Question

Explain the sources of reconstructing religion thoughts and ideas leading to the growth of Composite Culture with reference to:
Guru Granth Sahib and Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings

Answer 1

Guru Granth Sahib is the only scripture of its kind which contains the songs, hymns, and utterances of a wide variety of saints, sages, and bards. This shows that Guru Arjan Dev wanted to affirm the fundamental unity of all religions and the unitary character of all mystic experience. It is indeed, a magnificent compendium of religions, mystic and metaphysical poetry written or uttered between the 12th and the 17th century in different parts of India. It is, also, at the same time, a mirror of the sociological, economic, and political conditions of those days. Guru Granth Sahib is regarded by the Sikhs as a ‘Living Guru’ and as a spiritual guide not only for them but for the entire humanity. They regard it as a ‘Living Guru’ that has all the answers regarding religion and morality. The philosophy embodied in Guru Granth Sahib is that of action, deed, and consequence. It lays emphasis on shared communal experience and the extinction of the ego or self is the corner-stone of its philosophy. It regards God as omnipotent and omniscient. Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings: Guru Nanak preached the gospel of Universal Brotherhood and religious tolerance. He exhorted the Hindus and the Muslims to forget their differences because he believed in the equality of all religions.