Introduction To Sikhism
Sikhism, a religion closely associated with the northern state of Punjab in India, was founded in the late 15th century by the charismatic leader Guru Nanak Dev. Punjab, derived from the Persian words "Punj" (five) and "Aab" (water), refers to the land of the five rivers: Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej, all tributaries of the Indus River. Before India’s independence, these rivers were part of a united Punjab region, but now they are divided between India and Pakistan. Punjab is known for its fertile land, particularly its wheat cultivation.
The word "Sikhism" comes from "Sikh," which originates from two languages: Pāli's "sikkha," meaning "study" or "discipline," and Sanskrit's "siṣya," meaning "disciple." Sikhs consider themselves disciples of the ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh, and their religion is called Sikhism. While Sikhs are primarily found in Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi, they have also spread across India and the world, including Malaysia, Singapore, East Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Historical Background
In the 11th century, the Vaishnava Bhakti movement began among the devout followers of the Hindu Lord Vishnu, particularly in Tamil Nadu in southern India. This movement, emphasizing personal devotion to Vishnu, was brought to northern India by the theologian Ramanuja. Despite facing prolonged opposition, it eventually spread widely across the Indo-Gangetic plain.
The Vaishnava Bhakti movement was centered around the worship of Lord Vishnu and was propagated by the Vaishnavaites. It was inspired by the teachings of the Alvars, a group of 12 mystic poet-saints from Tamil Nadu, who composed devotional hymns in praise of Vishnu. These hymns, known as the Divya Prabandham, were written in Tamil and made the worship of Vishnu accessible to the common people, breaking away from the exclusive rituals dominated by Brahmins.
Ramanuja, a key figure in this movement, advocated the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy, which taught that the individual soul is distinct yet inseparably connected to the Supreme Being, Vishnu. His inclusive approach, which challenged the rigid caste system, made the Bhakti movement popular and resonant with a broad audience. Ramanuja’s efforts led to the establishment of Vaishnavism as a significant religious force in northern India, where it encountered different cultural and religious traditions.
Despite facing opposition from the orthodox Brahmanical order, which saw the movement as a challenge to their authority, the Bhakti movement continued to grow. Its simplicity, inclusiveness, and appeal to the masses made it a powerful force in Indian religious and cultural life. Over time, the Vaishnava Bhakti movement played a crucial role in the development of regional languages and literatures, and it laid the groundwork for later Bhakti saints and poets across India, such as Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas, and Meera Bai.
The Guru Tradition in Sikhism
Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi di Talvandi, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan. His father belonged to the Bedi sub-caste of Kshatriyas, known for its association with the Vedas, the ancient sacred scriptures of Hinduism. Nanak, contemplative from a young age, received education in both Hindu and Islamic traditions and eventually became a wandering mystic. He composed hymns with his companion Mardana, a Muslim rebec player, and organized community hymn singing and communal meals where people of different faiths could eat together.
Nanak experienced a vision of God while bathing in a river, which marked the beginning of his mission to preach to humanity. He undertook four long voyages, spreading his teachings across India and beyond. Guru Nanak is the author of 974 hymns in the Adi Granth, including the Japji, which begins with the mul-mantra, "Ek Onkar" ("There is One Being"), a fundamental creed of Sikhism. This statement is followed by evocative stanzas that sketch the outlines of the indescribable nature of God.
Guru Nanak’s teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism, emphasizing devotion to a formless God, equality, and the importance of a communal life centered around the Guru's teachings.
Link for Class: https://youtu.be/m_MpI3xVVco
Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LNXx4-0-R_Q8hJVyNeDdYKFGBlb0NpgJ/view?usp=sharing
It is interesting to know that Sikhism has its origin in southern India( Tamil Nadu) and it began with a simple devotion to Lord Vishnu.
ReplyDeleteSikhism was a revolutionary religion that focused on the need and the purpose of the humane and the valid being of the humanity. On reading the historical roots of the Sikhism reminded me the growth of the futuristic perspective of the religion.
ReplyDeleteGuru Nanak's spiritual journey began with a profound vision of the Divine while immersed in a river, a transformative experience that ignited his life's purpose, to share the message of God's existence and wisdom with all humanity, thus commencing his noble mission as a spiritual leader and teacher.
ReplyDeleteFor me it's new to know that the origin of Sikhism is from Hinduism and Muslim and very specially in India. I am getting intrested to know more about this Relegion.
ReplyDeleteit was very interesting to know that the Sikhism has its origin in Tamil- Nadu. one more discovery or new information was the religion has spread all over the world
ReplyDelete“His inclusive approach, which challenged the rigid caste system, made the Bhakti movement popular and resonant with a broad audience”
ReplyDeleteThe message here is clear: inclusive approaches always triumph over divisive approaches. Inclusiveness promotes unity and harmony.
Happy to learn about the Sikhs. I was always wondering why Sikhs have to wear the turban, and why they need to carry the small knife. This religion will be interesting.
