The Sikh Religion

Sikh religion, also known as Sikhi in Punjabi and Sikhism in English, is one of the most recent organised religions in human history. The word Sikh is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Shishya’ and is loosely translated as learner/student! Sikhs believe that it was founded by Guru Nanak Dev who was born in a village of undivided Punjab, Rai Bhoe di Talwandi in Shekhupura, now in Pakistan in the year 1469. This place is now known as Nankana Sahib after the great prophet.Mehta Kalyan Daas was a revenue officer (Patwar) in the employment of Rai Bular, incharge of the area. His father was Mehta Kalyan Daas, popularly known as Mehta Kalu in Sikh folklore, and his mother was Mata Tripta. He was born a Khatri, a caste that is placed at number two in the Hindu caste hierarchy. However beginning at an early age, he opposed the caste or any hierarchy based on birth. He believed and propagated that the status of a person should be determined by his deeds and not by birth.
Sikhs belive that Nanak was a born Guru, who had been bestowed with guru ship by God Almighty Himself. AS such it is considered to be 550years old! And Sikhs are going to celebrate the occasion with gusto next year. By definition, a Sikh is supposed to be a learner lifelong! (to be continued)