Guru Nanak’s contribution to faith

The contribution of Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs, to the realm of faith is immeasurable. He had a simple, efficacious and profound approach to God, where faith and virtuous living go hand in hand, said Prof. Kumool Abbi.

Born on November 5, 1469 in Nankana Sahib, after his divine revelation, he composed the Jaapji Sahib. In it, he teaches about the one creator ek, the true name satnaam, the kartapurakh the doer, nirbhau fearless, nirvair without enemies. Guru Nanak’s central teaching is that of naam simran or reciting the name of the beloved lord.

The divinely inspired Guru’s scintillating Bani includes, The Japuji Sahib, Asa di Vaar, Sidh Goshti and almost 900 shabads which are a part of the Shri Guru Granth Sahibji. The central teaching of his sonorous Bani reflects a delight and joy in being able to yearn for God, to love Him with one’s heart and soul and strive to have union with Him, leading to delight and bliss. Such bhakti mitigates dullness and helps one overcome ennui by revitalising the soul. Nanak’s Bani helps one in times of suffering, dams unwanted desire and vices. Guru Purab’s teachings reassure and proclaim that just as he has attained the Lord, all of us shall too. He avers that God resides in all, regardless of their station in life, and that all are born to adore and love Him.

Guru Nanak teaches one to lead a harmonious life, guided by truth and righteousness. He emphasised the importance of naam simran on a regular basis. While reciting the naam of the lord, he also stressed upon kirat karo, which is, leading an honest livelihood through hard work. He also threw light upon the importance of living in harmony with all through vand chako or sharing with society. He emphasised that the teachings have not to be merely theoretically sermonised at a bookish or intellectual level, but also followed in practice. Guru Nanak liberated the masses from the tyranny of rituals, superstition and orthodoxy. The powerful and compassionate message of Guru Nanak resonates with emphasis on social justice, human rights, gender equality, harmony, peace, love, brotherhood and above all, egalitarianism, which is truly relevant in contemporary times.