April 2007
Guru
Nanak ji was a poet singer who founded Sikhism and was the first of the ten
gurus of Sikhs. He was born in 1469 in Talwandi, Punjab (in present day
Pakistan). He preached that there was one God. He was able to remove many
objectionable religious practices. Both Hindus and Muslims came under the
influence of his teachings and his disciples belonged to both the groups.
Contributions:
1.
He formalized the three pillars of Sikhism.
a.
Naam:
Meditation on
God and reciting and chanting of God’s name
b.
Daan: To honestly earn from one’s physical and mental
effort while accepting God’s gifts and blessings.
c.
Ishaan: Share and consume together.
2.
Equality of Humans:
Guru Nanak
preached against discrimination and prejudices due to race, caste, status,
etc.
-
Equality of Women:
In
about 1499 when the world offered no status or respect to the woman, Guru
Nanak elevated the position of women. He promoted the equality of women from
the 15th century.
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06/26/07.