Guru Nanak & Sikhi
Guru Nanak (1469–1538) (also called Baba Nanak or Nanak Shah) is one of the greatest religious innovators of all time. He was a Prophet whose message was a direct revelation from God.
Sikhi - A Spiritual Path
"Conquer your own mind and conquer the world"
(Guru Nanak, Ang 6, SGGS)
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Guru Nanak Ji never intended to start a new religion. Nanak regarded himself as a humble servant of God (not an incarnation of God). He was only concerned with doing God's will in the world, suggesting practical ways of countering the evil, ignorance and superstition which had laid hold of the common people.
Guru Nanak believed that the purpose of human life is to reunite with God. Hence, he was primarily concerned with the spiritual welfare of the common people. His community kitchen or Langar where he fed the congregation, is his lasting legacy till date, as is the disproportionate contribution of Sikhs in donations to Charities and in their personal time to voluntary activities.
Sikhs believe the word of God has come through the Ten Gurus. Sikhism is a monotheistic faith believing in an All-Powerful One God. Sikhs also believe in Karma and Reincarnation. Sikhi does not teach asceticism as a means to reach salvation. Meditation is an important part of the Sikh faith. Sikhs believe in equality of all humans and do not accept discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, class, colour, race, sex, or creed. The basic principles of Guru Nanak’s message are the Unity of Godhead and the brotherhood/sisterhood of humankind.
Sikhi - A Sufi Path
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The Sikhi path is a Sufi path with the Guru controlling the spiritual process. The belief is in the Oneness of God, the Creator, and the practice is in the constant remembrance of His Name, with the ultimate aim of achieving salvation. His path was of the householder reforming society from within. No escapism from duties and society. Great words and thoughts meant nothing to Nanak if the resulting awareness did not convert to action. Key was having the courage and the resolve to go through with things having full faith in God. Sikhi involves self-discipline of controlling our Thoughts (“man”), Speech (“bachan”), Actions (“karam”) and bringing them into unison.
“Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is truthful living.”
(Sri Raag Guru Nanak Dev, Ang 62)
The Sikhs (Sikh means “seeker of truth”) are a unique spirit-born people believing in Guru Nanak’s basic concepts of “Work, Worship and Charity”.