Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji: The First Sikh Guru
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Born in the village of Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan), Guru Nanak's spiritual teachings revolutionized religious thought in the Indian subcontinent and laid the foundation for one of the world's youngest major religions.
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
From an early age, Guru Nanak displayed extraordinary spiritual wisdom and questioned ritualistic practices that divided people along lines of caste, creed, and religion. At the age of 30, he had a profound spiritual experience while bathing in the river Bein, after which he emerged with a divine mission to spread the message of "Ik Onkar" (There is One God).
Core Teachings
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings were revolutionary for their time and remain relevant today:
1. Oneness of God (Ik Onkar)
Guru Nanak taught that there is only one God, who is the creator of all and is beyond human comprehension. This God is formless, timeless, and accessible to all, regardless of religion or social status.
2. Equality of All Humans
One of Guru Nanak's most radical teachings was the equality of all people. He rejected the caste system and declared that all humans are equal in the eyes of God. He emphasized that no one is superior or inferior based on birth, gender, or social status.
3. Selfless Service (Seva)
Guru Nanak established the concept of seva, or selfless service to humanity. He taught that serving others without expectation of reward is a path to spiritual growth and connection with the Divine.
4. Honest Living (Kirat Karni)
The Guru emphasized earning an honest living through hard work and ethical means. He discouraged begging and exploitation, promoting instead a life of dignity and self-reliance.
5. Sharing with Others (Vand Chakna)
Guru Nanak taught the importance of sharing one's earnings and resources with those in need. This principle is embodied in the Sikh tradition of langar (free community kitchen), which he established.
The Five Udasis (Spiritual Journeys)
Accompanied by his companions Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala, Guru Nanak undertook five major spiritual journeys (Udasis) across Asia, covering thousands of miles on foot. These journeys took him to:
- First Udasi: Eastern regions including Bengal, Assam, and possibly Tibet
- Second Udasi: Southern India and Sri Lanka
- Third Udasi: Northern regions including Kashmir, Nepal, Sikkim, and Tibet
- Fourth Udasi: Western regions including Arabia, Persia, and Mecca
- Fifth Udasi: Various parts of Punjab and surrounding areas
Establishment of Kartarpur
After his extensive travels, Guru Nanak settled in Kartarpur (now in Pakistan) where he established a community based on his teachings. Here, he introduced the concepts of:
- Sangat: Congregation of devotees gathering to sing hymns and meditate together
- Pangat: Sitting together in rows to share meals, regardless of social status
- Langar: Free community kitchen serving all people equally
Literary Contributions
Guru Nanak composed beautiful hymns (shabads) that express profound spiritual truths in simple, accessible language. His compositions form a significant part of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Written in various languages and ragas (musical modes), his poetry addresses universal themes of love, devotion, social justice, and the nature of reality.
The Succession and Legacy
Before his passing in 1539, Guru Nanak appointed Bhai Lehna, who became Guru Angad Dev Ji, as his successor. This began the tradition of spiritual succession that continued through nine more Gurus, each building upon the foundation laid by Guru Nanak.
Relevance in Modern Times
Guru Nanak's teachings remain remarkably relevant in today's world:
- His message of equality challenges modern forms of discrimination and prejudice
- His emphasis on environmental consciousness (seeing God in nature) addresses contemporary ecological concerns
- His teachings on honest work and ethical living provide guidance in an increasingly complex economic world
- His vision of interfaith harmony offers a path toward global peace and understanding
Guru Nanak's Connection to Amritsar
While Guru Nanak himself did not found Amritsar, the city was established by the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji, who continued the mission started by Guru Nanak. The Golden Temple, built by Guru Arjan Dev Ji (the fifth Guru), stands as a magnificent embodiment of Guru Nanak's teachings of equality, service, and devotion.
Celebrating Guru Nanak's Birthday
Guru Nanak's birthday, known as Gurpurab, is celebrated with great fervor by Sikhs worldwide. In Amritsar, the celebrations at the Golden Temple are particularly grand, with millions of devotees gathering to pay their respects and participate in prayers, processions, and community service.
Conclusion
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life and teachings transformed millions of lives during his time and continue to inspire people across the world today. His message of one God, one humanity, honest living, and selfless service provides a timeless blueprint for spiritual growth and social harmony.
When you visit Amritsar and the Golden Temple, you walk in the footsteps of a spiritual tradition that began with Guru Nanak's revolutionary vision of a world united in love, equality, and devotion to the Divine.
"ਨਾ ਕੋਈ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨਾ ਕੋਈ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ"
"Na koi Hindu na koi Musalman"
"There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim"
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji