Sikhism - A guide for the Perplexed

Sikhism - A guide for the Perplexed

Sikhs are the bravest community in the world well known for doing great deeds for humanity as they have always come forward to support many campaigns and causes. Even Maharaja Ranjit Singh was named the greatest world leader in history for modernising and uniting force, whose reign marked a golden age for Punjab and north-west India. There are about 25 million Sikhs in the world; most of whom live in the Punjab province of India, contribute 33% of total income tax and 67% of total charity fund in India.

Their presence is felt across the globe for years and it would not be fair to say that they are always only offering food and shelter to people around the world. Since time immemorial the Sikh community has been considered as the bravest because they not only care about their self-respect but also about the other people living around. Sikhism has always emphasized on equality of humankind and condemns caste, creed, class or gender discrimination.

One of the world’s newest religions, Sikhism developed from the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak Devji born in 1469. It’s founded on the teachings of a sacred spirit that is believed to have inhabited ten different gurus. Guru Nanak emphasized inner spiritual awakening over outer religious forms, directing followers to rise early, bathe and meditate. Sikhism emphasizes on simran which can be expressed musically through kirtan or internally through naam japna (meditation on his name) as a means to feel God’s presence. Guru Nanak taught that living an “active, creative, and practical life” of “truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity” is above metaphysical truth. The sacrifices made by the Sikh Gurus for the sake of humanity are inscribed in golden letters of history.

It is generally believed that Sikhs are basically Hindus though Sikhs claim their identity and tradition has always been separate from Hinduism. Both religions originated in Indian Subcontinent - Hinduism about 3,000 years ago and Sikhism in the second half of the last millennium. Sikhism emphasizes on monotheism and rejects idol worship and caste system whereas Hinduism is considered polytheistic religion. This means that Sikhs believe there is only one God. One of the most important names for God in Sikhism is Waheguru (wonderful God or Lord).

Sikh in Punjabi means a ‘learner’ and those who joined the Sikh community were people who sought spiritual guidance. Sikhs follow the teachings of 10 gurus and the Sikh holy book, Adi Granth which is considered a living guru ‘saroop’ itself. Some core values for Sikhs are love for all, selfless service, humility, compassion, equality and justice for all.

The core beliefs of Sikhism

1. One God

2. All Are Equal - Men and Women have the same rights/responsibilities

3. Meditation to remember God

4. Live honestly - Sikhs are supposed to work hard and live honestly

5. Share with others - Give to the needy

Sikhs do not believe in Fasting, superstitions, ritualism, caste system, alcohol, smoking and drugs.

Symbols that define Sikhism                                                   

Nishan sahib- The Nishan Sahib often commands the respect and admiration of the Sikhs as the marker of gurudwara, "the sign which leads them towards the Darbar of the historical Gurus and of the Eternal Guru' in which truth, justice, and sovereignty have been established". The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh triangular flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end. The Nishan Sahib is raised and flown at every Sikh gurdwara at a prominent spot at a high point. The Nishan Sahib is flown from a flag pole and may also be affixed to the top of a high building on the gurdwara grounds. In Harminder Sahib Complex (Golden Temple Complex), near Sri Akal Takhat, there are TWO Nishan Sahibs that represent the concept of Miri and Piri. Piri Nishan Sahib is higher than Miri Nishan Sahib as the one representing the spiritual or Heavenly realm is seen as the more important of the two.

There are five symbols all Sikhs should wear and are popularly known as the 5 Ks:

1. The Kesh (unshorn hair)

2. Kangha (a wooden comb)

3. Kara (a steel bracelet)

4. Kachera (cotton underpants)

5.  Kirpan (an iron dagger)

What is the Symbol of Sikhism?

The symbol or emblem of Sikhism is known as the Khanda which consists of three weapons and a circle: the khanda, two kirpans and the chakkar which is a sharp circular Throwing Weapon. It is the military emblem of the Sikhs. It is also part of the design of the Nishan Sahib.

1. A double-edged khanda (sword) is placed at the top of a Nishan Sahib Flag is a double edged sword which represents the belief in one God.

2. The Chakkar, like the Kara it is a circle representing God without beginning or end and reminding Sikhs to remain within the rule of God.

3. Two crossed kirpans (swords) representing spiritual authority and political power.

Three principles of Sikhism-

1. Kirat Karo - work hard honestly

2. Wand ke Chhako - share with the needy

3. Naam Jappo - always remember god

Where do Sikhs worship?

Sikhs worship at home and in the Sikh temple called the Gurdwara ('Gateway to the Guru'). All Gurdwaras across the globe have:

1. The Sikh scripture - Guru Granth Sahib

2. Community Kitchen – ‘Langar’ or Food is cooked by the members of the community and served by members of the community, to all people at the Gurdwara. The idea is to demonstrate equality of all people, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, race or sex.

3. Four Doors- The gurdwara usually has four doors to show that it is open to all.

4. The "Nishan Sahib," a yellow (saffron) triangular flag bearing the Sikh symbol of "Khanda" flies from every Gurdwara. The term 'nishan' means 'flag' and 'sahib' is a term of respect.

The sense of service to the community and humankind goes deeper. The community has let it colour every aspect of life. Guru Nanak’s followers can be found in every corner of the world, blending in to become part of the community and always giving back. Guru Nanak’s concept of the supreme reality is captured in the ‘Mool Mantra’ or the opening stanza of the Japji [prayer at the beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib]. This means that there is one God—the all-pervading Creator, fearless, without bitterness, timeless, unborn and self-existent. He can be attained only by God’s own grace. Guru Nanak believed that spiritual salvation of the soul is possible in this world itself and man need not wait for heaven for liberation. God’s grace can be attained through contemplation of his name, and by overcoming five evils that persist in man—lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego.