GURU
NANAK - ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL INDIA
News:
Guru Nanak Jayanti: 5
things to know about Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism
What's
in the news?
●
Guru Nanak Jayanti marks the birthday of
the founder of Sikhism and the first of its nine gurus, Guru Nanak or Baba
Nanak. Sikhs celebrate this day with a procession called Nagar Kirtan, which
sees groups of people sing hymns and visit gurudwaras.
Guru
Nanak:
●
Guru Nanak (1469–1539), also referred to
as Baba Nanak, was the founder of
Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
●
He was born on April 15, 1469, in Rai Bhoi
di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan.
Ek
Omkar:
●
Guru Nanak Dev spread the message of ‘Ek
Omkar’ which means that God is one and
is present everywhere.
●
He propagated the idea that any person
could connect with God by worshipping him with a clean conscience.
Three
Pillars of Sikhism:
●
Guru Nanak laid the foundation for the
three pillars of Sikhism:
○
Naam
Japna (meditating on God's name)
○
Kirat
Karni (honest and truthful living)
○
Vand
Chakna (sharing with others, especially those in need).
Guru
Granth Sahib:
●
All his teachings are composed together to
form the sacred book called Guru Granth Sahib, the central holy religious
scripture of Sikhism.
Life
Messages by Nanak:
1.
“Sewa” – Selfless Service:
●
Guru Nanak placed a great emphasis on
selfless service. He believed that true spiritual satisfaction can only come
when you are selfless and work for others’ good.
2. “Vand Shhakō” - Share
and Consume:
●
Guru Nanak believed that those who are
capable have the responsibility to take care of the needy.
3.
“Kirat Karo” – Work Honestly:
●
Guru Nanak propagated the idea that all
humans need to earn their living through honest means and use their skills and
talents to lead an honest life.
4.
Equality:
●
Guru Nanak vehemently opposed
discrimination based on caste, creed or gender. He preached that all human
beings are equal in the eyes of God and should be treated as such.
5.
Respect Women:
●
Guru Nanak permitted women to join
religious gatherings and openly sing their praises of God.
6. God is Omnipresent:
●
Guru Nanak taught that God is everywhere
and in everything.
7.
Kindness and Compassion:
●
Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of
kindness and compassion in all aspects of life.