Guru Nanak Dev formalized three basic guidelines for Sikhs which if one strived to achieve, would result in spiritual elevation and happiness.
NAAM JAPO
Naam, Naam Japo, Naam Jaap or Naam Japna – is the remembrance of God by repeating and focussing the mind on His name or identity. The guideline in the Rehit Mariyada of Guru Gobind Singh demands that the Sikh engages in Naam Simran as part of everyday routine.
It is also regarded as the way in which humans can conquer ego, greed, attachment, anger and lust, together commonly called the Five Evils or Five Thieves and to bring peace and tranquility into one’s mind.
Sikhs practice both the quiet individual recitation of Naam in one’s mind commonly referred to as Naam Simran or the audible and often communal recitation of Naam that is called Naam Jaap.
Naam is not mere repetition of God’s name. It stands for attributes.
KIRAT KARNI
To work and earn by the sweat of the brow in an honest way, to live a family way of life, and practice truthfulness and honesty in all dealings is what Kirat Karni stands for.
They are meant to serve as an instruction to carry out good deeds and earn an honest livelihood by exercising ones God given skills, abilities and talents for the benefit of themselves and the world at large.
WAND KAY SHAKO
The term “Wand kay Shako” means to share one’s wealth with others in the community, to give to charity, to distribute in Langar (free Kitchen) and to generally help others in the community who need help.
A Sikh is expected to contribute at least 10% of their wealth/income called Dasvandh to the needy people of the world or to a worthy cause. This concept acknowledges the fact that everything that one receives is by God’s Will or Hukam. And when one receives more than one can consume, then this gift must be shared with the community especially people who are needy and have lesser.