RLGA01H3 Chapter : RLGA01 Reading Notes - Sikhism.docx
Document Summary
Foundation of the religion was to achieve spiritual liberation in a single lifetime though meditation on the hole name nam and ethical behaviour. Name punjab refers to the 5 rivers surrounding this place. Punjab is seen as the place where there has been a crossroad of many different asia cultures and religions especially the muslims and the hindus. Janam-sakhis (literally meaning birth narratives) is the material which we learn about guru nanak"s life; this only became written 7 years after his death but it was already being taught orally throughout his lifetime. His life is divided into three distinct phases: A mystic enlightenment followed by his years of pilgrimage and debate. Him and his growing community established the sikh community. At the end of all this travelling, he bought a land in punjab right to the bank of ravi river where he lived for the rest of his life as a spiritual guide for the new religion.
