Three Tenets of the Sikh Faithand Fundamental Principles

Did you know that the 3 Golden Rules of Sikhism originated with Guru Nanak?

Sikhism has its beginnings in northern Panjab in the late 15th Century. Nanak Dev, the first guru, born to a Hindu family, showed a deep spiritual nature from early childhood. As he matured and became absorbed in meditation, he questioned Hindu rituals, idolatry and the rigidity of the caste system.

His closest companion, a minstrel named Mardana, came from a Muslim family. They traveled together extensively for more than 25 years. Nanak sang hymns he composed in devotion of one God. Mardana accompanied him by playing the Rabab, a stringed instrument. Together they developed and taught three fundamental principles:

1. Naam japna, remembering God through meditation:
   • Naam - Divine Identity
   • Amritvela - Instance of Immortality
   • Simran - Contemplative Meditation
   • Waheguru - Wondrous Enlightener
   • Top Ten Tips for Establishing Early Morning Meditation
2. Kirat karo, earning an honest living:
   • Prinicples and Mandates of Sikhism's Code of Conduct
   • The Sikh Way of Life and the Gurus' Teachings
   • Eleven Sikhism Dos and Don'ts
3. Vand chakko, selflessly serving others, sharing income and resources:
   • Seva - Selfless Service
   • Tradition of Selfless Service Illustrated
   • All About Langar and the Guru's Free Kitchen
   • Sikh International Disaster Relief Aid in Haiti
   • Beyond Borders With Bhai Kanhaiya (1648 - 1718)