ReplyDeleteSikhism is one of the most popular religion in the world though foundation was laid only a about 600 years ago by Guru Nanak and now it is the 5th largest religion. Coming out of the barriers like caste and division of Hinduism and accepting some concepts of Islam, Sikhism immerged in the 15th century under the teaching of great spiritual leader Guru Nanak. It is a great opportunity to learn about Sikhism deeply.
ReplyDeleteSikhism is one of the oldest religion which is closely associated with the northern state of Punjab in India, was founded in the late 15th century by the charismatic leader Guru Nanak Dev. Sikhism emphasizes devotion to a formless God, equality.
ReplyDeleteSikhism's origins really captivate me, especially its foundation by Guru Nanak in the 15th century. Guru Nanak’s teachings about the oneness of God, equality, and community resonate deeply. The spiritual guidance of the ten Gurus, especially Guru Gobind Singh, who formalized the Khalsa, shapes Sikhism’s unique blend of devotion and social justice.
ReplyDeleteInfluenced by Bhakti traditions, Guru Nanak founded Sikhism with an emphasis on equality, community, and devotion to an undefined God. His teachings brought his varied followers together by providing a spiritual path that transcended religious and cultural barriers.
ReplyDeleteThe founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak was a Bhakti saint who believed that Bhakti was the most important form of worship. Sikhism is considered as a new movement that broke away from the Bhakti movement to form its own path.
ReplyDeleteThe emphasis on community and inclusivity makes Sikhism a truly inspiring faith.
ReplyDeleteI was glad to know that the Sikhism emerged as a transformative faith emphasizing the significance and purpose of human existence. Exploring its historical origins highlights the religion's progressive vision for the future of humanity.
ReplyDeleteThe story of Guru Nanak Dev inspires me to value compassion and community. Sikhism began in Punjab, a region known for its rich culture and spiritual history Shaped by the rivers that support its fertile land. Knowing about Punjab’s history and its division reminds me how important unity and shared values are, no matter the borders.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to know about Sikhism which was founded by Guru Nanak Dev in Punjab. It is deeply rooted in the region's cultural and historical context. Punjab, known for its fertile land and five rivers, was once a united region before the partition of India and Pakistan.
ReplyDeleteIt gives more comprehensive understanding of Sikhism. I makes me think about them and their life style align to any other religions. It's like Christianity in some extend.
ReplyDeleteGuru Nanak studied Hinduism and Islam, and taking the inspiration from Bhakti Movement, he started his own religion. This make me to question whether religions is just created by human and not by God.
ReplyDeleteSikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of India by Guru Nanak Dev. It emphasizes the teachings of its ten gurus, who are considered divine manifestations of the one God. Sikhs believe in one God, known as Waheguru, and follow the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy scripture. It was quite fascinating to learn about a religion of which I just knew so little.
ReplyDeleteIt is Interesting to know about the origin and historical background of Sikhism.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting to know that Sikhs have come out of Hindu religion because of rigid cate system
ReplyDeleteSikhism, with its roots in the teachings of Guru Nanak, provides a powerful message of unity, equality, and devotion to a formless God. The religion originated from the diverse cultural landscape of northern India. Its inclusive nature and emphasis on communal life and social justice resonate deeply with its origins.
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ReplyDeleteSikhism's emphasis on equality, devotion, and community remains vital today, promoting inclusivity and spiritual unity in diverse societies globally.
Guru Nanak’s teachings remind me of the profound unity of all creation and the importance of devotion to a formless, universal God. His emphasis on equality, regardless of faith or background, challenges societal divisions. The communal practices he established, like hymn-singing and shared meals, foster inclusivity and spiritual harmony
ReplyDeleteSikhism’s core values of equality, community service, and devotion to one God resonate deeply with me. The emphasis on humility and social justice inspires my actions, encouraging me to foster unity and compassion in a diverse and divided world.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to know about Sikhism which welcomes all the castes under one umbrella. in this religion there is equal right for all to worship
ReplyDeleteI feel good about it that I am doing philosophical studies, and by doing so I am learning many good and positive things about the every religion. Before studying about the Sikhism I knew nothing Sikhism. I was jus familiar with the word that's all. I did not know even that Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikhism.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to know about the Sikhism. I have seen Sikh people but never knew about this religion, Now I am eagerly to learn about Sikhism.
ReplyDeleteI had some understanding of the Sikhism. This introduction to Sikhism gave me the concept of origin and history of Sikhism. I came to know about the founder of Sikhism and teachings.
ReplyDeleteThe Bhakti Movement is the cornerstone of establishing Sikhism. though it derived from Hinduism (Lord Vishnu), Yet it transcended the ideology of Vedas. That's why it is well established and flourishing.
ReplyDeleteSikhism, started by Guru Nanak Dev in the late 15th century, is tied to Punjab and its five rivers, with followers worldwide. The Vaishnava Bhakti movement began in Tamil Nadu, focusing on personal devotion to Vishnu, and spread north, making worship accessible to everyone.
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