Key teaching from Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Founder of Sikhism)
Sikhs and many non-Sikhs around the world celebrated Guru Nanak Dev ji Prakash Purab (Birthday). Guru Nanak Dev ji is the first saint which is revered by people from different faiths and beliefs equally.
Guru Nanak Shah Faqir Hindu ka Guru Musalman ka Peer (Guru Nanak is a supreme saint who is a spiritual teacher for Hindus and a spiritual guide for Muslims).
Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled around the world in all directions (N, S, W, E) to spread the message of peace. He visited all places to share his key teachings and spread love. Guru Nanak taught that every human being is capable of attaining spiritual perfection which will ultimately lead them to God.
I am proud of my religion as I am equally proud of other religions and faith. Some people asked me how one can convert to Sikhism and my answer is always that you should not. One should try to become a good human being
Every year, I will try to capture some key learning from the teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji bani.
Key teaching
1. One Universe & Global Peace
Mool Mantra:
- Ek Onkar (ੴ)— There is only one God
- Satnam (ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ) — God name is only truth and truth is his name
- Karta Purakh (ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ)— God is the one who does everything
- Nirbhau (ਨਿਰਭਉ)- God is not afraid of anything
- Nirvair (ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ)— God has enmity with no one
- Akal Purakh (ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ) — God is beyond Time and yet it is existing.
- Aajoni (ਅਜੂਨੀ) — God does not condense and come into any birth
- Sai Bangh (ਸੈਭੰ) — God exists everywhere
- Guru Prasad (ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ) — God expresses itself through a channel known as Guru
2. Sharing
Three pillars of Sikhism and Guru Nanak’s teaching:
Naam Japo (ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ) — Meditation: Do meditation on God and reciting and chanting of God’s Name
Kirat Karo (ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ) — Hard Work: To honestly earn, with hard work, by one’s physical and mental effort
Vand Shanko (ਵੰਡ ਛਕੋ) — Sharing: Share (the food, Wealth etc.) with everyone, Irrespective of caste, creed, color or sexuality
3. Climate Change
Pawan Guru Paani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਪਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਪਤ ਮਹਤੁ || (Wind is the teacher, Water is the father, and Earth is the great mother)
Climate change is real and we are exploiting resources and polluting the earth. Guru Nanak shared this message 500 years ago to respect nature mother and protect our water and air.
4. Gender Equality
So kyon Manda Akhiye Jit Jamein Rajan ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ। (“Why to call ‘her’ inferior? From her, the Kings are born”)
Guru Nanak advocated for equal right for women, their education, and empowerment. This is the reason that in the Sikh religion, girls get equal rights and more respect.
5. Self Introspection
Andharahu Jhoothae Paij Baahar Dhuneeaa Andhar ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਝੂਠੇ ਪੈਜ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਫੈਲੁ ॥
Athasath Theerathh Jae Naavehi Outharai Naahee Mail || ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਜੇ ਨਾਵਹਿ ਉਤਰੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਮੈਲੁ ॥
Those who are false within, and honorable on the outside, are very common in this world. Those who are false within, and honorable on the outside, are very common in this world. Guru Nanak preached the importance of cleaning yourself from the inside and get rids of your sins.
6. Universal Brotherhood
Sarbat da bhala (ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ) — welfare of all
Guru Nanak dev ji passed the message of Universal brotherhood. He said that religion is not mere consistency of words but actually looks all men and women equally (Source: SikhStation)
Please forgive if you like or agree with any point and suggest the change. I will share more learning in the coming years.
