Guru Nanak Northern India, 1469 Vision of God Transcends religion Pluralism of Eastern and Western ideas

Question: Can ideas or philosophies of God exist separate from Religion or does an idea about God automatically make it a religion?

Monotheistic Creator Timeless Un-Incarnated Eternal

Reality of the World Not an Illusion Not the source of suffering Opportunity

Spiritual Achievement Goal: escape self-will Move beyond ourselves to find God Gurmukh

Union of Worldly and spiritual Lives Reject asceticism Household Stage of Hinduism Community important for moving closer to God

Nam God dwells within us

Good Deeds, Not Rituals Judged by their actions towards others

Equality of Human Dignity Reject Hindu caste system Race, culture, Religion, education, wealthy, gender, do not add or take away human dignity Humans are equal in dignity, regardless of whether their outward appearance is attractive unattractive

A Just Society

Nanek concerned with society’s well-being Compassionate society Pray, eat, and work in community Equality of members

Social Responsibility God endowed humans with free will God also gave humans ability to know the difference between good and evil Evil does not originate from God Call to Charity

Sikh Virtues and Vices Stems from belief all are equal Outside of marriage, treat all as brothers and sisters Contribute financially to the poor Love or Lust?

Sikh Virtues Truth Contentment Patience Perfect Faith Compassion

Sikh Vices Lust Anger Greed Attachment Pride

Family Life One should marry, if possible Family life combined with virtue, leads to God Dating too young is not encouraged

Gurdwara Respect before entering Contains Adi Granth Community Centre

Gurdwara Services Offerings Prayer, hymns, poems Led by Granthi Followed by Langar

Khalsa Kech - Hair Kangha – Wooden Comb Kachla – Short pants Kara – Metal bracelet Kirpan – dagar

Khanda