In tune with the Guru’s teachings
AS we celebrate the 555th Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak, it’s time to renew our pledge to follow the message of the great Guru in letter and spirit. His teachings remain relevant even today, some five centuries after they were preached. He was not only the founder of the Sikh faith but also perhaps the greatest philosopher, teacher, environmentalist and traveller to have walked this earth.
At a time when global warming and climate change are preoccupying our minds, Guru Nanak’s words have a great resonance for us: “Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat” (the air is the teacher, water is the father and land is the mother), exhorting us to respect and value the environment.
As we talk of women’s empowerment, we are reminded of Guru Nanak’s wisdom, “So kyon manda aakhiye, jit jamme rajan” (why call her bad who gives birth to kings?), laying the foundation of gender equality and respect for women in society. He was, indeed, far ahead of his times.
Guru Nanak gave us the message of hard work and ‘sharing is caring’ when he said, “Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, Vand Chhako” (remember God, work hard to make a living and share the fruits of your hard work with those in need). The Guru practised what he preached by establishing the tradition of langar to ensure that no one went hungry; it has become the cornerstone of the Sikh faith.
As wars rage in different parts of the world and there is hatred among various religions, Guru Nanak’s prophetic words ring true, “Ek Onkar, Satnam” (There is but one God, whose name is Truth). The Guru declared that he was neither a Hindu nor a Muslim, and we are all children of God. He tried to be a bridge between Hindus and Muslims and spread the message of unity and communal harmony.
Guru Nanak travelled far and wide, from Tibet and Ladakh to Mecca in Saudi Arabia over a period of two decades, disseminating his message of compassion across the world. He took a firm stand against the caste system and propagated education for all by introducing Gurmukhi.
In a turbulent world plagued by divisiveness, hate, deceit, fundamentalism and destruction, may the teachings, principles and philosophy of Guru Nanak become our guiding light. May the message of compassion, respect, harmony, tolerance and peace never fall on deaf ears and continue to inspire all of us, the children of God.
