Guru Nanak Dev

• Context (IE): Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2024, celebrated on November 15, coincided with Kartik Purnima. Also known as Gurpurab, it marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

About Guru Nanak Dev (c. 1469–1539 CE)

• Birth: Born in 1469 in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan).
• Enlightenment: Guru Nanak got his enlightenment in Sultanpur in 1496.
• Founder of Sikhism: Established the Sikh faith, rejecting caste discrimination and advocating for devotion to one formless, all-powerful, and truthful God. He was the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
• Rejection of Rituals: Denounced idol worship, pilgrimages, and caste distinctions, promoting a practical, ethical, and truthful way of life.
• Core Teachings: God conceptualised as Nirguna (attribute less) and Nirankar (formless).
• Three Pillars of Sikhism:
  • Nam Japna: Contemplating and chanting the name of one God.
  • Kirat Karna: Earning an honest livelihood through righteous work.
  • Vand Chhakna: Sharing one’s wealth with others to promote social equality.
• Death: Guru Nanak passed away in 1539 at Kartarpur, Punjab. Before his death in 1539, Guru Nanak appointed Guru Angad as his successor.

Key Aspects of Guru Nanak Dev’s Life and Teachings

• Egalitarian Society: Promoted equality through Langar (shared community meal), Pangat (eating together without discrimination), and Sangat (collective decision-making).
• Oneness of God: Emphasized the message of “Ek Onkar Satnam,” advocating that all are equal.
• Core Values: His teachings centered on forgiveness, patience, kindness, and compassion, essential for fostering societal harmony.
• Just Society: He advocated “kirat karo” (honest work), “naam japo” (devotion), and “vand chhako” (sharing with others) to create a balanced and responsible community.
• Karma and Dharma: Emphasized that karma (actions) should be the basis of dharma (righteousness), linking spirituality with social responsibility.
• Charity and Service: Promoted the concept of “dasvandh”, encouraging individuals to donate a tenth of their earnings to help the needy.
• Gender Equality: Taught that both men and women are equally valued and share God’s grace, advocating for gender justice.
• Respect for Women: Stressed that women deserve equal respect and opportunities, a significant teaching in the context of modern gender equality.
• Promoting Peace: Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy of oneness, compassion, and service offers a pathway to peace and social cohesion.
• Spiritual Leadership: As a spiritual guide, he emphasized the role of a Guru in providing illumination, dispelling doubts, and guiding towards truth.

Sikhism

• Founding and Core Beliefs: Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century.
• God & Soul: Sikhism believes in one God, aiming to reconnect with God by overcoming ego and desires.
• Equality and Social Justice: Guru Nanak promoted social equality and opposed the caste system, advocating for equal treatment for all individuals.
• Guru Granth Sahib: The Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal Guru after the ten Gurus, containing hymns that promote universal values.
• The Khalsa and Five Ks: Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa in 1699, with Sikhs wearing the Five Ks as symbols of their faith.
• Gurdwaras and Takhts: Sikhs worship in Gurdwaras, with Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar being the most significant. The Five Takhts are key institutions in Sikhism.
• Service (Seva): Seva (selfless service) is a core principle of Sikhism, encouraging individuals to serve humanity without expecting rewards.
• Sikh Population in India: As per the census 2011, the Sikh population in India is around 20 million (1.7% of the total population).