Gurpurab And 5 Life Teachings By Gurunanak Dev Ji
Gurunanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Gurunanak Prakash Utsav is celebrated worldwide as it marks the birth of Gurunanak Dev Ji. As a well-known fact, Gurunanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikhism and was the first of ten dharma gurus of Sikhs. He was born in the year 1469 on Kartik Poornima – full moon day that falls in Karthik month according to Hindu calendar. He was born to Mata Tripta and Mehta Kalu in Talwandi, near Lahore, Pakistan. Today his birthplace is known as Nankana Sahib in Punjab, Pakistan. Gurunanak Dev Ji was known for his spiritual, social, and political teaching or guidance which were based on love, equality and virtue (kindness). His verses have been recorded in the holy Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib. Today, on the occasion of Gurpurab, I thought to throw some light on the teachings by Gurunanak Dev Ji which are relevant irrespective of the time or era and can help lead a better life as a human being.
1. Three Principles – He gave three Principles that one should follow in life:
a. Vand Karo – Help those who are in need and share with others. Being selfless and serving poor is one of the most important deeds which humans can do. And this shall benefit one in the courts of God. Today, we see that all the Gurudwaras feed all the visitors free of cost through langar.
b. Kirat Karo – Work honestly and righteously to make living.
c. Naam Japna – Remember God unceasingly by enchanting the holy name.
2. Shun 5 Evils – Ego, Greed, Anger, Attachment and Lust are the five evils. He suggested that one should always work towards keeping it away as all of these destroy one’s life.
3. No Discrimination – He always treated everyone equally irrespective of their caste, creed, gender, etc. as he believed that God dwells in every living thing and that we should treat everyone with respect. The reason Gurudwara’s doors are open for everyone who wants to visit and offer prayers.
4. To Speak the Truth – He said the victory of truth is not by suppressing or winning over the false. It is when one stands by the truth always.
5. Submission to the will of God – Everything that happens is by God’s grace. He knows what is right and wrong for everyone, and therefore we should have faith in him and accept it without questioning it.
As Gurunanak Dev Ji said Guru voices the words of God, and it is important to have Guru, a mentor in one’s life who shows the right path to lead a life. Let’s devote ourselves to the service of humanity and celebrate Gurpurab in true ways. Sat Naam Wahe Guru!
