Teachings from Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Teachings from Guru Nanak Dev Ji *1.Submission to the Will of God (WAHEGURU)* Guru Nanak Dev ji says that everything happens by God’s Grace, God knows better what is right or wrong for us. We should, therefore, accept His decisions without any grudge or question. *2. There is One God* Guru Nanak Dev ji said, ” I am neither Hindu Nor Muslim, I am a follower of god .In Sikhism, the god is omnipresent, shapeless, timeless, and sightless. ( Nirankar, akar, alakh). Sikhism stress that, before creation there was God, and because of His will ( Hukam), the Illusion ( maya of attachment and enticement) came into being. The God in Sikhism is not male/female, and can only be seen through inward eye. *3. Goodwill for all – SARBAT DAA BHALAA* Guru Nanak dev ji passed the message of Universal brotherhood. He said that religion is not mere consistence of words but actually looks all men and women equally. In prayer, we say this line towards the end of daily Ardaas – “Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat da bhala”, which can be translated as: with your blessings, Lord may everyone in the world prosper and be in peace“ *4. SACH SUNAISI SACH KEE BELA – (to speak the truth)* Guru Nanak Dev Ji told in front of King Babar “You are not Babar but JABAR”. We should always speak the truth without any fear. *5. SEWA AND SIMRAN* Guru Nanak says that no one can save anybody else. to be saved, one have to follow the right path of SEWA and SIMRAN told by him. If we recite Gurbani with love, we will find the Guru is speaking to us. About SEWA Gurbani explains: In the midst of this world, do SEWA and you shall be given a place of honour in the Court of the Lord *6 The three Principals* Vand Chako: Sharing with others, helping those with less who are in need Kirat Karo: Earning/making a living honestly, without exploitation or fraud Naam Japna: Chanting the Holy Name and thus remembering God at all times (ceaseless devotion to God) *7 Shun five Evils* Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked his followers to shun five evils which leads to illusion ( maya) which eventually acts as roadblock towards attainment of salvation. The five evils are Ego, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Lust. *8 Importance of Guru* Guru Nanak Dev ji lay great emphasis on having the importance of Guru in one’s life. He put forward the thought that salvation occurs not from pilgrimage or rites etc, but through heart, spirit and soul. For this to happen continuous seeking of knowledge must take place which is dependent on one’s guru. Guru according to him is the voice of the god, the true source of knowledge and salvation. *9. No Discrimination* Guru Nanak Dev ji was strongly against all artificially created divisions and all discrimination, both in word and deed. He said that the caste of a person is based on what he does. His idea of a caste-free society transpired also in his concepts of Sangat and Pangat. *10. Against Rituals/Superstitions* Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached against superstitions, false rituals, worship of demi-gods and goddesses. He stressed that only One God, the Formless, is to be glorified. In this way, he showed the path of truth and enlightenment.