Final answer:
Gurus are central to Sikhism, serving as messengers of the universal God and exemplifying spiritual guidance. They shaped the religion's teachings, which emphasize discipline, meditation, and equality. Their lives are models of ethical conduct and resistance against oppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gurus are central to the Sikh religious tradition, with the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, being the first of the ten human Sikh Gurus, followed by the eternal Sikh Guru, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. These spiritual leaders not only established the foundations of the religion but also shaped its teachings, which are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Gurus in Sikhism serve as the embodiment of divine guidance, imparting wisdom and practices for spiritual growth and enlightenment. Their lives and teachings provide a model for living a disciplined life through meditation, ethical conduct, and the promotion of social equality and justice. The Guru's role transcends that of a teacher, as they are seen as direct messengers of the universal God, facilitating the connection between the divine and the community of believers.
The gurus in Sikhism also hold political significance, as they led the community through periods of growth and adversity. For instance, the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, implies the courage and principles the Gurus stood for against religious oppression. The succession of gurus and their contributions have left a lasting impact on the ethos of the Sikh community, emphasizing foundational Sikh tenets of a direct personal devotion to God without intermediaries, a rejection of the caste system, and the pursuit of equality for all humans.