Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) was the founder of Sikhism. Scholars interpret the meaning of Nanak as “the one who is without diversity (non-dual)”. He went on 4 voyages in the Indian Subcontinent and across for spiritual pursuits. His 9 Ascensions from Guru Angad to Guru Gobind Singh are also known as Nanak as they all recited Gurbani using the pen-name Nanak.
Through popular tradition, Nanak’s teaching is understood to be practiced in three ways:
1. Kirat Karo: Earn with your own hands, without exploitation of weaker.
2. Naam Japo: Keep meditating on God’s name.
3. Wand Shako: Share a part of what belongs to you with others
He earned equal respect from both Hindus and Muslims of the time and became popular among Hindus as Guru, among Muslims as Peer.
Sikh Gurus