Guru Nanak, the Founder of Sikhism

Guru Nanak, the Founder of Sikhism

by: Dave & Nita Anand

The world knows Mahatma Gandhi as one who shaped the history of India with his principle of non-violence in the 20th Century. Today’s India is a result of that powerful idea combined with the progressive ideas of leaders who followed Gandhi. Earlier Emperors Akbar and Asoka with their benevolent and liberal ideas transformed India into a flying “golden bird (Soney Kee Chiryaa)” that benefited the masses and impressed foreigners.

India also gifted to the world Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, who is yet to be fully discovered and understood. Every November, Sikhs all over the world celebrate Guru Nanak’s birthday; he was born in 1469 at a place called Nankana Sahib near Lahore, Punjab. During his time (1469-1539), society was split strictly along the religious lines. Nanak’s wisdom helped to bring the polarized cultures together and unify the country through his preaching of monotheistic Sikhism. Today this religion claims over 25 million followers worldwide.

Similar to other religions that took root in the land they were born, the native soil of Punjab helped in creating the organic foundation for the ideas of Sikh religion to bloom. For Guru Nanak, God is the one and only essence that pervades the universe and the cosmos. His home is everywhere, meaning – he created the world to be a place of beauty where virtuous deeds and moral judgment must predominate to overcome sin and suffering.

Nanak sang praises of God through “Kirtan” or divine music in which Mardana, his Muslim companion, played the instrument of Rebeck to add another soothing dimension to it. "Kirtan music is like a priceless jewel; it gives spiritual bliss and many other blessings. Whoever recites or listens to sacred music will have their evil inclinations and sorrow ended," said Guru Nanak.

The Guru preached less and practiced what he said. Even though the supreme aim of humans is to unite with God, Nanak knew this must be achieved while living in a world that is real and full of perils. Therefore he guided his followers to take a holistic view of life and try to understand human’s place in the divine scheme of things. By this he meant that each one of us has been blessed with intellect and free will that give us the ability to discriminate and choose a way of life that brings us closer to God.

Nanak did not suggest denial, austerities or animal sacrifices as a way to salvation. His persuasion was for virtuous living, truthfulness and above all breaking life’s bondage by practicing moderation and meditation. Finding truth can only be through living in truth, Nanak said. The life and teachings of Guru Nanak are quite unique in this sense for they are very conducive to promoting inter-faith relations.

The Guru believed that a society can achieve greatness only if it is founded on equality and justice for all. He opposed the then prevalent caste system and the tyranny of the rulers against the weak and innocent. Despising war and the terrible suffering it caused, the Guru even questioned God (Wahe Guru) – “Why do you bring about wars if you feel their pain through thousands of innocent victims?”

The purpose of life taught by Sikhism is a bit different from other religions all of whom endeavor to leave the world a better place for the future generations. Community service is an important part of Sikhism as is meditation on the name of God by the entire congregation (Sadh Sangat) for raising spiritual energy together. Sikhs consider God as someone who is within us and not an entity somewhere -- out there. By meditating, you reach within yourself to discover Him because God is within you. Sikhism promotes three fundamental principles: Meditation on God’s name, honest earnings and living, and finally to share with the less fortunate.

Guru Nanak opened a Dharmshal at Kartarpur, Punjab, in 1521 that was open to all. There he started the practice of morning and evening prayers and sang Kirtan. By now his influence had grown and people in large numbers, came to listen to his message from far and near. Thus began a way of life of hours of meditation that later included free food for all irrespective of whether they attended the prayer sessions or not.

Like other religions, Sikhism is a path to reach God. Sikhs believe all religions offer equally good paths – none superior or inferior to the other. Nanak metaphorically spoke of God being the hub of a wheel and different religions the spokes of that wheel leading to the same center, and then questioned – how could one religion have a monopoly on God or be superior to another religion? He exhorted people to learn and practice their own religion with more dedication, instead of finding faults with other religions or try to convert ones who believed in them.

In closing, we will emphasize upon the last words of the Sikh daily prayer (ARDAS) that summarize Nanak’s wisdom – “Tere Bhaney Sarbat Daa Bhallaa” – With your grace I pray for the well-being of everyone (and not just for myself or the community of Sikhs alone).

If everyone acted on this message of Guru Nanak – the world, and not just India, would be a very different place.

Nita and Dave Anand (danand55@gmail.com) are progressive Sikhs. Dave has written and published two books: “People Super Highway, the Mystique & Quest of Soul” and “The Verses.”