Guru Nanak

Founder of Sikhism

Early Modern influential 183 sayings

Sayings by Guru Nanak

The Guru is the ladder, the boat, the raft, the ferryman, the ship, and the captain.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 22, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Guru is the ladder, the boat, the raft, the ferryman, the ship, and the captain.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 22, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Do not speak ill of anyone, for God dwells in every heart.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Asa, Ang 353, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Do not speak ill of anyone, for God dwells in every heart.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Asa, Ang 353, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The mouth that utters lies shall be filled with dust.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Asa, Ang 353, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The mouth that utters lies shall be filled with dust.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Asa, Ang 353, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Disputed

If a person bathes at sixty-eight holy places, but does not cleanse their mind, what good is it?

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 21, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If a person bathes at sixty-eight holy places, but does not cleanse their mind, what good is it?

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 21, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The world is burning in the fire of desire, hatred, and ego. Save it, O Lord, by Your Grace.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Bilaval, Ang 853, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The world is burning in the fire of desire, hatred, and ego. Save it, O Lord, by Your Grace.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Bilaval, Ang 853, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Disputed

A true yogi does not wander around, but fixes his mind on God within.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 28, Guru Granth Sahib (interpretation)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A true yogi does not wander around, but fixes his mind on God within.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 28, Guru Granth Sahib (interpretation)
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The true devotion is to serve humanity.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Dhanasari, Ang 684, Guru Granth Sahib (interpretation)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true devotion is to serve humanity.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Dhanasari, Ang 684, Guru Granth Sahib (interpretation)
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Without fear, there is no love for God.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 33, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Without fear, there is no love for God.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 33, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Disputed

The true prayer is to live in God's will.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 1, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true prayer is to live in God's will.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Japji Sahib, Pauri 1, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The mind is a mad elephant, intoxicated by ego. Only the Guru's teachings can tame it.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Gauri, Ang 221, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The mind is a mad elephant, intoxicated by ego. Only the Guru's teachings can tame it.

c. 15th-16th century CE — Rag Gauri, Ang 221, Guru Granth Sahib
Strange & Unusual Disputed