SPREADING THE WORD OF GOD

Guru Nanak travelled far towards the east of India. Wherever he and Mardana went, they would sit under a tree, sing devotional songs and preach people about God's word.

In the holy words of Guru Nanak was the message of human love equality.

This was a much needed message at that time because of the growing religious intolerance between the Hindus and the Muslims.

In Guru Nanak's teachings, we find the best of both the religions, Hinduism and Islam.

He tried to unite both in this way. He took the belief in one God from the Muslims. He inculcated the karma theory from Hindus in which the reward or punishment depends on the type of action a person does.

Above all Guru Nanak wanted that people should take up the path of righteousness in their lives.

He was concerned with man and his fate. He told men that God was for every person.

In those times, caste system was followed very strictly. People were considered of high or low birth based on the family they were born into.

The Brahmins occupied the highest position in the social ladder. They were learned men who were responsible for imparting education and conducting all kinds of religious ceremonies.

The Kshatriyas were next. They were the ruling class, who excelled in military skills.

The Vaishyas were traders and merchants who dealt in money matters.

The Sudras were the people who served the three high ranking castes. They were considered as low caste people and were treated as untouchables. They labored as sweepers and cleaners, doing all menial jobs.

The higher castes considered themselves above the Sudras and ill-treated them.