As Sikhs and followers around the world prepare to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, it is the perfect time to reflect on the life-changing teachings of the first Sikh Guru. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469, laid the foundation of a faith built on equality, compassion, and devotion to one God. His message was simple but revolutionary, inviting people to live with love, humility, and service. Centuries later, these timeless principles continue to offer a path to a more meaningful life.
The Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Ik Onkar (Oneness of God)
Guru Nanak’s most powerful teaching is the belief in one God who is formless, eternal, and present everywhere. His famous verse, “Ik Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh”, reminds us that God is the creator of all. By teaching oneness, Guru Nanak urged people to rise above divisions of caste, creed, and race, and to see the divine in every being.
Equality for All
Guru Nanak strongly opposed the caste system and social hierarchies of his time. He believed that every person, whether rich or poor, man or woman, is made from the same clay. His words “Mitti da Putla, Sabh Ikko Hai” emphasize that all humans are equal. To put this into practice, he started the tradition of Langar, a community kitchen where everyone, regardless of background, sits together to share a meal.
Vand Chhako (Share What You Have)
Nanak taught that whatever blessings we receive from God should be shared with others. The principle of Vand Chhako means “share and then consume.” He encouraged people to look after the needy, reminding us that generosity multiplies joy and creates stronger communities.
Kirat Karo (Earn Honestly)
Guru Nanak valued honest work and discouraged idleness and exploitation. Kirat Karni, or earning through honesty, teaches that wealth gained by fraud or deceit has no meaning. Instead, he believed a spiritual life must go hand in hand with ethical living, where people work hard with integrity.
Seva (Selfless Service)
One of Guru Nanak’s timeless lessons is selfless service. He taught that true service is done without expecting any return. “Seva Karna Hai, Par Upkaar Nahi Chahida” serve with love, not for recognition. Whether through feeding the hungry, helping the poor, or volunteering in community spaces, Guru Nanak showed that serving others is a direct way to serve God.
Sarbat da Bhala (Welfare of All)
Guru Nanak’s vision extended to the well-being of all humanity. Sarbat da Bhala, wishing good for everyone, is a prayer for universal peace and compassion. He believed spirituality is incomplete if it does not include care for others, urging people to rise above selfishness and work for the happiness of all.
Respect for Women
In an era when women were often treated as inferior, Guru Nanak boldly challenged such thinking. His words, “So kyun Manda Aakhiye, Jit Janme Rajan” mean “Why call her bad? From her, kings are born” highlighting the dignity and strength of women. He encouraged women to take part in spiritual and social life equally with men, declaring that in God’s eyes, all are equal.
The Relevance Today
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, are not limited to a particular time or religion. They speak to universal human values like honesty, equality, kindness, and service. His philosophy encourages us to rise above narrow identities and divisions, and to live in harmony with one another.
Even today, his message inspires people to work for a just and compassionate world. By practicing his principles of sharing, honest living, and selfless service, we can create a life of meaning and contribute to the welfare of society.
