2: GURU NANAK

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religious setting where Sikhism arose had Hindu majority politically dominated by Muslim minority.

first impressions that Sikhs get of Guru Nanak is visual art in homes and temples.

Sikh scriptures have no equivalent to Gospels....narratives contained in 'Janam Sakhis'....(Birth/ testimony or truth). each narrative is mostly about Nanak and includes miraculous happenings and introduces passages of Guru Nanak's poetic compositions. these play an important role in Sikh life...taken to mean that they describe Sikh ideals and a model for how Sikhs should live.

at about 30 years old...had experience of being swept into God's presence whilst taking morning bath...gave up worldly goods to then spread spiritual insights.

believed that there is a fundamental spiritual truth that is not the monopoly of one particular religion.

mantra has special place...'OM' (the supreme being in the form of sound)...constant repetition invokes God and brings liberation.

Six key terms in understanding God: truth/ word/ name/ guru/ divine order/ Grace (ways in which God communicates with humanity)

God participates in world but does not intervene in worlds affairs.

urges constant spiritual practice as grounding for life. "highest is truth but higher still is truthful action".....truthful action rooted in continuous meditation on the 'NAME'. forms include listening to Gurus compositions being sung and mindfully repeating words.

object of truthful action is to attain blissful union with God and release from cycle of birth and death.

Vahiguru (praise to the guru) is the gurus mantra...by repeating it one learns to control own thoughts and overcome self-centredness....comes a point when tongue/lips mouth do not move when mind of devotee is absorbed. (When repeating...5 senses are controlled...creates a oneness within)

spiritual path is not solitary....practice as a congregation.

basis of Sikh ethics: meditate....work...share the proceeds. (life should be lived meditatively, industriously, generously)

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