Religion of the Sikh

Sikhism is relatively a new religion in our modern world. This indigenous religion of India was founded over 500 years ago by Guru Nanak, who was born in 1469 (A.D./C.E.).

Guru Nanak preached a message of love and understanding and openly criticized the blind rituals of the Hindus and Muslims. Nanak passed on his enlightened leadership of this new religion to nine (9) successive Gurus, with the final [living] Guru being Gobind Singh who died in 1708. 

A Way of Life and Philosophy...

Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times. Truthful living, equality of mankind and social justice are also recognized, but the Sikh (meaning 'disciple') is fast to denounce superstitions and blind rituals. Their beliefs are steadfast and include:

There is only One God. He is the same God for all people of all religions.

The soul goes through cycles of births and deaths before it reaches the human form. The goal of our life is to lead an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. Sikhs should remember God at all times and practice living a virtuous and truthful life while maintaining a balance between their spiritual obligations and temporal obligations.

The true path to achieving salvation and merging with God does not require renunciation of the world or celibacy, but living the life of a householder, earning a honest living and avoiding worldly temptations and sins.

Sikhism condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship etc.

Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. It teaches the full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.  

Sikhism is a religion that is open to all through the teachings of its ten (10) Gurus, which is enshrined in the Sikh's Holy Book known as Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The wisdom of these sacred teachings are practical and universal in their appeal to mankind.

"I observe neither Hindu fasting nor the ritual of the Muslim Ramadan month; Him I serve who at the last shall save. The Lord of universe of the Hindus, Gosain and Allah to me are one; From Hindus and Muslims have I broken free. I perform neither Kaaba pilgrimage nor at bathing spots worship; One sole Lord I serve, and no other. I perform neither the Hindu worship nor the Muslim prayer; To the Sole Formless Lord in my heart I bow. We neither are Hindus nor Muslims; Our body and life belong to the One Supreme Being who alone is both Ram and Allah for us." (Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Granth Sahib, Raga Bhairon pg. 1136) 

Gobind Singh, the final living Guru, established the Khalsa order or the soldier-saints. The Khalsa, which uphold the virtues of commitment, dedication and social consciousness, are men and women who have undergone the Sikh baptism (aka: Amrit Sanchar) ceremony and who strictly follow the Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions. 

Before his death in 1708, Guru Gobind Singh declared that the Sikhs no longer needed a living Guru and appointed the Sikhs sacred Holy Book as his spiritual successor; his physical successor he assigned as the Khalsa. This ancient Guru felt that all the wisdom needed for spiritual guidance could be found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, who is classified as the Eternal Guru. The writings of this Eternal Guru  is considered unique and coincides with the writings of saints from other religious faith whose thoughts were consistent with those of the Sikh Gurus. While this religion does not recognize priests, which were also abolished by Guru Singh, the Sikh community have custodians of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (granthi) and any member of the Sikh religion is free to read the sacred holy book in the Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) or in their own home. All people of all faiths are welcome to the Gurdwara. At every Sikh temple a community kitchen can be found which serves meals to all people of all faiths. Guru Nanak (the first Guru) was responsible for starting and instituting this, which outlined the basic Sikh principles of service, humility and equality of all mankind. 

The most significant religious center for the Sikhs is Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) at Amritsar in the state of Puniab in northern India. While all places where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is installed are considered equally holy for Sikhs, it is not a mandatory place for pilgrimage or worship. 

Sikhism, a progressive religion that was well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago, has a following of over 20 million people worldwide in our modern times. It is ranked as the 5th largest religion in the world. The celebration of God and the Gurus teachings on how one should live their lives [found in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib] transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries and are universal in their appeal.

"Alone let him constantly meditate in solitude on that which is salutary for his soul, for he who meditates in solitude attains supreme bliss." ~ Guru Nanak