Science & Sikhi: 5 Learnings that Suggest Guru Nanak was Ahead of His Time

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the religion that went on to be called as Sikhism, lived in the 15th and 16th centuries, and yet his teachings aim to and successfully resonate with modern day sensibilities and further demonstrate a significant watchfulness. The Guru’s constant focus on reason, equality, and personal experience challenged the rigid social and religious norms of his times, with an unbelievable amount of relatability to this date.


Now whether it is our society that is still stuck in the irrational past, or it is ever relevant theories, there is something that makes him a revolutionary figure far ahead of his era. The following are five of his many rational teachings that highlight this viewpoint:
Baba Nanak was someone who never backed off from challenging the prevalent ritualistic practices and the dogmatic beliefs of both Hinduism and Islam — the two most common forms of religion around him. He went on to emphasise the importance of inner purity and real devotion over fake and outward displays of “religiosity”. He was a vocal critic of baseless empty rituals, pilgrimages to seek the almighty, and blind faith, advocating instead for a sincere connection with the truth and oneness of the mankind, which aligns with a rational approach to spirituality that prioritizes personal experience and ethical conduct over adherence to prescribed forms. This teaching of him is relevant with the much needed secular and humanist values that prioritize individual conscience.
In a society blinded by casteism and social hierarchy, he was someone who advocated openly for unity and oneness of the absolute existence. This unity that he preached about was not just for the human society, but of the whole world and the unmeasurable universe. He rejected the idea of inherence superiority based on but or the periodically developed social statuses of man. All human beings in his eyes were worth equally and were equally entitled to respect and dignity. His developed and promoted social concepts of seva (selfless service) and the establishment of langar (community kitchen) where people of all castes and backgrounds could eat together, were rebellious acts of social reform against discriminators and the casteist. This focus of Guru Nanak which emphasised on equality and social justice is a true hallmark of progressive thought even in today’s times.
Guru Nanak is widely renowned for having highlighted the utmost importance of kirat karni and naam japna. He motivated and encouraged his followers and companions to be industrious and self-reliant, rejecting the stubborn lifestyle that even justified the idea of begging which was prevalent at that time. His strong focus on ethical work and honest conduct as the correct path to spiritual self growth reflects a practical, liberal and a very rational approach to life, which seeks to value both material and spiritual well-being. This resonates with the modern work ethic and the importance of integrity even in your professional life.
Now this is one learning which almost all of mankind around the world needs to learn and adapt in their lives. To believe or show blind faith in something without enquiry or barely looking for reason is poisonous to the brain. The world today has achieved these levels of development only because of one thing and that is the art of questioning. Guru Nanak encouraged people to question and explore, instead of blindly accepting the pre established dogma. He was a traveler, and as a teacher, his journey of spirituality was marked by long travels and dialogues with leaders and preachers of different types of faith, during which he engaged in intellectual discussions and challenged their prevailing beliefs. This emotion of inquiry and critical thinking is an epitome of rational thought and scientific advancement, making his approach from a religious leader’s perspective, remarkably modern and fresh.
While the pre-existing societal norms during his time heavily favoured dominance of one gender — the Males, there was Guru Nanak whose teachings implicitly and often explicitly advocated for the equality of gender. He also spoke against the dirty practice of female infanticide and challenged the perception of society of women being inferior to men. Though social change is one gradual process that sometimes takes generations to develop, his teachings at least laid the foundation for the later emphasis on gender equality not only for Sikhism, but within the mankind, a concept that truly aligns with the modern day progressive values.


Guru Nanak’s teachings, emphasizing reason, equality, honest living, inquiry, and social justice, were truly ahead of his time. They offer a timeless wisdom that continues to be relevant in the 21st century, demonstrating the enduring power of his rational and compassionate vision.