Founder of the Revolution, Sikhism
In 1469 at village Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, a new light came to the world. This light later was called Guru Nanak Dev Ji, The Guru would bring a social and religious revolution.
Guru Nanak felt deep anguish when he observed the followers of one faith hating the followers of other faiths. A large section of society was considered low caste or untouchables, Women were treated as inferior human beings. The Guru described this inequality among the people as a sin and strongly protested against it. To the divided society Guru Nanak gave new directions which united all people under one category as equal human beings. He emphatically told them that being the children of the same Father, God, they were all equals.
To implement his teachings Guru Nanak founded the institutions of Sangat and Pangat where people would sit together. Pray together without any discrimination of caste, color, creed or faith, nobody was considered inferior or superior regardless of his birth or wealth, His teachings included the following major directions to the people:
1) Sincere Love for God; Nam Japna. The very idea of one common God for all humanity, teaches us that whatever name we may use for the Almighty, we all are his creations and therefore must love each other as brothers and sisters
2) Honest Earnings; Dharam Di KirtIvis only hard earned money which is sweet like milk. Wealth collected through corruption and unfair means makes the mind dirty and evil.
3) Sharing Earnings; Wand Ke Chhakna. Because we are children of the same Father, we should feel pleasure in sharing our earnings with the needy. People who share with the needy do not oblige them or do any favor to them, but are just doing their duty which is expected of them.
4) Accepting the Will of God; Bhana Mannana. God knows what is right and wrong for the overall welfare of people. We should accept his decisions without grudge or question.
5) Goodwill for All; Sarbat Ka Bhala. 4 Sikh is required to pray to God twice a day for His blessings. In his prayer he requests God for the welfare of the whole humanity, not just of his community or his family alone.
Thus, Guru Nanak brought a social and religious revolution by providing a platform, Sangat and Pangat, where all people could pray, meet and eat together as equals without any kind of discrimination. He was, therefore, remembered as a great holy man in the following folk lore:
Nanak Shah Fakir
Hindu ka Guru,
Musalman ka Pir.
God is the creator of this Universe. We all, whatever our caste, color, creed, country, or faith, have been begotten by Him as His children. Accordingly do not consider any human being as low or inferior. Treat and respect all persons as equals and wish well for everyone.
The World Sikh News will have a regular column of Sakhis and other material for our children. These Sakhies are reprinted from a book published by Khalsa School, Vancouver, Canada.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 24, 1989
