What were the major teaching of baba guru nanak
Answers
While being credited with the finding of a new religion known as Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings have always had a universal appeal especially among the Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike. Highly appealing at once both to reason and devotion, Guru Nanak's teachings are deeply rooted in the dogmas of Hinduism and Islam. The source of Guru Nanak's teachings is the holy scripture of Sikhs called Guru Granth Sahib.
There is one God
This is perhaps the foundation of all of Guru Nanak's teachings. He says there is only one God who is the Supreme Truth and ultimate reality. He known no fear and does not have any enemies. He is self created and is beyond time. He reveals himself to the created beings through His own grace.
Ego is a deterrent of spiritual progress
Ego is a highly dangerous phenomenon in humans. Engage in worship of the ultimate reality. The word of God can cleanse you and move you in spiritual advancement. Falsehood and hypocrisy are highly prevalent among the humans which needs to be purged of through spiritual pursuit.
The three guiding principles to spiritual life
1. Vand Chhakkna: Always share what you have with others. Help those who are in need. 2. Kirat Karna: Earn money honestly and without ever resorting to fraud or exploitation. 3. Naam Japna: Always remember God and practise ceaseless devotion to Him by constantly chanting His name.
All humans are equal
Equality of humans is the crux of Guru Nanak's teachings
The greatness of womanhood
Men and women are equal. In fact, women are even more respectable since man is born to a woman, he is conceived within a woman; he is married to a woman; he makes friend with woman;
Baba Guru Nanak (1469-1539) was born at Talwandi (Nankana Sahib in Pakistan). He established a centre at Kartarpur (Dera Baba Nanak on the river Ravi) for regular worship that consisted of the singing of his own hymns. Irrespective of their former creed, caste or gender, his followers ate together in the common kitchen (langar). The sacred space thus created by Baba Guru Nanak was known as ‘Dharmsal’. It is now known as Gurdwara.
The number of Baba Guru Nanak’s followers increased through the sixteenth century under his successors. The changing historical situation during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries influenced the development of the Sikh movement.
The ideas of Baba Guru Nanak had a huge impact on this development from the very beginning. He emphasized the importance of the worship of one God. He insisted that caste, creed or gender was irrelevant for attaining liberation. His idea of liberation was not that of a state of inert bliss, but rather the pursuit of active life with a strong sense of social commitment. He himself used the terms ‘nam’, ‘dan’ and ‘isnan’ for the essence of his teaching, which actually meant right worship, the welfare of others and purity of conduct. His teachings are now remembered as nam-japna, kirt-karna and vandchhakna,
which also underline the importance of right belief and worship, honest living, and helping others. Thus, Baba Guru Nanak’s idea of equality had social and political implications.
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