November 5, 2025

Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs, gave us a treasure trove of faith that is as simple as it is powerful! Born on November 5, 1469, in Nankana Sahib, he started a spiritual journey that changed the world. After a divine revelation, he wrote the famous Jaapji Sahib, teaching us about the one creator — called ek, the true name satnaam, the doer kartapurakh, nirbhau meaning fearless, and nirvair meaning without enemies. According to Prof. Kumool Abbi, Guru Nanak’s approach combines faith with good living. He taught naam simran, which means reciting the name of the beloved Lord with love from the heart! His divine Bani includes the Japuji Sahib, Asa di Vaar, Sidh Goshti, and nearly 900 shabads that form part of the Shri Guru Granth Sahibji. This sparkling Bani fills life with joy and delight. It encourages us to yearn for God with our whole soul and find bliss in union with Him. Guru Nanak’s words help us overcome boredom and negative desires, making our spirits fresh and strong, especially in tough times. His teachings celebrate equality, saying God lives in everyone, no matter who they are. "The central teaching of his sonorous Bani reflects a delight and joy in being able to yearn for God, to love Him with one’s heart and soul and strive to have union with Him, leading to delight and bliss," shares the expert. Guru Nanak also told us to live honestly by working hard—kirat karo—and to share with others—vand chako—building harmony in society. He insisted teachings should not stay confined to books but be lived daily. Most importantly, Guru Nanak freed people from empty rituals, superstitions, and strict rules. His powerful and kind message calls for social justice, human rights, gender equality, peace, and brotherhood. These values are as bright and needed today as they were centuries ago. On this Guru Purab, let us remember and celebrate the unforgettable light of Guru Nanak, whose lessons promise that if he reached the Lord, so can all of us!

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Tags: Guru Nanak, Sikhism, Naam Simran, Guru Granth Sahib, Faith, Social justice,