Sikhism.

Essay by ChakdeyA, November 2003

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In the year 1469 a man named

Guru Nanak was born into a Punjabi-Hindu family. His

name means "He who was born at the home of his mother's

parents", which was in Talwandi, near Labone ("Sikhs"

647). We know little about Nanak's life but a lot about his

beliefs from a book called " Adi Granth" or " Granth Sahib",

which means holy book. Some of his beliefs were the reality

of "karma" and "reincarnation".These are beliefs that our

actions in this life determine how high or low we'll be in our

next life. The Hindus and Muslims believe it is best to

worship, missionize, study and write the sacred scriptures,

and other religious public actions and behaviors. Nanak

believed that this is wrong. He felt that the people should be

involved in inward meditation to the God, Akal Purakh

(Nanak was a monotheist, believing in one god). Nanak

believed that Akal Purakh is the almighty creator and

sustainer of the universe and he has no form.

If one is truly

devoted to Akal then Akal may reveal himself to you in

"nam" or the divine name. Since Akal created the world and

everything in it then, the world can be considered an

expression of "nam",(McLeod 5). Akal, to reveal himself

through "nam", speaks the "sabad" or divine word, through a

loyal believer. This believer acts as the eternal guru, or

teacher, speaking in the mystical voice of Akal through the

"sabad". A guru can achieve this divine harmony with Akal

by the practice of "nam simaran". This can be accomplished

in many ways. One way is by the repeating of a "mantra", a

word that expresses the divine reality. Another way is to sing

devotional songs or even to have deep mystical

concentration. Guru Nanak attracted many disciples, or...