It has been suggested that the Sikh Gurus (Masters) established Sikhism, which has grown into an established religion over the centuries. No guru comes to start a religion, but religions are formed around the teachings, as is the case since the Sikh gurus appeared, beginning in the year 1469. Guru Nanak was the first of the recognized Sikh Gurus, 'Sikh' being a term used for a spiritual practitioner who reaches an inner state of consciousness. Subsequent gurus, in succession, give credit to the previous Guru(s), understanding Oneness and deferring to "Nanak" and "Light" while putting their own revelations to word, recognized as scripture in modern sikhism.