(Samajweekly) Guru Nanak Dev Ji is recognized as the founder of Sikhism and serves as the first of the Sikh Gurus. He was born in Punjab, India (now part of Pakistan) and provided spiritual teachings centered around the universal divinity of creation. He instructed his followers to focus on spiritual practices that would facilitate the transformation of their egotism into selflessness.The majority of the biographical accounts of Nanak’s life are derived from the Janamshakhi’s and the vars authored by Bhai Gurdas.
The Janamshakhi was authored by Bhai Mani Singh.
In 1487, at the age of 18, he entered into marriage with Mata Sulakkhani in the town of Batala; the couple had two sons, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Chand. He initially pursued a career in accounting, following in his father’s footsteps. However, he was not invested in a materialistic lifestyle; instead, he focused on engaging in meditation and dedicating himself to selfless service to the divine present in every individual. His inner spiritual experiences motivated him to concentrate more on his spiritual life and ideals.
Nanak shared a strong bond with his sister Bibi Nanaki, and following her marriage, he relocated to Sultanpur.
Nanak received encouragement from a local landlord, Rai Bular Bhatti, who recognized the unique qualities and talents of the young aspirant.
Numerous accounts highlight the extraordinary potential of the young Nanak; however, it is widely acknowledged that his principal teachings and realizations commenced at the age of 30, circa 1499. Nanak was absent for three days, leaving his garments by the edge of a stream known as Kali Bein. Upon his return, he maintained silence for a period before declaring that he had experienced a vision of God’s court and had come back to guide individuals towards this divine amrita (nectar).
Nanak conveyed that the divine transcends religious dogma and external definitions. He stated that he would adhere to neither the Muslim nor Hindu faith, but rather to the path of God. He conveyed that distinctions such as ‘Muslim’ and ‘Hindu’ do not exist. This held social importance due to the political and social tensions between Islam and Hinduism during that period. Throughout his lifetime, Guru Nanak garnered followers from Hinduism, Islam, and various other religious traditions. Guru Nanak welcomed numerous esteemed visitors but consistently declined material offerings, holding the belief that spirituality should be imparted freely and not contingent upon financial compensation.
He instructed his followers on three fundamental religious principles.
1. Altruism – contributing to the well-being of others and assisting those in need. Additionally, there is a selflessness in attitude that steers clear of the pitfalls associated with egoism, pride, and jealousy.
2. Earning a legitimate income – engaging in work without dishonesty, exploitation, or deception.
3. Naam Japna – Engaging in meditation focused on the repetition of God’s name and a mantra. Nanak emphasized that by repeatedly invoking God’s name, an individual could liberate themselves from selfish inclinations and foster a sense of happiness. Nanak emphasized that it is insufficient to merely recite a mantra mechanically; it must be done with selflessness and genuine enthusiasm.
Nanak advocated for the guidance of a Guru to help seekers navigate the challenges posed by ego-driven decisions. Adhering to the guidance of another fosters a spiritual mindset characterized by devotion and discipline.
His teachings carried significant social implications. He criticized the caste system present in Hinduism and emphasized that external aids such as rituals and priests were not essential. Guru Nanak consistently emphasized the importance of inner spiritual awakening.
Following this awakening and realization. Nanak undertook numerous extensive travels across the Indian sub-continent. This encompassed visits to Sri Lanka, Tibet, the entirety of India, as well as Baghdad and Mecca.
He journeyed alongside his Muslim companion Bhai Mardana, exploring all four directions from his home village. It is estimated that he covered a distance of 28,000 km during five significant world tours (Udasi’s) throughout his primary mission from 1500 to 1524.
Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertakes journeys during the night.
Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji was, even by contemporary standards, an exceptionally well-travelled individual. During the late 1400s and early 1500s, he traveled extensively across much of the known world, arguably ranking just behind Ibn-Battuta. Throughout the centuries, numerous scholars have minimized the significance of his travels. This tendency likely emerged during the early days of the Sikh Panth, following the conclusion of Guru Angad Dev’s leadership. As the descendants of Guru Nanak began to associate more closely with his grandson, Baba Dharam Chand Bedi, the number of individuals who had firsthand knowledge of his journey diminished. Although it is widely recognized among followers of the Sikh Panth that Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled to Baghdad and explored the Arabian Peninsula, the full details of this journey remain obscure. Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled to Cairo, Turkey, and Rome. He has also traveled throughout Asia, including the contemporary nations of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tibet, and China. He would travel throughout Southeast Asia, reaching as far as Indonesia. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, in terms of both time and the extent of his travels, surpassed the travelers and explorers of his era. The fact that the majority of his journeys occurred on foot and without the support of a caravan rendered his travels even more extraordinary. During this period, it was common for travelers to avoid nighttime journeys and to travel only in the company of larger groups. The roads of that era were fraught with peril. Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji embarked on a journey out of India alongside Mardana, successfully reaching Baghdad by taking the long route. Following numerous travels, Guru Nanak Dev Ji would part ways with Mardana, who was subsequently laid to rest in Baghdad. Baba Bahlol, the saint of Baghdad, undertook a journey back to India alongside Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, traversing the Persian Empire to reach the borders of India.
Despite the establishment of Kartarpur, Guru Nanak Dev Ji continued to travel throughout India. Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled extensively throughout India, including its bordering regions such as Bhutan and Nepal. By the late 1700s, much of the genuine extent of his travels had evolved into mythology rather than being recognized as actual history. India has experienced a decline in both economic and military aspects. It rapidly came under the control of the British Empire. During the colonial period, the living standards of Indians declined, and their ability to travel freely within India, as they had during the majority of the Mughal Period, was significantly hindered. This was largely due to the absence of a central government focused on improving road safety and ensuring security for domestic travel. The notion that Guru Nanak Dev Ji traversed more than 50,000 kilometers on foot appears to be an astonishing fact for numerous individuals. It is remarkable to consider that his journey has unfolded across five distinct phases, especially given that he is in his mid-50s and continues to journey and share his message. In 2019, marking the 550th Anniversary of his birth, extensive research was conducted, revealing the authenticity of his journeys as being significantly valid. Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, in addition to founding the Sikh Panth, was also recognized as one of the most remarkable travelers in human history.
