uru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhi and the first Sikh Guru. In this article, we will discuss some of their key qualities and also take a brief look at their background. 

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Background

Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to this earth in 1469 in the village of Talwandi, now called Sri Nankana Sahib in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Guru Sahib Ji’s father is Pita Kalu Ji and their mother is Mata Tripta Ji. Guru Sahib Ji has an elder sister named Bebe Nanaki Ji. Guru Sahib Ji got married to Mata Sulakhni Ji and had two sons named Baba Sri Chand Ji and Baba Lakhmi Das Ji. Guru Nanak Dev Ji wrote nearly 1000 hymns contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Eternal Sikh Guru, in the form of the Divine Word. One of Guru Sahib Ji’s companions on their travels was Bhai Mardana Ji who played a string instrument called “Rabab” when Guru Sahib Ji recited hymns.

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Key Qualities of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

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• Langar (Free Kitchen)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji saw service to others as serving God. At a young age, Guru Sahib Ji was given some money by their father to start a business. However, Guru Sahib Ji chose to spend this money on feeding hungry ascetics. Guru Sahib Ji called this the true trade and started a tradition known as Langar which continues across the world today. Guru Sahib Ji taught that we should only consume once we have shared with others. The mission of a Sikh is to provide basic needs (e.g. food, shelter & freedom) to all humanity.

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• Revolutionary

Guru Nanak Dev Ji challenged the injustice promoted by those in positions of power in politics, religion, and society. They denounced rituals reserved for the privileged and elite, showing that everyone can connect to the One. Guru Sahib Ji was imprisoned for condemning the tyrannical Mughal ruler Babur. Guru Sahib Ji rejected the common practice of empty rituals and instead encouraged a true and meaningful connection to the Divine through love.

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• Gurbani (Word of the Guru)

The words of the Guru are divine revelation. Guru Nanak Dev Ji praised the Divine One in the form of divine poetry, which was later incorporated into Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the eternal Sikh scriptural Guru). These hymns are sung according to specific musical measures known as Raag. Gurbani contains immense spiritual power and can transform lives. Guru Sahib Ji would gather people every morning and evening to sing the praises of the One. Everyone is welcomed to join in with these praises.

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• Love

The singing of the Guru Sahib Ji’s words (Gurbani) invokes love for the Divine One. Guru Sahib Ji taught that we should remember the One in the hours before sunrise while the world is still asleep. Then throughout the day, this remembrance can be spread as love to humanity, cultivating the virtues of humility, compassion, and devotion within ourselves. Guru Nanak Dev Ji advocated for a simple and sustainable lifestyle rather than one based on materialistic wealth.

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• Social Empowerment

The light of the One is in everybody, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or sexuality. True empowerment is the connection to the One, which everybody is capable of. Those traditionally seen as inferior such as women were elevated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Sahib Ji said that it is somebody’s thoughts, speech, and actions that count. Guru Sahib Ji rejected sumptuous food from a dishonourable king in favour of simple food prepared with love from an honest living by a humble carpenter. 

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• Spreading the Message 

Guru Sahib Ji travelled to many lands to spread the message of truth and love. They encouraged people to dissolve their ego and live a humble life. On these travels, Guru Nanak Dev Ji held discussions with various groups of spiritual people who were seeking the ultimate truth. Many of them were inspired by the teachings and actions of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and became Gursikhs (Sikhs of the Guru). One of them, Bhai Lehna Ji, became the second Guru and is known as Guru Angad Dev Ji. Through Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Khalsa Panth, the light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji still shines across the world today.