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Introduction To Sikhism

Sikhism is youngest of all the world religions and it was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Ji was born in 1469 in India. There was religious & social crisis prevalent at the time. Religion crisis was caused by the fanaticism of the ruling authorities who were converting people  into their religion by force. People had no freedom to practice their faith of choice. Social crisis revolved around discrimination based on the gender, caste & class system. The low classed & women had no human dignity and recognition.  Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached to  the people to live truthfully. His principles were simple without meaningless & arduous rituals. As a result, people from various religious sects became Guru Nanak Dev Ji followers (known as "Sikhs").  Guru Nanak Dev Ji never looked down upon any religious institution or a person rather he preached that everyone should follow a set of principles (i.e. "Religion") which will lead one to be kind and loving to the One Creator  and his creation irrespective of caste, creed & gender. There is Only One Creator who is referred to as Ik-Onkar, Waheguru, Allah, God, Bhagwan & by other names in the same way as a father is referred to as dad, daddy, pita Ji, papa etc. 

Sikh literally means a "learner" or "disciple". Followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji were referred to as Sikhs. Consequently, the new faith was termed as "Sikhism".  

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was asked many questions by the so called religious authorities of that time, he gave very convincing replies. Some of the questions and the answers are given below :

Q: Which religion do you belong to ?

A: God's own religion based on truthful living.

Q: What is truthful living ?

A: Truthful living can be practiced through the following the principles i.e.

In order to practice the above principles, one has to be kind & compassionate, self-content, forgiving. One must exercise self control to protect against  five evil passions i.e. lust, anger, greed, pride, excessive materialistic attachments.

Q: Which is the best & true religion ?

A: Of all religions, the best religion is to meditate upon  the Name of the Lord and maintain pure conduct. The verse is recorded in Guru Granth Sahib, on page 266 ; (down load "Gurbani Lipi" font  to see the Gurmukhi text)

srb Drm mih sRyst Drmu ] hir ko nwmu jip inrml krmu ]

"Sarab dharm meih shresht dharam, Har Ko Naam jap nirmal karam"

Q: What is the objective of human life ?

A: To attain re-union with God (Waheguru) through truthful living from where one has separated.

The above principles  form the foundation of Sikhism and also apply to the whole humanity. These principles will help to maintain law & order, peace and balance of wealth in today's world.  

The Sikhs appear physically to be distinctive from others as they practice their Guru's advice and wear 5 K's as a part of daily life  

 

Author : The information in this web has been published with inspiration and wisdom imparted by Immortal, Almighty Wonderful Lord to the Author(s) of SATNAM NETWORK Team (Sikh Assets Teachings News And Mission). Regards, Amar Deep Singh

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Date (First Published)    :11 March 2000

Date (Modified)                 : 26 March 2008