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Summary of Question:	When Sikhism Began
Category:	Sikh History
Date Posted:	Monday, 8/16/2004 1:23 PM MDT

someone said to me that sikhism began 1000 years ago. i always thought it started in the 1400's. i don't have a clue as to what he's talking about. could someone help with this query. he put me to a test. i have to try and find out for myself. If anyone knows the answer or can find out for me, that would be great. Please, please help me with this. Pleases!!!

thank you!!!

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Sat Siri Akaal. BOTH of you are right. Nanak began teaching in the 1490s--around the time Columbus discovered what we know as the Americas, actually. HOWEVER, Nanak collected bani of bhagats whose writings accorded with what Nanak was teaching, and the oldest of these was Shayk Fareed, whose writings you will find in SGGS. Shayk Fareed dates back to 1173. What Nanak did in collecting the bani of the bhagats who preceeded him is founded a system for living the teachings. Those before him were scattered, and did not know each other. They wrote but did not teach. Hope this helps.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK