Followed by Navaratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Diwali, there’s another beautiful festival that Indians eagerly look forward to with great enthusiasm and zeal. According to the Hindu Calendar, Guru Nanak Jayanti marks the birth of the first ever Sikh guru- Guru Nanak Ji. Known for his social, spiritual, and political beliefs based on virtue, love, equality, and fraternity, the teachings of Guru Nanak dev Ji are inscribed in the Guru Granth Sahib as guiding principles for not just Sikhs but other religions and communities too.
Here are 10 Guru Nanak dev Ji teachings that’ll help you lead a more wholesome life.
Also Read: Guru gobind singh quotes
Teachings Of Guru Nanak Dev Ji In English
This year, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on 19th November. Bookmark these Guru Nanak teachings and share them with one and all.
- One supreme reality- Ek Onkar
Ek Onkar, in literal terms, means ‘God is One.’ At a very young age, Guru Nanak Ji challenged societal rules and laws. And when he formed Sikhism, he emphasized One God. The significance of his teachings was to trust in your good Karma and one higher power.
- No discrimination
One of the most essential Guru Nanak dev Ji teachings is his belief in brotherhood and equality. He considered everyone equals irrespective of colour, caste, gender, status, religion, or rank. His two pupils were Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala, who Guru Nanak addressed as ‘Bhai’ like his true brothers and not by their caste or race.
- Reject five sins ‘Panj Vikar’
Guru Nanak Dev Ji talked about the five evils that resided in the human body and mind. And he taught us to reject these five evils or thieves as they derelict us from our duties and weaken us. The five sins are Kam(lust), Krodh(Anger), Lobh(greed), Moh(attachment), and Ahankar(Ego).
- Kirat Karo- Work Honestly
Kirat Karo means to work honestly, which is one of the most important pillars of Sikhism. Throughout his life, Guru Nanak Ji propagated that all humans need to earn their daily living through honest means and use their talents and skills to live an honest life.
- Vand Shhako- Share and Consume
Guru Nanak Dev Ji believed that those who were capable should take responsibility for the needy. He taught us the significance of sharing and how the world could become a better place if people engage in activities meant for the betterment of society.
- Sewa- Selfless Service
Guru Nanak Dev Ji firmly always believed and practised selfless service. He thought that one could achieve true contentment only through engaging in completely selfless acts.
- Kindness and compassion
Guru Nanak Dev Ji truly believed that only kindness and compassion could positively influence and change the whole world. By his actions, he proved his strong belief in the idea that every person of this world, no matter how evil, deserves kindness from his other fellow creatures and that can change a person for good.
- Every life has a purpose to fulfil
Guru Nanak Dev Ji believed that God had a clear goal behind world creation. Therefore, all the dilemmas in your life can turn into something productive if you look at the world this way.
- Stand against oppression
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught all of us a lesson of inner strength. He said one should always raise their voice against the wrong and and that’s when the change begins.
- Respect Women
Guru Nanak Dev Ji has always stood for the rights of women. In one of his earlier verses, he demanded an equal place for women in society by saying, ”why to disrespect the one who gives birth to the majestic kings of the world”.
Let’s make the world a better place by sharing these Guru Nanak teachings with our friends and family.
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