Guru Gobind Singh was credited with founding the Khalsa, a Sikh warrior community. Born in Bihar’s capital Patna, he was a warrior, a spiritual master, a poet, and a philosopher. He became the Sikh guru at the age of nine, after the death of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur. His teachings and guidance have inspired and impacted many people across the globe. He was assassinated on October 8, 1708 at the age of 41.
The Guru had declared the Holy Scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib as the permanent Guru of Sikhism. It is believed that the Guru baptised five men from a ‘lower caste’ as his ‘Five Beloveds’ in 1699.
Throughout his life, he stood up against the Mughals who ruled during that time and fought against injustice. It was his leadership that inspired the courage in people to rise against the oppressive rule of the time.
He made the Sikh religion what it is and his teachings significantly form the core of the religion. It was he who declared the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scripture to be the permanent Sikh Guru and his teachings are respected by those of other religions as well.
On the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh’s death anniversary, here are some of his teachings:
- Do not gossip, nor slander, or be spiteful to anyone.
- When dealing with enemies, practice diplomacy, employ a variety of tactics, and exhaust all techniques before engaging in warfare.
- Donate a tenth of your earnings.
- When all the other methods fail, it is proper to hold the sword in hand.
- I tell the truth; listen everyone. Only those who have loved will realize the Lord.
- Do as much possible to serve and aid foreigners, those in need, or trouble.
- Do not be proud of riches, youthfulness, or lineage. (Regardless of maternal and paternal caste or heritage, all of the Guru’s Sikhs are siblings of one family.)
- Abandon worldly faslehoods and tobacco-poison.
- Do not take pride in wealth, youth, and caste.
- When the end of life comes, then I may die fighting on the battlefield.
