Guru
Nanak Dev
by Surinder Singh Dhillion, Spokesperson for
the Sikh Gurundwara
In
November, the local Sikh community celebrated the birthdate
of Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh religion
and the first of Sikh Gurus. Guru means spiritual enlightener
(teacher). Sikh means a learner (pupil).
Guru Nanak
was born in 1469 in Talwandi in Northern India, now part of
Pakistan. From childhood he sought the company of religious/spiritually
inclined people. He was married and had two sons. At the age
of 30 he had a spiritual experience. He went to have a bath
in the river as usual, he did not return, people thought he
had drowned. The river was searched for his body but none
was found. He reappeared after three days.
To explain
his absence he said he was taken to the presence of God. He
was called by God to set up the Sikh faith and preach. He
traveled 20,000 miles over 22 years going as far as Sri Lanka,
Burma, Tibet, Mecca and Baghdad to explain his mission.
His message
was, God created the whole universe for His own purpose. God
created all species. As the same God creates all human beings,
none can be superior or inferior irrespective to their colour,
race or ethnic origin. Men and women are equal in the eyes
of God. Sikhs believe in reincarnation, to get out of the
life cycle and merge with God (the source of all life), good
actions and respecting God’s creation eg, other human
beings, is important. One must also love the Creator.
Guru Nanak
Dev Ji was highly respected by both Hindus and Muslims. His
writings are included in the Sikh holy book of scriptures,
the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Nanak Dev Ji lived to the age
of 70 years and nominated his successor, the second Guru.
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