Guru Nanak Dev Ji rejected the path of renunciation and emphasized householder’s life (Grista), instead of materialism. The services of mankind: Sewa, Kirtan, Satsang and faith in ‘One’ Omnipotent God are the basic tenets of Sikhism propounded by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Thus he laid the foundation of Sikhism. He preached the new idea of God as Supreme, Universal, All-powerful and truthful. God is Formless (Nirankar), the Sole, the Creator, the self-existent, the Incomprehensible and Ever-lasting and the creator of all things (Karta Purakh). God is infinite, All knowing, True, All-giver, Nirvair, and Omnipotent. He is Satnam, the Eternal and Absolute Truth.

As a social reformer, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji upheld the cause of women, downtrodden and the poor. He wrote 974 hymns comprising Japji Sahib, Asa-Di-Var, Bara-Mah, Sidh-Gosht, Onkar (Dakhani).

NAAM JAPANA, KIRAT KARNI, VAND CHHAKANA, i.e. to repeat God’s name, to be ready to engage in the labour of one’s hands and to be willing to share with others what one has gathered are said to be the three principles underlying Sikh ethics and way of life.

Naam Japana, means to recite and repeat the name of God.

Kirat Karni, means to work to gain one’s livelihood, besides signifying preference for normal household life.

Vand Chhakana, means sharing with others what one eats or earns.