Sri Guru Nanak Dev was the first Sikh Guru who laid the foundation of Sikhism. Sri Guru Nanak Dev, who was born in Talwandi, Pakistan, in 1469, spread the message of ‘Ik Onkar.’ This refers to the ‘One God’ who resides in all of creation and is the eternal truth.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev’s mool mantra is “Ik Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh, Nirbhau, Nirvair, Akal Murat, Ajuni Sae Bham, Guru Prasad.”The mool mantra is especially noteworthy since it is the opening text of the sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which comprises all ten Sikh Gurus’ compositions and bani. He travelled extensively in order to convey the message of love and peace.
Guru Nanak Dev gave us various lessons, all of which are recorded in the sacred text, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Continue reading to learn the most significant lessons of Sri Guru Nanak Dev that will improve your life.
“Hukam Rajayee Chalna Nanak Likheya Naal,” said Guru Nanak Dev ji. According to Guru Nanak Dev ji, everything happens by God’s Grace, therefore rest confident that God understands what is good and wrong for us. As a result, we must accept His judgments without complaining or questioning.
In literal words, Ek Onkar means “God is One.” Guru Nanak Ji defied social conventions and regulations at an early age. And when he founded Sikhism, he emphasised the concept of One God. His lessons emphasized the need of trusting in your good Karma and one greater authority. Guru Nanak Dev ji stated, “I am neither Hindu nor Muslim; I am a disciple of Divinity,” referring to his belief in a single god. The deity in Sikhism is omnipresent, shapeless, timeless, and sightless. (Nirankar, akar, and alakh.) Sikhism emphasises that before creation, there was God, and the Illusion (maya of attachment and enticement) came into being as a result of His will (Hukam). Sikhism’s God is neither male nor female, and can only be seen with the help of inward eye. Guru Nanak Dev ji stated unequivocally that there is only One who provides to Everyone, and we must not forget Him. The Guru emphasised that in human form, complete knowledge of God is unattainable.
- No Discrimination
Guru Nanak Dev ji delivered the lesson of universal brotherhood. He said that religion is more than just a set of words, treating everyone equally.Regardless of position, colour, ethnicity, caste, religion, gender, or status, he believed that everyone is equal. His two students, Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana, were referred to as “Bhai,” not by their ethnicity or caste, but rather as his brothers. A major topic of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Gurbani is universal brotherhood. Equal rights for women was another point he underlined. In numerous instances in Sikhism’s history, men and women were treated equally.
- Reject five sins ‘Panj Vikar’
The five evils that dwelt in the human body and mind were discussed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He also instructed us to avoid these five sinsbecause they weaken us and cause us to neglect our responsibilities. Kam (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment), and Ahankar (Ego)are the five sins.
- Sarbat Daa Bhala
“Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala,” or “Nanak Asks for Name, Who Blesses All with Prosperity, Health, Happiness and All Well Things,” is a phrase used by Nanak.The last verse of the Sikh prayer, “ardaas,” is intended to bestow blessings on everyone. Regardless of their gender, race, colour, or ancestry.
- Kirat Karo, Vand Chako and Naam Japna
Vand Chako, Kirat Karo, and Naam Japo are the three principals that Nanak Dev Ji gave us.
Share “Vand” Chako with others. Share your resources with people in need. Sikhs are followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and uphold the principles of altruism. Share your resources, give someone in need food, housing, or everything else you can. Sikhs are required to provide a little amount of their riches to those in need as responsible community members.
Kirat Karo means “earn your living honestly.” Truth and honesty were values Guruji stressed. Be a man after God, a hard worker, and a follower of honesty. a better life for oneself and one’s family can only be achieved through effort and commitment.
Naam Japo – Keep his name in mind. This principle, also known as “Naam Simran,” instructs us to always recall God’s name. God is the highest force, and remembering this aids us in overcoming our anxieties and uncertainties.
- Sewa And Simran
No one can help another person, according to Guru Nanak. Only the Guru can lead us to safety, and in order to be rescued, one must choose the straight route of SEWA and SIMRAN that he has prescribed. The Guru also lives with the poor; he is not to be found in grand mansions. Let’s help the least fortunate; God will bless us. We can hear the Guru speaking to us if we recite the Gurbani with love. His views have served as frequent reminders to us throughout our lives. Guru Nanak Dev Ji sincerely held to and actively practised selflessness. He believed that only by performing entirely selfless deeds could one find ultimate satisfaction.
- Compassion And Consideration
Guru Nanak Dev Ji genuinely thought that only acts of love and compassion could have a good impact on and transform the entire world. He demonstrated his fervent belief in the notion that every individual in this world, regardless of how bad, deserves compassion from his other fellow beings and that it has the power to transform a person for the better by his deeds.
- Respect Women
The rights of women have always been a priority for Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He sought an equal role for women in society in one of his early lines by asking, “Why to despise the one who gives birth to the glorious monarchs of the world?”
- Stand against oppression, Rituals/Superstitions
All of us were taught the value of inner fortitude by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He advised speaking up against injustice constantly since that is when change starts to happen. Additionally, Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached against superstitions, bogus ceremonies, and the veneration of goddesses and demi-gods. He emphasised that there is only One God, the Formless, who deserves praise. He demonstrated the route to truth and enlightenment in this way.