To propagate and spread dharma, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertook four major Udasis (missionary journeys), as described by Bhai Gurdas Ji:
ਬਾਬਾ ਦੇਖੈ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਧਰਿ ਜਲਤੀ ਸਭਿ ਪ੍ਰਿਥਵੀ ਦਿਸਿ ਆਈ।
ਬਾਝੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਬਾਰੁ ਹੈ ਹੈ ਹੈ ਕਰਦੀ ਸੁਣੀ ਲੁਕਾਈ।
ਬਾਬੇ ਭੇਖ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਉਦਾਸੀ ਕੀ ਰੀਤਿ ਚਲਾਈ।
ਚੜ੍ਹਿਆ ਸੋਧਣਿ ਧਰਤਿ ਲੁਕਾਈ।।
(Var 1, Pauri 24)
Bhai Gurdas Ji is not referring to any specific country or region. The words he uses—Prithvi, Lukai, and Dharti—highlight the vastness and expansiveness of Guru Ji’s method of preaching.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji did not limit the spread of dharma to Hindustan alone. He traveled extensively to places such as Kabul, Mecca, Medina, Baghdad, Kashmir, Tibet, Assam, and Lanka. He visited major centers of religious and philosophical thought, both within India and abroad, and conveyed the truth to everyone he met. He dispelled misconceptions, illuminated hearts, and instilled spiritual understanding. For this reason, Bhai Gurdas Ji called Guru Ji the “Jagat Gur Baba” (World Teacher). The impact of Guru Ji’s teachings is beautifully captured in the following line:
ਮਾਰਿਆ ਸਿਕਾ ਜਗਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਪੰਥੁ ਚਲਾਇਆ।
(Var 1, Pauri 45)
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First Characteristic: Expansive Outreach
The first remarkable quality of Guru Ji’s preaching was its vast scope. Guru Ji did not remain in a single location; instead, he traveled long distances on foot, spreading spiritual teachings to a wide audience and soothing hearts. From a broad perspective, Guru Ji studied the Vedas, the Quran, the six philosophical systems, and other prevailing ideologies. He had deep insight into the religious, social, cultural, political, and economic conditions of the time. Moreover, he had profound knowledge of languages such as Persian, Turkish, Arabic, and Sanskrit. His deep engagement with devotional traditions further contributed to the far-reaching impact of his teachings.
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Second Characteristic: Practical Approach
The second notable quality was Guru Ji’s practical and relatable teaching method. For example, when he visited Haridwar and poured water toward the west, people understood that if water cannot reach Punjab’s fields, how could it reach their ancestors far away? Similarly, pointing his feet toward the Kaaba in Mecca illustrated that God is present everywhere. He avoided wealth obtained through exploitation to teach that righteous earnings, like those of Bhai Lalo, are the correct way. Numerous other instances demonstrate Guru Ji’s practical approach to conveying spiritual truths.
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Third Characteristic: Integration of Bani and Raag
A unique feature of Guru Ji’s method was the combination of Bani (sacred word) and Raag (musical melody). When Guru Ji began Kirtan with the call, “Mardania! Chhed Rabbab,” it directly impacted the hearts of listeners. Through Bani, he conveyed the highest and purest spiritual values. The power of Bani and Raag is undeniable, and modern science acknowledges music’s psychological and physiological benefits. Guru Ji’s method penetrated deeply into the soul, and it continues today through the recitation of Bani and Kirtan. In addition to composing his own Bani, Guru Ji compiled select hymns of previous devotees, further extending the reach and impact of his teachings.
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Fourth Characteristic: Dialogue and Intellectual Inquiry
Guru Ji emphasized discussion and intellectual inquiry. This method fostered learning and exploration. Bhagat Kabir Ji expressed the importance of exchanging ideas:
ਕਬੀਰ ਏਕ ਘੜੀ ਆਧੀ ਘਰੀ ਆਧੀ ਹੂੰ ਤੇ ਆਧ॥
ਭਗਤਨ ਸੇਤੀ ਗੋਸਟੇ ਜੋ ਕੀਨੇ ਸੋ ਲਾਭ॥ (Ang 1377)
Listening and speaking are valuable when free from disputes and focused on higher spiritual principles. Guru Nanak Dev Ji underscored the significance of inquiry:
ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਰਹਸਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥
ਖੋਜੀ ਉਪਜੈ ਬਾਦੀ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਹਉ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਗੁਰ ਕਰਤਾਰਾ।। (Ang 1255)
Dialogue and reasoned discussion (Sidh Gosti) were tools to attain truth and make the best use of time. Guru Ji resolved doubts of Siddhas, Nath Yogis, and religious scholars through compelling arguments. He applied this method everywhere: with scholars in Kurukhetra, Qazis in Mecca, and even with cunning individuals. His reasoning was so persuasive that listeners were invariably convinced.
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Fifth Characteristic: Leading by Example
The fifth, and perhaps most important quality, was that Guru Ji led by example. Leaving his sons behind and entrusting the Guruship to Bhai Lehna Ji demonstrated that relationships, positions, and wealth are secondary. True value lies in living a life of service, virtue, and spiritual dedication. Only virtues have enduring worth. Guru Ji personally embodied the teachings of “Kirat Karo, Vand Chhako, Naam Japo,” cultivating his fields in Kartarpur while simultaneously spreading dharma.
This practical, exemplary, and deeply impactful approach ensured that Guru Ji’s teachings reached far and wide, touching countless hearts. The number of followers of the Nirmal Panth established by Guru Ji continued to grow steadily over time.
By Sukhdev Singh Shant
Translated by Manpreet Kaur.
