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.
ReplyDelete