Sikh Gurus and The Foundation of Sikhism

This section explains Sikh Gurus and The Foundation of Sikhism. Sikhism was established through the teachings and actions of ten human Gurus. Each Guru developed and shaped the religion through their words, hymns, writings, and actions, guiding Sikhs to understand the importance of equality and the belief that all religions worship the same one true God.

The term "Guru" carries profound significance. It is a combination of two Sanskrit words: "gu," meaning darkness, and "ru," meaning light. This suggests that a Guru takes one from ignorance (darkness) to enlightenment (light), guiding followers with knowledge and spiritual insight. The Guru illuminates the path to understanding God and living a righteous life.

Guru Nanak: The Founder of Sikhism

Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism, born over 500 years ago in the Punjab, a region that is now part of Pakistan. Born into a Hindu family, Guru Nanak rejected key aspects of the Hindu faith, including the caste system and rituals that did not resonate with his spiritual understanding. At the age of 13, he famously rejected the Sacred Thread Ceremony, which is a Hindu rite of passage for boys.

Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasised the equality of all people, transcending caste distinctions, and highlighted the concept of the oneness of humanity. He also introduced the three foundations of Sikhism, which are central to the Sikh way of life.

Key Events in Guru Nanak’s Life

Throughout his life, Guru Nanak experienced significant spiritual events that shaped his mission to spread the belief in one God, who transcends all human distinctions. His teachings laid the foundation for Sikh beliefs, which include:

1. The rejection of the caste system, a deeply entrenched social hierarchy in India, which Guru Nanak believed was against the principles of equality.
2. The belief in the oneness of humanity, which asserts that all people, regardless of their background, are equal in the eyes of God.
3. The emphasis on devotion to one God, highlighting the unity of all religions.

Guru Nanak’s life and spiritual journey profoundly shaped the values of Sikhism, and after his passing in 1539, his teachings continued through the leadership of nine successive Gurus.

Guru Gobind Singh: The Tenth and Final Human Guru

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Guru, is one of the most pivotal figures in Sikh history. Born as Guru Gobind Rai, he became the Guru at the age of nine after his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was martyred for refusing to convert to Islam. This act of sacrifice is seen as defending the religious freedoms of both Hindus and Sikhs, a legacy that deeply influenced Guru Gobind Singh.

Formation of the Khalsa

One of the most important events during Guru Gobind Singh’s leadership was the creation of the Khalsa, a collective body of committed Sikhs initiated through the Amrit Sanskar (a sacred baptism ceremony). The Khalsa was founded in 1699 during the Vaisakhi festival, and it marked a new chapter in Sikh identity. The story of the formation of the Khalsa is legendary:

1. Guru Gobind Singh, on the day of Vaisakhi, appeared before the crowd and asked for volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives for God and Guru.
2. Five Sikhs stepped forward, each of whom was taken into a tent by the Guru. After a brief period, Guru Gobind Singh reappeared with his sword, leading the five men, who were later revealed to have undergone a symbolic sacrifice.
3. These five men, known as the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), were given amrit (a mixture of sugar and water stirred with a double-edged sword) as a mark of initiation into the Khalsa.

Guru Gobind Singh gave all Sikh men the surname Singh, meaning ‘lion’, and all Sikh women the surname Kaur, meaning ‘princess’. These names symbolise equality and unity within the Sikh community, transcending caste distinctions.

Guru Gobind Singh also declared that after him, there would be no more human Gurus. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, would henceforth be the Eternal Guru.

The Guru Granth Sahib: The Eternal Guru

The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism and holds a unique place as the living Guru. Comprising 1,430 pages, the Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of hymns, prayers, and writings from the Gurus and other spiritual leaders, including both Hindu and Muslim mystics who believed in the oneness of God.

The Compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib was compiled over several years, beginning with the hymns of Guru Nanak and later expanded by Guru Angad, Guru Arjan, and others. The Adi Granth, as the collection was originally called, was completed in 1604 and installed in the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This compilation also included writings from non-Sikh saints of various religious backgrounds, reflecting Sikhism’s inclusive nature.

The Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi, the script of the Punjabi language, and is considered the word of God. Sikhs believe it is infallible and it serves as the ultimate guide for living a truthful and righteous life.

The Mool Mantar

The first shabad (hymn) in the Guru Granth Sahib is the Mool Mantar, which encapsulates the core beliefs of Sikhism, affirming the oneness of God. The first line, "Ik Onkar," translates to "There is only one God", symbolising the monotheistic foundation of Sikhism.

Respect for the Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is not just a book; it is considered to be the Eternal Guru. As such, Sikhs show deep reverence and respect for the scripture. The following practices are common to demonstrate this respect:

• Sikhs remove their shoes and wash their hands before entering the gurdwara (Sikh place of worship).
• Sikhs cover their heads when in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.
• The Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a takht (a raised platform) under a manji (a bed) and a palki (a domed canopy). This elevated position underscores its sacred status.
• Sikhs sit on the floor in the Darbar Sahib to ensure they do not elevate their heads above the Guru Granth Sahib.
• A granthi (a person appointed to read the Guru Granth Sahib) reads the scripture aloud, while a chauri (a ceremonial fan) is waved above it as a mark of respect.

Key Messages from the Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is central to Sikh belief and provides guidance on how Sikhs should live. The key messages include:

• Equality of all humans: All beings and creatures belong to God and are equal in His eyes. There should be no distinction between men and women or between different social classes.
• Monotheism: There is only one God, and all religions are reflections of this one truth.
• Living truthfully: Sikhs are encouraged to live a life of truth, humility, and service to others.
• Rejecting the five vices: Sikhs must avoid the vices of anger, greed, lust, pride, and attachment to material possessions.
• Acceptance of God's will (Hukam): Sikhs should live in accordance with God's will, accepting that everything in life is part of God's plan.

A central teaching of the Guru Granth Sahib is the belief that the God-conscious being looks upon all alike, like the wind, which blows equally upon the king and the poor beggar (Guru Granth Sahib 272). This highlights the fundamental Sikh principle of equality and unity within humanity.