Introduction
Sikhism
is a religion, way of life and philosophy. It is the youngest of all the
world's four great monotheistic religions. A progressive religion, it was
founded in the 15th Century by Guru Nanak. The word "Sikh" is
Punjabi which mean "disciple". Sikhs are disciples of the
religious Sikh Gurus. Today, there are 18-20 million Sikhs in the world,
followed predominantly in the Indian State of Punjab.
Origin
Founder of Sikhism was Guru Nanak (1469-) who preached a message of love
and understanding and criticized the blind rituals of the Hindus and
Muslims. Guru Nanak passed on his enlightened leadership of this new
religion to nine successive Guru and the last Guru was Guru Gobind
Singh(1708-).
A syncretistic religion, Sikhism is originally said to be related with
Bhakti movement and Sufism within Hinduism and Islam. Many independent
beliefs and practices were added. Some believe their religion to be a
re-purification of Hinduism but many believe that their religion is only a
direct revelation from God.
Central Beliefs
Sikhism follows teachings of all its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy
Book of Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism preaches devotion and remembrance of God
at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces
superstitions and blind rituals. A goal of a Sikh is maintain a close
relationship with God.
Sikhism believes in only one God for all people of all religions and
condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage,
superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship etc. Sikhism preaches
equality of all people in the eyes of God. The Khalsa Order,meaning 'the
pure' includes baptised Sikh men and women that upholds the highest Sikh
virtues of commitment, dedication and a social conscious. strictly follow
the Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions and wear the prescribed physical
articles of the faith.
Sikhism in Practice
Sikhs have only the custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib (granthi), commonly
read and studied in the Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) or in their home. Sikh
priests were by Guru Nanak for their ego and contempt.
In Gurdwaras, free community meals are served to people from of all faiths,
outlining the basic Sikh principles of service, humility and equality. Most
significant historical religious center for the Sikhs is Harmandir Sahib
(The Golden Temple) at Amritsar Punjab, N,India). However, all places where
Sri Guru Granth Sahib are installed are considered equally holy for Sikhs
