A Closer Look: Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak and His Teachings

• Guru Nanak (1469-1539) was born in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan).
• Established a spiritual center at Kartarpur, creating a communal worship space known as dharmsal or Gurdwara.
• Promoted the practice of langar, where followers of all backgrounds - irrespective of creed, caste, or gender - shared meals.
• Appointed Lehna as his successor, who became known as Guru Angad, symbolizing continuity of his teachings.
• Guru Angad introduced Gurmukhi script and compiled Guru Nanak’s hymns along with his own.
• Subsequent successors continued to write under the name "Nanak," contributing to a collective scripture.
• Guru Arjan compiled these writings into a single manuscript in 1604, which included contributions from various spiritual leaders such as Shaikh Farid and Sant Kabir.
• The holy scripture of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, was authenticated by Guru Gobind Singh in 1706.
• Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasized equality, rejecting caste, creed, and gender distinctions in the quest for liberation.
• His concept of liberation focused on active life and social commitment, opposing the notion of inert bliss.
• Core teachings distilled into principles of nam (right worship), dan (welfare of others), and isnan (purity of conduct).
• Significant teachings: nam-japna (remembrance of God), kirt-karna (honest living), and vand-chhakna (helping others).

Martin Luther and the Reformation

• The sixteenth century in Europe was marked by significant religious upheaval, often referred to as the Reformation.
• Martin Luther (1483-1546) became a prominent figure in challenging the Roman Catholic Church's practices.
• Criticized practices he deemed contrary to Biblical teachings, advocating for reform.
• Promoted accessibility of the Bible to the laity by translating it into German, moving away from the use of Latin.
• Encouraged the use of everyday language in religious practices, enhancing understanding and participation among common people.

Explore the life and teachings of Guru Nanak (1469-1539), focusing on his travels, establishment of Kartarpur, and the regular worship practices for his followers. Learn about the inclusive nature of his teachings where followers of all backgrounds ate together in a common kitchen.