The founder of Sikhism

Bhatia InderJeet “Prince”
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 AD in the village of Talwandi Sahib now called ‘ Nankana Sahib’ in Pakistan. Those were the  times when the world was torn  in to many warring camps and society was caste-ridden. Inequality prevailed in the various sections of society. Low caste people used to be hated by the high caste people and they were not allowed to visit their religious places. That is why Bhai Gurdas Ji described the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the following words:
“Sat Guru Nanak Pargatya
Miti Dhundh Jag Chanan Hoya”!
With the appearance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the mist disappeared and there was light just as with the rising sun stars disappear and darkness is over.)
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, right from his childhood used to enjoy the company of holymen moving in the area on pilgrimage. Guru Ji used to participate in the religious discourses with those holymen Guru Ji’s Father, however, did not appreciate his son’s strong leanings towards religious discourses. He got Guru Ji married. Guru Ji’s sister’s husband was in service in Revenue Department of Sultanpur Lodhi. He managed a job of managing stores for Guru Ji.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to give alms freely to the poor & needy. Guru Ji continued to participate in the religious discourses with the holymen as usual. Some people felt jealous of Guru Ji’s growing popularity. They complained to Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi that Guru Ji was distributing some of the official stocks of grains in his custody. Twice the stores were inspected but nothing was ever found short.
One day, Guru Ji decided to declare the mission for which he had been sent by God! One morning Guru Ji went to the nearby rivulet for bathing and returned only on 3rd day. The people including the Nawaab were jubilant on finding Guru Ji back with them. Guru Nanak Dev Ji declared his Ist formal sermon in the following words:
“Na Koi Hindu, Na Musalmaan!”
Guru Ji was against the caste system and said that all are equal and blessed by one creator i.e God!
Man is neither high or low by his caste but this individuality depends upon his deeds.
If one does good deeds, he or she is deemed to be good in the eyes of God.
Guru Ji appeared for the salvation of humanity. Guru Ji wrote ” Japji Sahib” which is said to be the basic of spiritualism. Guru Ji wrote about the almighty as under :
“Ek Omkar,
Sat Naam Karta Purakh
Nirbhav, Nirvair……
Akal Moorat, Ajooni Sahib…….”
” There is but one God, The true on Lord Creator of night and day, without fear, without hate…..
Guru Ji advised his disciples to remember the Almighty day & night. Guru ji said that ” Naam” (The name of God) is the cure and panacea of all ills from which humanity suffers. Guru Ji asked his followers to avoid 5 cardinal vices like ” Kaam” (Lust), ” Krodh” (Anger), “Lobh” (The greed), “Moh” (worldly attachments) and “Ahankaar” (Pride). All these five are great enemies of human being.  Guru Ji opposed caste based distinctions. Guru Ji stood for Hindu- Muslim unity by making his life campanious” Mardana” a Muslim & “Bala” a Hindu who lived, ate & walked together with Guru Nanak Dev Ji for a common cause.
According to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the concept of religion is based on two principles, the unity of God and the universal brotherhood of man. Guru Ji did his best to convey the message that all human beings are equal and are blessed by one creator i.e God ! Guru Ji travelled the holy places of the Hindus like “Kashi”, “Dwarka” and of Muslims like “Mecca”, “Madina”to teach the principle of universal brotherhood.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji in a bid to eradicate the distinctions between people of different caste creed or religion inculcated a common mode of worship and a common social institution called “Sangat” & “Pangat” the former meaning gathering of good & noble people and the later signifying people sitting and eating together in the same row irrespective of their castes, creed or status. The life style as advocated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is based on three fundamental teachings : “Meditation on the holy “Naam” of one God, earn one’s bread by honest & sincere labour and share one’s earnings with those in need”
“Kirt Karna, Wad Chhakhna !”
Guru Nanak Dev Ji felt for the suffering womankind of his times. People used to consider womenfolks  inferior to men. She was not allowed to visit religious places and other places freely. Guru Ji raised voice against this practice and placed womankind on a high pedestral.
“Why call a woman inferior who gives birth even to kings and all !”
“Jo Kyo Manda Aakhiyan,
Jis Jammay Rajaan!
Guru Ji considered the institution of  marriage as a sacred tie, essential for the progress of  mankind. Guru Nanak Dev Ji also criticised the practice of  “Sati” and advocated the practice of ethical values of daily life. Such as justice, truth, honesty, humility, fearlessness and gratitude which made a man true human being.
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