Speaking Tree - Guru Nanak Dev's contemporary philosophy

Speaking Tree - Guru Nanak Dev's contemporary philosophy:

While the western world was being influenced by philosophers like Martin Luther, John Knox and John Wesley in the fifteenth century, Nanak, the founder of Sikhism -- the world’s youngest religion -- was quietly preaching a gospel in the Indian subcontinent that was new, unique and inspiring. Amazingly, much of what Guru Nanak said is totally relevant to present-day, contemporary society. Today, the world is acknowledging his wisdom, sagacity and gospel as not being merely divine, but also performing the function of a beacon, a guiding light.

One can now measure how effectively his words and actions have shaped thinking and viewpoints of many people, and how important they are in today’s turbulent global situation.

Born in 1469, an era of invasions, violence and unrest, Guru Nanak was not only an apostle who propagated dharma and belief in one God, but was also among the greatest philosophers of the modern era. He reached the heights of spiritual enlightenment rarely experienced at any age, and his teachings have paralleled those of any other school of liberal philosophy.

 While Christopher Columbus was voyaging the seas, Guru Nanak took extensive land journeys within India and abroad, spreading his universal messages. He travelled with a purpose – to contribute towards creating a better world. Guru Nanak’s inherent nature of not accepting what was told and taught, at face value, led him to evolve as an original spiritual thinker. He believed in listening, understanding and acquiring firsthand knowledge before forming his own opinion. He listened to people of all faiths and cultures.

He read extensively about Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism, for instance. The best illustration of the Guru’s philosophy is through his three fundamental principles: ‘Kirt Karni’ or working for a living; ‘Naam Japna’, remembering God; and ‘Vand Chakna,’ sharing one’s possessions with the needy. These were the cornerstones of Nanak’s teachings, the guiding principles of Sikhs.   He said to believe in one God; do selfless service; share and care with the needy; earn an honest living; shed all inequalities; and be compassionate.

       Guru Nanak addressed issues that impacted contemporary society. He challenged the caste system; endorsed gender equity and became a pioneer in championing the cause of women’s liberation. He promoted education for all by introducing the Gurmukhi script of the Adi Granth, which became accessible to everyone. He believed that integrity, respect and trust between different communities would lead to dignity for all people. His greatest contribution was the teaching of the ‘Science of the Word’ (Naam), which forms the subject matter of the Adi Granth which was composed and compiled by Sikh Gurus.

Naam – by communion with the Word (Shabad) shall be attained the personal realisation of God, and salvation. Guru Nanak earned everyone’s love and respect. When he passed on, flowers from both Hindus and Muslims were placed over his body.   Kartarpur, where he breathed his last, is a site immortalised by a tomb built over the Muslims’ flowers, and a temple built over the Hindus’ flowers. Today, Guru Nanak’s teachings are a way of life for millions, and are acknowledged as being highly relevant to contemporary society.

Guru Nanak is also referred to as ‘Baba Nanak’ or ‘Nanak Shah’. The currency of the Empire of The Sikhs established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh was ‘Nanakshahi’