Sikhism originated with Guru Nanak Dev in the early 1500’s. Born into a Hindu family he began to question the rituals he observed going around him at home and in his village from a very early age.
As a child Nanak spent countless hours deep in meditation on the divine. His father often scolded him for laziness. During his school years he astounded his teachers with poetic compositions reflecting his spiritual nature. Nanak refused to participate in the coming of age Hindu thread tying ceremony. When his father attempted to get him started in business, Nanak used his money to feed the hungry and told his father that he had gotten a good bargain for his money.
Nanak’s parents arranged a marriage for him, and he began a family. All the while Nanak continued to focus on worshipping one creative being. He became acquainted with Mardana, a Muslim bard. Though their religions differed, they discovered shared philosophies and a common love of the divine. Meditating together, Nanak and Mardana communed with creator and creation. As their understanding of the divine nature developed, their spiritual relationship deepened.
About the time he turned 30, Nanak spiritually awoke to state of complete enlightenment. With Mardana as his companion, Nanak took leave from his family and set out on a mission to share the truths revealed to him. Professing a belief in one creator, he preached against idolatry, and the caste system. He made a series of journeys which took him through much of India, the Middle East and parts of China.
Read More: The Life of Guru Nanak
