Who was Guru Nanak? What were his main teachings?

Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. He was born in 1469 at Talwandi village, now called Nankana Sahib in West Punjab in Pakistan.

The main teachings of Guru Nanak are as follows:

1. He emphasised the importance of devotion of God, and the repetition of Satnam (God's name) which should combine with meditation. It is the only means by which a soul can be saved from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
2. He advocated a middle path in which spiritual life could be combined with the duties of the householder. He exhorted people to give up hypocrisy and insincerity and to lead a life of truth and honesty.
3. He condemned idolatry (idol worship) in all its forms.
4. There is only one God, who is omnipresent and merciful.
5. All human beings are equal. There should be no caste differences. He asked his followers to eat in a common kitchen, langar, where anyone could have a meal without caste distinction.
6. Everyone should lead a pure life based on truth and kindness.
7. True spiritual knowledge can be gained under the guidance of a teacher (guru).