Sikhism Created in Crisis

Sikhism: Created in Crisis

Sikhism is a vibrant faith that was founded and began in the first part of the fifteenth century in the region of Punjab a province of India. Since then the religion has spread to every corner and continent of the world. The first founding teacher of the Sikhism religion, name was Guru Nanak, Guru means the ("spiritual leader, enlightener, the messenger"). He had an unalterable belief that all of mankind was born equal and should have the same equal opportunities. Guru Nanak infused his own consciousness into becoming a disciple. His mission was to lead his people in the way of God's will in believing there is one God and the core of his message was a philosophy of universal love and true devotion to God.

There were a total of ten Gurus, titled as human spiritual teachers, leaders or masters between the periods of 1469 to 1708. The teachers were of enlightenment whose primary purpose were the morality, well-being and spirituality of the masses. By modeling and educating how to live a holy and worthy life through actively engaging in righteous principles of their existence in life, their goal and purpose is to awaken the higher consciousness in mankind. It is a monotheist faith and is the 'fifth largest religion" in the world. It is said to have over twenty million followers and the faith is rapidly growing. Sikhs compared to Christians and Muslims believe in "One Supreme Being" but their God is omnipresent, a Creator that is timeless, shapeless, genderless and too, beyond man's understanding. It is a progressive faith that gives prominence to equality of humans regardless of race, gender, caste or class of mankind.

In becoming a Sikh ("disciple") is to be devoted and engage themselves in the teachings and learning, and must believe that they are all Gods creation, worthy of His respect, mercy and love.

Unlike other monotheistic faiths Sikhism is pluralistic and believe that if one continues to live a virtuous life filled with good deeds, the follower would be on a true path to enlightenment and salvation. Sikh's commitment and obligation of religious freedom is of great moral force. Guru Tegh Bahadar the ninth Guru sacrificed his life to protect the Sikhism religious freedom from the Muslim emperor.

The history of Sikhism is intimately connected to the lives of the gurus. The people considered the gurus prophets were sent to deliver God's messages and to lead mankind on the path to righteousness and enlightenment. The foundation of the religion was laid first by Guru Nanak but over the centuries the following nine gurus informed and shaped the belief of Sikhism to what it is today. Each individual guru during their time as teacher or leader were representatives exhibiting divine attributes that the believers/followers were