Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469, was the founder of Sikhism and a revered spiritual leader in South Asia. He preached the message of one God and emphasized the importance of equality, compassion, and selfless service. His teachings and hymns, recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, continue to inspire millions, promoting love and understanding among all human beings.
ਸੁਣੀ ਪੁਕਾਰਿ ਦਾਤਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਠਾਇਆ ॥
sunee pukaar daataar prabh guru naanak jag mahi patthaaeiaa.
The benefactor Lord listened to the cries (of humanity) and sent Guru Nanak to this world.
(Bhai Gurdaas jee)
The darkness surrounding the world
According to Gurmat, there are two types of bodies: the physical body (called asthool sareer) and the invisible internal body (known as sooksham sareer). The internal body is considered spiritual and not made of physical matter, so scientists haven't recognized it yet.
To understand this concept, think about mist or thick fog. When there's mist, it's challenging to see where you're going. Similarly, in thick fog, car accidents are more likely to happen because people can't see what's ahead of them.
Humanity seeking wellness
Before Guru Nanak Dev ji was born, the world was shrouded in a thick mist. This mist symbolizes the negative influence of five vices: lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment, and ego. When these vices take control, they cloud our inner selves with corruption and darkness. Initially, people indulge in acts driven by these vices, but over time, these actions become habits and shape their character. When vice and corruption become ingrained in someone's character, they lose their sense of shame and fail to see the wrongness in their wicked and sinful deeds. These repeated actions leave a lasting impact on the soul.
Humanity was in distress, losing its spiritual essence, and people became blind to the allure of materialism and the five vices. In simple terms, before Guru Nanak Dev ji's birth, the world was engulfed in darkness caused by our negative traits. People lost their way and fell prey to their vices, losing touch with their spiritual selves.
Clearing the Mist
Mist can only be cleared by strong light, and small lights like lamps or torches won't do the job. To clear the heavy mist, we need the power of the Sun to shine through. When the Sun shines, the morning mist disappears. Even if we have hundreds of small lamps (divas), they won't be enough to clear the mist. Similarly, in the world, there have been many religious leaders, holy men, and prophets, but their light wasn't sufficient to illuminate the world's spiritual darkness.
The divine light shines on the world
The changing religious leaders and world prophets brought some spiritual guidance to people, but their light was limited, like oil lamps. To truly clear the mist of spiritual darkness, Waheguru Himself had to shine His Light in the world and provide spiritual enlightenment to everyone. Unlike a lamp or torch that shines in specific places, the Sun shines everywhere without discrimination.
When the True Guru, Guru Nanak, emerged, the mist cleared, and his light spread all around, just like stars disappear and darkness vanishes at sunrise (Bhai Gurdaas jee). Even though the Sun shines everywhere, if someone sits indoors with curtains drawn, they won't experience its light. Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469, and Waheguru's Light manifested within him, revealing Himself to the world through the Satguru."Waheguru, in His divine wisdom, chose to manifest within the Satguru (the True Guru), openly revealing His divine presence to the world" (Ang 466, SGGS). Those blessed souls who embraced this revelation with open hearts experienced the profound transformation of their lives through the radiant and transformative Light of Waheguru.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji spread the word of God and goodness through his teachings and selfless actions. He emphasized equality, compassion, and unity, inspiring people to follow the path of righteousness and love for all. His profound wisdom and spiritual messages continue to resonate, guiding humanity towards a life of enlightenment and harmonious coexistence.
*Based on an article by Manvir Singh, published on ManvirSingh.blogpost on 11th November 2008