Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is commemorated each year on Guru Nanak Jayanti. Beyond being the first of Sikhism’s nine gurus, Guru Nanak’s life and teachings have left an indelible mark on the faith. Here are five key insights into the life of Guru Nanak:
1. Birth and Early Curiosity
Guru Nanak, born on April 15, 1469, into a Hindu family in Nankana Sahib (now part of Pakistan), exhibited early curiosity about life’s profound questions. Despite an early marriage and a stint as an accountant, his fascination with deeper inquiries about the meaning of life and religion endured.
2. Spiritual Experience at 30
At the age of 30, Nanak had a transformative spiritual experience during his morning ablutions by the river. Accounts suggest he communed with God, who charged him with a mission to spread teachings about prayer, charity, ablution, service, and remembrance of the Word (Simran).
3. Extensive Travel and Message Spreading
Nanak embarked on extensive travels, journeying as far as Sri Lanka, Baghdad, and central Asia, known as ‘udaasis,’ to spread his teachings. His last journey included visits to Mecca and Madina, where he preached the Oneness of God. He wore a distinctive blend of clothing associated with Hindu Sadhus and Muslim fakirs.
4. Interfaith Engagement and Universal Message
Nanak engaged with people across communities to preach the Oneness of God. Notably, during his visit to Mecca, he challenged traditional norms by sleeping with his feet towards the holy Kaba, emphasizing a broader understanding of spirituality that transcended religious boundaries.
5. Choice of Successor and Legacy
Guru Nanak spent the last years of his life in Kartarpur, following a routine of prayer, hymn-singing, and service. Choosing Lehna, a disciple, as his successor, he gave him the name Guru Angad, meaning ‘of my own limb.’ Guru Nanak’s legacy includes the Sikh tradition of ‘langar’ (community kitchen) and the practice of contributing labor to help the needy. Guru Nanak passed away on September 22, 1539, leaving a legacy of unity among followers of different faiths.