Introduction to Sikhism and its founder

Sikhism is a religion that originated in the Punjab region of India in the late 15th century. Sikhs believe that their faith was founded by Guru Nanak, who is regarded as the first of ten human Gurus. These Gurus are seen by Sikhs as spiritual guides who received divine revelations to teach about God, equality, and righteous living.

Key beliefs about the Gurus in Sikhism

• Sikhs believe that each Guru embodied the same divine light, passed on from one to the next, ensuring continuity in their teachings.
• The Gurus are not worshipped as gods but respected as enlightened teachers who shaped Sikh beliefs and practices.
• After the tenth Guru, Sikhs believe the eternal Guru became the holy scripture, known as the Guru Granth Sahib.

The life of Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak, born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan, is considered by Sikhs to be the founder of Sikhism. His life experiences, including travels and spiritual insights, formed the basis of the religion's core principles. Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak received a direct call from God at the age of 30, which inspired him to spread his message.

Timeline of Guru Nanak's life

• 1469 - Born in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib) to Hindu parents in a region influenced by both Hinduism and Islam.
• Around 1499 - Experienced a spiritual revelation while bathing in a river; Sikhs believe he disappeared for three days and returned with the message "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim," emphasising unity.
• 1500s–1539 - Travelled extensively (known as udasis) across India, the Middle East, and beyond, preaching his teachings and establishing communities.
• 1539 - Passed away in Kartarpur, where he had founded a community based on equality and shared labour.

Significant aspects of Guru Nanak's background

• Family and early life - Raised in a diverse cultural setting, he worked as an accountant and married, having two sons, before dedicating himself to spiritual teaching.
• Rejection of divisions - Sikhs believe Guru Nanak challenged caste systems, religious rituals, and social inequalities, promoting a direct relationship with one God.

Key teachings of Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak's teachings form the foundation of Sikhism, focusing on monotheism (belief in one God), equality, and ethical living. Sikhs believe these ideas were divinely inspired and are recorded in hymns composed by Guru Nanak, which are part of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Core principles taught by Guru Nanak

• Belief in one God (Ik Onkar) - Sikhs understand this as the idea that there is one eternal, formless God who is the creator of all and present in everyone.
• Equality of all people - Guru Nanak taught that all humans are equal regardless of caste, gender, or religion, which Sikhs see as a rejection of social hierarchies.
• Honest living and sharing - This includes earning through hard work (kirat karna), remembering God (Naam japna), and sharing with others (vand chakna).
• Service to others (seva) - Sikhs believe in selfless service, such as community kitchens (langar) where free meals are provided to all, symbolising equality.
• Rejection of rituals - Guru Nanak emphasised inner devotion over external ceremonies, pilgrimages, or superstitions, focusing on meditation and moral actions.

The succession of the ten Sikh Gurus

Sikhs believe that after Guru Nanak, the divine light was passed to nine successive Gurus, each building on his teachings. This succession lasted from 1539 to 1708, with each Guru contributing to the development of Sikh identity, community, and scripture. The line ended with the declaration that the Guru Granth Sahib would be the eternal Guru.

The ten Sikh Gurus and their key contributions

• Guru Nanak (1469–1539) - Founder; composed foundational hymns and established core teachings on equality and devotion.
• Guru Angad (1504–1552) - Developed the Gurmukhi script for writing Punjabi, making Sikh teachings accessible; promoted physical fitness and community welfare.
• Guru Amar Das (1479–1574) - Organised administrative structures with 22 districts; strengthened langar and opposed practices like sati (widow burning).
• Guru Ram Das (1534–1581) - Founded the city of Amritsar as a spiritual centre; composed hymns for Sikh ceremonies.
• Guru Arjan (1563–1606) - Compiled the Adi Granth (early version of the Guru Granth Sahib); built the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple); martyred for his faith, strengthening Sikh resilience.
• Guru Hargobind (1595–1644) - Introduced the concept of miri-piri (temporal and spiritual authority); formed a Sikh army to defend against persecution.
• Guru Har Rai (1630–1661) - Maintained the army and focused on humanitarian work, such as establishing hospitals and promoting environmental care.
• Guru Har Krishan (1656–1664) - Became Guru at age five; known for healing the sick during a smallpox epidemic in Delhi.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) - Defended religious freedom for all, including Hindus; martyred by Mughal authorities, inspiring Sikh commitment to justice.
• Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708) - Founded the Khalsa (community of initiated Sikhs) in 1699; declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru; promoted warrior-saint ideals.

How the Gurus shaped Sikhism

The ten Gurus collectively transformed Sikhism from a set of teachings into a structured faith with distinct practices and institutions. Sikhs believe their guidance ensured the religion's survival amid challenges like persecution, while emphasising community and ethical values.

Major developments introduced by the Gurus

• Scripture and worship - Compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib as the central holy book, treated with utmost respect in gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship).
• Community institutions - Establishment of langar, gurdwaras, and the Khalsa, which promote equality, service, and self-defence.
• Response to challenges - Through martyrdoms and military organisation, the Gurus instilled resilience and a commitment to justice, shaping Sikh identity as protectors of the oppressed.
• Legacy - Sikhs view the Gurus' succession as a divine plan that culminated in the eternal Guru, ensuring the faith's teachings remain unchanged and accessible to all.