By Dr. Harpal Singh Bal Ames, Iowa
The founder of Sikh Faith, Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469A.D. in village Talwandi, now named Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. Nanak’s preaching were to recognize and have faith in One Absolute Almighty God. He was therefore a strict monotheist. He refused to accept any compromise on the concept of the unity of God. He disagreed with the philosophy of the Hindu Priests of his time that God could be reincarnated in any form. According to Nanak, God was infinite and could not die to be reincarnated (Born again) nor could he as some a human or any other form which was subjected to decay and death. God created every form of life and his creations cannot create God. Therefore Nanak disapproved the worship of idols because people tended to look upon them as God instead of symbolic representations. This concept of formless God is one of the fundamental difference between Brahminic Hinduism and the Sikh Faith. Nanak also
“laughed at himself on his inability to describe and define limitless Virtues and the Greatness of God. Said Nanak “The wisest of wise have failed to measure the Greatness of the Infinite Almighty Lord”. Nanak’s concept of God is expressed in the first verse of the Morning Prayer “Japji’,
There is one God. He is the Supreme truth. He the Creator, is without Fear and without hate. He is Omni present, Pervades the Universe, He cannot be destroyed. He is not born nor does He die to be born again. By His grace shalt thou worship him.
In the following verse, Nanak inspires his followers to live a truthful life.
Before time itself there was truth when time began to run it’s course He was the truth. He is the truth and evermore shall truth prevail.
Sikhs in low a will celebrate the Birthday of Guru Nanak on Full moon day of November 1989, although this date does not coincide with the actual birth day, it is celebrated as a tradition. The word “Sikh” means disciple of God.
Guru Nanak was succeeded by nine more Gurus who preached his faith. The Gurus compiled the Sikh bible known as “Granth Sahib”. The “Granth Sahib” contains beautiful verses in praise of God expressed in man dialects of India. It exceeds 1400 pages. English translation of the holy Granth is available. According to Professor H.L. Bradshaw, “Sikhism is a universal faith, a message for all the people for this new age” .
Article extracted from this publication >> November 17, 1989
