Sikhism

Sikhism (Punjabi: ?????) is a religion based on the teachings of ten Gurus who lived primarily in 16th and 17th century India. It is one of the world's major religions. Sikhism comes from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from its Sanskrit root ?i?ya (?????) which means "disciple" or "learner".

Sikh religious philosophy

The Sikh religious philosophy can be divided into the following five sections:

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Primary beliefs and principles

Sikhism advocates the belief in one pantheistic God (Ek Onkar) who is omnipresent and has infinite qualities. Sikhs do not have a gender for God nor do they believe God takes a human form. All human beings are considered equal regardless of their religion, sex or race. All are sons and daughters of Waheguru, the Almighty.

Related Topics:
Pantheistic - God - Ek Onkar - Waheguru

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Followers of Sikhism are encouraged to wake in the early morning hours, before the sun has risen, and meditate on God's name. They must work hard and honestly and never live off of others, but give to others from the fruits of one's own labour. A Sikh's home should always be open to all.

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Sikhs believe in the concept of reincarnation. All creatures are believed to have souls that pass to other bodies upon death until liberation is achieved. Sikhs should defend, safeguard, and fight for the rights of all creatures, and in particular fellow human beings. They are encouraged to have a "Chardi Kala" or positive, optimistic and buoyant view of life.

Related Topics:
Reincarnation - Chardi Kala

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The Sikh religion is not considered the only way to salvation - people of other religions may also achieve salvation. This concept is shared with other Dharmic religions.

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Upon baptism, Sikhs must wear the 5Ks, strictly recite the 5 prayers. Sikhs do not believe that any particular day is holier than any other and generally adopt the religous day of the country within which they reside.

Related Topics:
5Ks - Prayers

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It is every Sikh's duty to defeat these five vices: ego, anger, greed, attachment, and lust. Sikhs are encouraged to 'attack' these vices with contentment, charity, kindness, positive attitude and humility.

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Underlying values

The Sikhs must believe in the following values:

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• Equality: All humans are equal before God.
• God's spirit: All creatures have God's spirits and must be properly respected.
• Personal right: Every person has a right to life but this right is restricted.
• Actions count: Salvation is obtained by one's actions, including good deeds, remembrance of God, etc.
• Living a family life: Must live as a family unit to provide and nurture children.
• Sharing: It is encouraged to share and give to charity 10 percent of one's net earnings.
• Accept God's will: Develop your personality so that you recognize happy events and miserable events as one.
• The four fruits of life: Truth, contentment, contemplation and Naam, (in the name of God).

Prohibited behavior

• Non-logical behavior: Superstitions and rituals are not meaningful to Sikhs (pilgrimages, fasting, bathing in rivers, circumcision, worship of graves, idols or pictures, compulsory wearing of the veil for women, etc.).
• Material obsession: ("Maya") Accumulation of materials has no meaning in Sikhism. Wealth such as gold, portfolio, stocks, commodities, and properties will all be left here on Earth when you depart. Do not get attached to them.
• Sacrifice of creatures: (Sati). Widows throwing themselves in the funeral pyre of their husbands, lamb and calf slaughter to celebrate holy occasions, etc. are forbidden.
• Non-family oriented living: A Sikh is not allowed to live as a recluse, beggar, yogi, monk, nun, or celibate.
• Worthless talk: Bragging, gossip, lying, etc. are not permitted.
• Intoxication: Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and consumption of other intoxicants is not permitted.
• Priestly class: Sikhs do not have to depend on a priest for performing any religious functions. They are not supposed to follow a class/caste system where the priestly class reigns highest. Everyone is equal.

Technique and methods

• Naam Japo: - Free service (Sewa), meditation and prayer (Simran), sacred music (Kirtan).
• Kirat Karni: - Honest earnings, labor, etc. while remembering the Lord.
• Wand kay Shako: - Share with others in need, free food (langar), donate 10% of income Daasvand, etc.

Other observations

• Not son of God: The Gurus were not in the Christian sense “Sons of God”. Sikhism says all humans are the children of God and by deduction, God is mother/father.
• All are welcome: Members of all religions may visit Sikh temples (Gurdwaras), but must observe certain rules: cover the head, remove shoes, no smoking or drinking intoxicants inside, and visitors must not be under the influence of any drugs, especially alcohol.
• Multi-level approach: Sikhism recognises the concept of a multi-level approach to achieving one's target as a disciple of the faith. For example, "Sahajdhari" (slow adopters) are Sikhs who have not donned the full 5Ks but are still Sikhs nevertheless.

Note: The Punjabi language does not have a gender for God. Unfortunately, when translating, the proper meaning cannot be correctly conveyed without using Him/His/He/Brotherhood, S/He etc., but this distorts the meaning by giving the impression that God is masculine, which is not the message in the original script. The reader must correct for this every time these words are used.

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