Sikh Holy Scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Nanak’s path was, is and will ever remain decorated with endless rows of true flowers. He realized God by singing virtues of God and following a life of true deeds. He only sang in the beautiful poetic forms of the time. Singing, often extemporaneously, with all his heart and soul, so much so that his singing became his meditation and Hymns. This was Nanak’s path, decorated with true flowers of song - songs of glory and praise of the Almighty Lord.

His blissful and mesmerizing Hymns are not those of an ordinary singer. There is the ring of truth, the reflection of God within them. It is these Hymns of love and expressions of truthfulness and worship, along with the Hymns of Guru Nanak's nine successors, that form the eternal Guru of the Sikhs , the Guru Granth Sahib . Guru Nanak founded and formalized the three main principles of Sikhism : Meditation : Guru Nanak preached and practiced meditation on God through reciting, chanting, singing and constant remembrance followed by deep study and comprehension of God’s name and virtues. In real life, to practice and tread on the path of righteousness - the inner thought of the Sikh thus stays constantly immersed in praises and appreciation of the Creator and the “ONE ETERNAL GOD” – is commonly referred by Sikhs as Waheguru (meaning: The Wonderful Lord). Honest Living: He expected the Sikhs to live as honorable householders and earn honest living by ones physical and mental effort while accepting both pains and pleasures as God's gifts and blessings. One is to stay truthful at all times and, fear none but the Eternal Super Soul.

Live a life founded on decency immersed and controlled by high spiritual, moral and social values. Share with the Needy: Guru Nanak preached the Sikhs to share their earnings with the needy by practicing “share and consume together.” The community or congregation is an important part of Sikhism. One must be part of a community that is living the flawless objective values set out by the Sikh Gurus and every Sikh has to contribute in whatever way possible to the common community pool. This spirit of sharing and giving is an important message from Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak's Divine Journeys, (known as The Udasis In Sikh History): In 1499, he embarked on his Divine Mission and travelled on foot towards east, west, north and south of India. He met people of different religions, tribes, cultures and races - his travels are called Udasis. Guru Nanak was moved by the plight of the people of world and wanted to tell them about the "real message of God." Guru Nanak saw the world suffering out of hatred, fanaticism, falsehood and hypocrisy. The world had sunk in wickedness and sin, so he decided that he had to travel and educate and press home the message of Almighty Lord.

He carried the torch of truth, heavenly love, peace, compassion, righteousness and joy for mankind Social Reforms and Contributions By Guru Nanak: Equality of Humans: Guru Nanak preached against discrimination and prejudices due to race, caste, status, etc. All Human Beings are created equal. He urged to "conquer" our minds to these evil practices. All human beings had the light of the Lord and were the same - only by subduing one's pride and ego could one see this Light in all. Equality of women: Around 1499 when the world offered low to no status or respect to women, Guru Nanak sought to improve the respect of women by spreading this message: "From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.

O' Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman." Universal message for all people: It had been a custom at the time for religious leaders to address only their own congregation and for segregation of the different religions -- but Guru Nanak broke with tradition and spoke to all of humanity. Unity, Harmony, Equality, Love, Faith, Sharing, Giving…is Guru Nanak! (Author Manmohan Singh Bharara (Manny) is co-founder of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Southington CT and is the founder of Sikh Faith Organization of Spiritual Enlightenment, UjaroDeepa.Org. This entry is designed to provide educational, be it brief, information for those curious about the Sikhism) Related stories: BBC - Schools - Religion - Sikhism Religion Guru Nanak - 06 November 2014 Links RE online Guru Nanak Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. Sikhism is still based on his teachings and those of the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan. At the age of 30 he mysteriously disappeared for 3 days.

When he reappeared, he began to preach the Sikh faith and spent the rest of his life teaching, writing and travelling around the world to discuss religion with Muslims and Hindus. How is the Guru's birthday celebrated? Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak's Birthday and the other Gurpurbs (festivals which celebrate the lives of the Gurus) by reading the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, continuously from beginning to end. This is done by a team of Sikh men and women, each reading for 2-3 hours over 48 hours, beginning two days before and ending early on the morning of the birthday. On the day before the birthday, processions are held in India and in some parts of England. These are led by five people representing the original Panj Piare (Five Beloved Ones) and followed by singers, musicians and even teams of people demonstrating martial arts. The Gurdwaras (places where Sikhs go to pray) are decorated with flowers, flags and lights. Sikhs join together to sing, pray and eat together.

On the morning of the anniversary celebrations begin early, at around 4 or 5am, with hymns sung from the Guru Granth Sahib, poems recited in praise of the Gurus and lectures on Sikhism. After this, a sweet-tasting food (Karah Prasad) is blessed and served. It is made from semolina or wheat flour, sugar and ghee (clarified butter). The congregation then share a langar (meal) from the free kitchen. Celebrations may also include fireworks. Sikhs who are unable to visit the Gurdwara during the festival will hold a similar ceremony in their own homes.

Question: Guru Nanak Dev founded which religion?
Answer: Sikhism