This langar system (common free kitchen maintained by voluntary offerings) became popular and countries till date. Guru Nanak also established the langar system, communal kitchen, to demonstrate the need to share and have a sense equality between all people. The teachings stress the principle of equality of all human beings and reject discrimination on the basis of creed, caste, and gender.Īccording to the teachings of Guru Nanak, living an “active, creative, and practical life” of truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity is above abstract truth, and the ideal man is one who “establishes the union with God, knows his will, and carries out that will”. The essence of the teachings of Sikhism can be summed up in the words of Guru Nanak: “Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Read Also: Impact of Religious Policy of Aurangzeb on Mughal Empire Philosophy and teachings of Sikhism It was Guru Govind Singh himself who decreed in 1708 that the Guru Granth Sahib would be the final and perpetual Guru of the Sikhs. The development of Sikhism was closely linked with the institution of Guruship.Īfter the death of tenth Guru, Guru Govind Singh, Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture, was made the literal incarnation of the eternal, impersonal Guru, where the scripture’s words serve as the spiritual guru for Sikhs. It is based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak and the ten successive Sikh gurus after him. Sikhism as a religion originated in Punjab during the 15 th century. The term Sikhism has its origin in the Punjabi word Sikh which literal meaning is a ‘ disciple’ or a ‘ learner’. Guru Nanak, before his death, nominated one of his disciples as Guru so that he could continue to spread his teachings. He declared that there would be no more human Gurus after him: All Sikhs are commanded to take the Granth as Guru.Sikhism had its origin in the teachings of Guru Nanak (1460-1539) who preached a message of truth and peace and advocated a simple monotheistic faith. Guru Gobind Singh was the last human Guru. Amritdhari Sikhs today follow rules including: wearing the Five Ks, not consuming alcohol and tobacco, and following the three foundations of Sikhism.These names are given to all individuals who enter the Khalsa today to reflect this belief. The names Singh and Kaur represent equality and fairness within all humanity.The story shows the rejection of the caste system and the belief in the oneness of humanity, because all five men were from different castes.Importance of the story and how it influences Sikhs today All Sikh women would take the surname ‘Kaur’ which means princess. His own name changed from this point from Guru Gobind Rai to Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru declared that Sikh men would take the surname ‘Singh’ which means lion.Guru Gobind Singh declared them the first five members of the Khalsa and they became known as the Panj Pyare, which means the five beloved ones.This represented the men being initiated into the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh gave them all amrit mixture (sugar and water) in a bowl stirred using the Khanda (a double-edged sword). They had shown loyalty to the Guru and God and were initiated into the Khalsa. He was followed by the five men who had supposedly sacrificed their lives. Guru Gobind Singh appeared from the tent wearing the Khalsa attire.Once again, the Guru appeared from the tent after a swish and thud of the sword were heard. Another individual offered to sacrifice himself.The Guru appeared from the tent with blood on his sword. One person came forward and was led into the tent.During the festival of Vaisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh appeared from a tent on stage and asked the thousands of people present, “Who is willing to die for God and his Guru?”.It was formed in 1699, when many Sikhs were gathered to celebrate the festival of Vaisakhi. This is a group into which committed Sikhs can be initiated through the Amrit Sanskar ceremony. Guru Gobind Singh is remembered for the formation of the Khalsa. This heroic act, which was seen as defending the rights of all Hindus and Sikhs, influenced his son, Guru Gobind Singh, to continue his father’s work.
His father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was martyred for refusing to become a Muslim. Guru Gobind Singh (he was originally known as Guru Gobind Rai) was only nine years old when he became the tenth Guru.