AN OVERVIEW OF SIKHISM

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Introduction

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of ten Gurus (prophets) who lived in northern India during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is one of the world's major religions with over 23 million followers.

The two major underlying principles of Sikhism are belief in One God – Waheguru –  and obedience to the teachings inscribed in the 1430 page holy Scripture the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib is a sacred text considered by Sikhs to be their eleventh and final, eternal Guru.

It is perhaps the only scripture of its kind which not only contains the teachings of its own religious founders but also writings of people from other faiths. It contains some of the works of Sufi Saints and Hindu Poets such as Kabir, Namdev, Ravidas, Sheikh Farid, Trilochan, Dhanna, Beni, Sheikh Bhikan, Jaidev, Surdas, Parmanad, Pipa and Ramanand, compiled by the fifth and tenth Gurus, Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Gobind Singh.

The Granth forms the central part of the Sikh place of worship called a Gurdwara. The Holy Scripture placed on the dominant platform in the main hall of the Gurdwara during the day.

Philosophy

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., and the reader should correct for this every time these words are used.

Sikh philosophy is marked by logical simplicity, comprehensiveness and a “no frills” approach to both religious and everyday life.

Interpretations of the Guru Granth Sahib, although translated into English and many other languages, vary from person to person. Its interpretation is based on the mindset and perception of each individual, and its guiding advice can be used for both religious and non-religious situations.

The foundations of Sikhism are laid by belief in one God, as signified by the term Ek Onkar (ੴ). This represents not only one universal deity, but also one universal, transcendental truth, from which all other truths stem and gain their meaning.

God is believed to be a being beyond human comprehension, and therefore can only be described in negating and not affirming terms; it is not possible to say what he is, only what he isn’t. God is genderless, creatorless, fearless, without enmity, undying and independent.

All humans are considered equal regardless of race, religion or gender. All are sons and daughters of Waheguru, the Almighty, and all have an equal chance of attaining salvation; the Sikh religion is not considered the only path to salvation.

Sikhs should defend, safeguard, and fight for the rights of all creatures, and in particular fellow human beings. They are encouraged to have live in Chardi Kala, having a positive, optimistic and buoyant view of life.

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

Sikhs do not believe that any particular day is holier than any other and tend to adopt the religious day of the country within which they reside.

Fundamental Principles

Sikhs believe in:

¯     Equality: All humans are equal before God.

¯     God's spirit: All creatures have God's spirits and must be properly respected.

¯     Actions count: Salvation is obtained by one's actions, including good deeds, remembrance of and meditation on God, etc.

¯     Living a family life: Live as a family unit to provide and nurture children.

¯     Sharing: The concept of daswand dictates the giving of 10% of one’s life and livelihood toward helping others

¯     Accepting God's will: The stage to which Sikhs aspire is developing so that they recognize happy events and miserable events as one; this is living in Chardi Kala

Prohibited Behaviour

¯     Non-logical behaviour: superstitions and rituals are not meaningful to Sikhs

¯     Material obsession, attachment to maya (mammon)

¯     Sacrifice of creatures (especially sati, suicide of widows)

¯     Non-family-oriented living: a Sikh is encouraged not to live as a recluse, hermit, etc.

¯     Worthless talk: bragging, gossip, lying, etc. are not permitted

¯     Intoxication: alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and consumption of other intoxicants is prohibited

¯     Eating the flesh of other creatures: Sikhs should be strictly vegetarian

¯     Priestly class: Sikhs do not have to depend on a priest for performing any religious functions, and should not follow a class/caste system where the priestly class reigns highest, or any other caste system

¯     Prejudicial behaviour of any kind