Guru Gobind Singh

Definition

Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Guru of Sikhism, known for his significant contributions to the religion and for establishing the Khalsa, a collective body of initiated Sikhs. He played a pivotal role in shaping Sikh identity, promoting equality, and emphasizing the importance of self-defense against oppression. His teachings and leadership not only solidified the principles of Sikhism but also laid the groundwork for the community's resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Guru Gobind Singh was born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, India, and became the Guru at a young age after the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
2. In 1699, he founded the Khalsa during a gathering at Anandpur Sahib, where he initiated the first five Sikhs, known as the Panj Pyare, emphasizing courage and commitment to justice.
3. He composed several hymns that are included in the Guru Granth Sahib and authored texts such as 'Zafarnama', a letter asserting justice against tyranny.
4. Guru Gobind Singh declared that there would be no more human Gurus after him and that the Guru Granth Sahib would be the eternal Guru for all Sikhs.
5. His legacy includes promoting literacy among Sikhs and encouraging them to take up arms in defense of their rights against oppression.

Review Questions

• How did Guru Gobind Singh's establishment of the Khalsa shape Sikh identity and community?
  • Guru Gobind Singh's establishment of the Khalsa was crucial in defining Sikh identity as it promoted values such as equality, bravery, and a sense of community among Sikhs. By initiating the first five members into the Khalsa, he created a formalized group dedicated to defending their faith and standing against oppression. This collective identity helped unify Sikhs and fostered a culture of resilience that has persisted throughout history.
• Discuss how Guru Gobind Singh's teachings influenced Sikh practices and beliefs regarding self-defense and justice.
  • Guru Gobind Singh's teachings strongly emphasized self-defense and standing up against tyranny, which are foundational beliefs in Sikhism. He taught that Sikhs should not only pray for peace but also be prepared to protect themselves and others from oppression. This warrior ethos is reflected in Sikh practices that encourage active participation in justice and defense, shaping how Sikhs approach issues of social equity and human rights.
• Evaluate the impact of Guru Gobind Singh’s decision to end the line of human Gurus and establish the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru on Sikh community cohesion.
  • Guru Gobind Singh's decision to conclude the line of human Gurus marked a pivotal moment in Sikhism, as it centralized authority in the Guru Granth Sahib. This move reinforced community cohesion by providing a common text that all Sikhs could reference for spiritual guidance. By making the scripture their eternal Guru, he ensured that future generations would unite under shared beliefs and practices based on equality and justice rather than reliance on individual leaders. This shift has contributed significantly to Sikh unity across diverse cultures and regions.

Related terms

Khalsa: The Khalsa is a collective body of initiated Sikhs established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, promoting values of equality, bravery, and devotion to God.

Guru Granth Sahib: The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of Sikhism, containing the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh and other Gurus, serving as the eternal Guru for Sikhs.

Sikhism: Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak and further developed by nine successive Gurus, including Guru Gobind Singh.