Celebrating the Life of Guru Nanak On his Birthday

Perhaps in today’s human history, it’s never been more important to understand our relationship with God and each other, and how that awareness can empower us. As we prepare to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikh Dharma, I’m mindful that His profound messages of God–Conscious Truths are as relevant today as then.

Guru Nanak was born in the year 1469 AD. On the 13th day after his birth, a Pandit (God conscious person) named the child Nanak Nirankari, “one who knows no duality”, and declared him to be a great Avatar. “His name shall reverberate through the whole universe. The land, sea and air shall make way for him. He shall have people meditate on the One God and help many to walk on the path of Brahm-Gyan (the realization of the Divine within).” Sikh Dharma is now the fifth largest religion in the world.

In 1499, after Guru Nanak Ji had the experience of merging with the Divine, his first words were “Ek Ong Kar”, revealing that there is but one God… a Creative, Intelligent, and Spiritual Force pervading all creation. Separateness is an illusion. He said “equality and unity are the true realities”. At the time he was born, the caste system was ingrained in the society. Contrary to this, Guru Nanak had Maharajahs, merchants and beggars sit together and eat prashad from a common pot, as he gave a simple message of continuous gratitude and praise through meditation, Kirtan (song) and prayer to the One God in all. To follow his teachings, it was not expected nor required to convert. Guru Nanak taught that God Realization is universal and unconditional of anyone’s faith, caste, gender or ethnic origins.

As a great mystic, composer and prophet of Peace, Guru Nanak’s example inspires us to serve human suffering and uphold the sacred rights of all people. He walked thousands of miles from Tibet to the islands of the Indian Ocean, from Burma to Mecca, inspiring hope and opening hearts with the empowerment of right relationships founded upon love and goodwill. To assist us he gave a direct, Divine language, based on the yoga of Naad (sound). He also gave us Japji (beloved meditation), the Song of the Soul. So simple, so pure, so powerful, that it’s very sound current opens the heart and allows the Divine within to consciously guide our lives.

For me, the knowledge Guru Nanak shared with mankind, contains the purest and greatest techniques for living a peaceful life. The experience of Simran (the continuous remembrance of God), and seva (selfless service), are my sustaining pillars. Every day I have the blessing of connecting to the Primal Power through meditation, living truthfully with all my heart and mind, and seeing and serving the God in all.
I believe all Souls are evolving toward Divinity. With unbound optimism, I am infinitely grateful to God and Guru Nanak Dev Ji for the opportunity to become God conscious in this life.