The first Gurus - Guru Gobind Singh
After Guru Nanak died, his disciples, known as Sikhs, which means 'disciple' or 'learner' were led by nine other human Gurus. Each Guru developed the religion from the previous Guru. They wrote many hymns and poems, some of which are included in the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru..
Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Sikh Guru. He established the Khalsa and completed the Guru Granth Sahib, the most important Sikh holy book. was only nine years old when he became the tenth Guru. His father, Guru Tegh BahadurGuru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru and was born in 1621. In 1675 he was executed on the orders of the Mughal emperor. Guru Tegh Bahadur wrote a number of hymns which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib., was martyrSomeone who suffers death and persecution for their beliefs. for refusing to become a Muslim. This heroic act was seen as a defence of the rights of all Hindus and Sikhs. It influenced Guru Gobind Singh to continue his father’s work.
The formation of the Khalsa
Guru Gobind Singh is remembered for the formation of the KhalsaThe Sikh community, literally 'the community of the pure'. Refers particularly to initiated Sikhs.. This is a group into which committed Sikhs can be initiated through the Amrit Sanskar ceremonyThe rite of initiation into the Khalsa (Sikhs who commit themselves to a daily discipline).. It was formed in 1699, when many Sikhs were gathered to celebrate the festival of Vaisakhi The most important of the Sikh festivals; also written as Baisakhi..
Key features of the story
- During the festival of Vaisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh appeared from a tent on stage and asked the thousands of people present, “Who is willing to die for God and his Guru?”
- One person came forward and was led into the tent. The Guru appeared from the tent with blood on his sword.
- Another individual offered to sacrifice himself. Once again, the Guru appeared from the tent after a swish and thud of the sword were heard. This happened another three times.
- Guru Gobind Singh appeared from the tent wearing the Khalsa attire. He was followed by the five men who had supposedly sacrificed their lives. They had shown loyalty to the Guru and God and were initiated into the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh declared them the first five members of the Khalsa.
- They became known as the Panj PyareThe five beloved ones. Those first initiated into the Khalsa; those who perform the rite today., which means the five beloved ones.
Importance of the story and how it influences Sikhs today
- The story shows the rejection of the casteThe anglicised term for varna; originally a Hindu social order of higher and lower class. Also followed by some Sikhs. system and the belief in the oneness of humanityThe Sikh belief that all humans are equal because Waheguru created everyone equally., because all five men were from different castes.
- All five men showed their loyalty.
- The names Singh and Kaur represent equality and fairness within all humanity. These names are given to all individuals who enter the Khalsa today to reflect this belief.
- Amritdhari SikhA Sikh who has been initiated into the Khalsa. Sikhs today follow rules including: wearing the five KsFive articles which identify a Sikh who has been initiated into the Khalsa., not consuming alcohol and tobacco, and following the The Three pillars of SikhismThe Three pillars of Sikhism, also called the three duties: Nam Japna (meditating on God’s name), Vand Chakna (helping others through sewa) and Kirat Karna (earning an honest living)..
Guru Gobind Singh was the last human Guru. However, Sikhs are taught to view the holy text known as the Guru Granth Sahib as a person - the last Guru.
