Sikhism (/sikzm/, Punjabi: ), meaning a "disciple", or a "learner"), is a religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent about the end of the 15th century. It is one of the youngest of the major world religions. The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib, include constant spiritual meditation of God's name, being guided by the Guru instead of yielding to capriciousness of mind or psyche, living a householder's life instead of monasticism, truthful action to dharam (duty), being of selfless service to others, equality of all human beings, and believing in God's grace. In the early 21st century there were nearly 25 million Sikhs worldwide, the great majority of them living in the Indian state of Punjab.Sikhism is based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak, the first Guru (1469 1539), and the nine Sikh gurus that succeeded him.