We have all celebrated Baba Nanak’s 550 Birth Anniversary today. It is time to ask ourselves how much do we align with what Guru Nanak Dev Ji believed and stood for. Here is a checklist of his teachings, open for self-audit.
Believe in one God.
Do question. Logic and rationale comes first.
No priests or rituals are required to connect one to her/his God.
Be open to learning, especially scripts and scriptures and languages which others speak.
Listen to others but do question their thoughts on merit and logic.
Don’t just keep on thinking, take decisions and don’t worry about the outcome.
Worry only about what is never ever going to happen. Pointless to worry about what happens.
Doing good is a way of life, do good every moment.
Practice what you preach.
If limelight falls on you, do share.
As you gain knowledge, make sure your companion/ teammates learn too.
Don’t hesitate to ask why.
Say no to religious bigotry. Say no to rituals, idol worship and don’t pray to images.
God doesn’t reside at one place. God is omnipresent.
Work hard at all times.
There are haves and have-nots — share and care, especially with those who need it. Sharing and caring for others is not a one-time activity; it is a daily routine.
Do selfless worship at all times (not only in the time of need)
Do service to humanity without any self-interest
Earn an honest living by ensuring that no action leads to cheating or exploitation.
Shed all inequalities, rich-poorer, men–women, higher caste – lower caste. Be compassionate at all times on all issues and with all. Practice brotherhood and not be self-centred.
Be open to the view of others on all matters.
Be not scared of death.
