Guru Amar Das Ji || The Third Guru of Sikhism

Guru Amar Das Ji

 The Third Guru of Sikhism

Biography:

1. **Early Life** Born on May 5, 1479, in Basarke village near Amritsar, Punjab, India.

  

2. **Before Becoming Guru** He was a devout follower of Guru Angad Dev Ji and was known for his piety and devotion.

3. **Becoming the Third Guru** Guru Amar Das Ji was chosen as the third Guru of Sikhism by Guru Angad Dev Ji due to his spiritual qualities and dedication.

4. **Guruship** He served as Guru from 1552 until his passing in 1574.

5. **Contributions** Guru Amar Das Ji made significant contributions to the Sikh community, including organizing the Sikh society into manjis (districts) and promoting langar (community kitchen) as a way to break down social barriers.

6. **Expansion of Sikhism** Under his leadership, Sikhism began to spread beyond Punjab, with the establishment of new congregations and the appointment of missionaries to spread the teachings of Sikh Gurus.

7. **Amritsar** He founded the town of Goindwal Sahib and established it as a center for Sikhism. He also initiated the excavation of the holy tank at Amritsar, which later became the site of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).

Teachings:

1. **Equality** Guru Amar Das Ji emphasized the principle of equality among all human beings regardless of caste, creed, or gender. He promoted the idea of all individuals being equal in the eyes of the Divine.

2. **Devotion** He stressed the importance of devotion (bhakti) to Waheguru (God) as the path to spiritual liberation. He encouraged Sikhs to engage in regular meditation and prayer.

3. **Service** Guru Amar Das Ji institutionalized the concept of seva (selfless service) within Sikhism. He emphasized the importance of serving others, particularly through langar, where people of all backgrounds could come together to share a meal.

4. **Humility** He taught the virtue of humility and humility as essential qualities for spiritual growth. He himself exemplified humility in his interactions with others.

5. **Social Reform** Guru Amar Das Ji implemented various social reforms, including discouraging the practice of purdah (veiling of women) and promoting widow remarriage to challenge social norms prevalent at the time.

6. **Community Living** He advocated for the establishment of close-knit Sikh communities where members would support and uplift each other spiritually and materially.

Guru Amar Das Ji's teachings continue to be cherished by Sikhs worldwide, and his contributions to Sikhism laid the foundation for its growth and development as a distinct religious tradition.