Information on Sikh Gurus! (Printer Friendly Version)

Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak (born in 1469), is barely 500 years old and is the fifth largest religion in the world. It originated in the north western part of India. Guru Nanak respected all religions but opposed superstition, injustice, and hypocrisy. He taught three things to his followers which included reciting the Guru's hymns, working for earnings, and sharing with others. Guru Nanak passed his leadership to nine successive Guru's. The final living Guru was Guru Gobind Singh, who died in 1708.

Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa, which means "The Pure". In order for the Khalsa to uphold the highest Sikh virtues of commitment, dedication and a social conscious, Guru Gobind Singh gave the Khalsa a distinctive external form. In order for one to be considered a Khalsa, one has to be baptized, refrain from eating meat, drinking alcohol, and all other intoxicants as well as wear the "Five K's":

Five K's*
	Kesh		uncut hair and beard; reminds Sikhs to maintain the form that God made them in; turban to cover hair
	Kangha		wooden comb; symbol of cleanliness
	Katchera		cotten briefs; reminds Sikhs to maintain themselves in a pure lifestyle
	Kara		steel braclet; reminds Sikhs that they are one with God
	Kirpan		sword; reminds Sikhs to defend people who need defending

Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh declared his successor as "Sri Guru Granth Sahib", which is a compilation of writings of not only the 10 Gurus but of saints of other faiths whose ideas and thoughts were consistent with the 10 Sikh Gurus. The "Sri Guru Granth Sahib" is treated with utmost respect and is considered the living Guru of Sikhs. The spiritual guidance needed by Sikhs all over the world can be found in the "Sri Guru Granth Sahib".

In conclusion, Sikhism preaches equality amongst all races, religions, and cultures as well as between men and women and it is open to all through the teachings of the ten Gurus.