Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak

News: Prime Minister Modi greeted people on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti.

About Guru Nanak Jayanti:
• It is celebrated on the 15th lunar day of the Hindu month of Kartik.
• It is one of the most important days of Sikhism and marks the birth anniversary of the first of the ten Sikh gurus and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Who was Guru Nanak ji?
• 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.
• 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.
• Guru Nanak laid the foundation for the three pillars of Sikhism: Naam Japna (meditating on God's name), Kirat Karni (honest and truthful living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others, especially those in need).
• All his teachings are composed together to form the sacred book called Guru Granth Sahib, the central holy religious scripture of Sikhism.

Some of his teachings and life lessons we can learn from him are as follows:
• “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.
• “Vand Shhakō” – Share and Consume: Guru Nanak believed that those who are capable have the responsibility to take care of the needy.
• “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.
• 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.
• Respect Women: Guru Nanak permitted women to join religious gatherings and openly sing their praises of God.
• God is Omnipresent: Guru Nanak taught that God is everywhere and in everything.
• Kindness and Compassion: Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of kindness and compassion in all aspects of life