What is Sikhism?

     The word 'Sikh' means a 'disciple.' A Sikh is a person who believes in One God and the teachings of the ten gurus, enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scripture. Additionally, a Sikh must take Amrit, the Sikh Baptism. Sikhism is the world's fifth largest religion.

A Brief History

     The Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born in 1469 AD in the village of Talwandi, now called "Nankana Sahib" near Lahore, Pakistan. Right from his childhood his keen mind would not accept all the groundless rituals, supersituations and dogmas which passed for religion in those days. Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the nine gurus, who succeeded him, set a wonderful example of living spiritually, while yet taking an active and secular part in the world. The tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708AD) initiated the Sikh Baptism ceremony in 1699AD; and thus gave a distinctive identity to the Sikhs. The first Five aptized Sikhs were named Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), who in turn Baptized the Guru on his request. Shortly before passing away the Guru ordained that Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scripture would be the ultimate spiritual authority for the Sikhs and the temporal authority would vest in the Khalsa Panth- the Sikh Commonwealth. Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Sikh Scripture was compiled and edited by the fifth Guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji in 1604AD. This is the only scripture in the world which has been compiled by the founders of a faith during their own lifetime. Guru Arjun Dev Ji also built the world famous Gurudwara- Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, at Amritsar India which is the nucleus of Sikhism. During the 18th century the Sikhs were subjected to various suppressions and persecutions by the authorities of the time motivated by communal fanaticism. They had to make supreme sacrifices to protect and preserve their faith and separate entity. The Mughal Empire in India was on the verge of disintegration. The Afghans had started invading the country under Ahmed Shah Abdali. The Sikhs availed of this opportunity to establish their own kingdom which they ultimately achieved under Maharaja Ranjit Singh(1780-1839AD). The Sikh Empire lasted for half a century and was annexed by the English in 1849AD. During the freedom struggle of India from the British, a large number of Sikhs kissed the hangman's noose, faced all the brutalities and braved the bullets and suffered long term imprisonments in order to liberate the country. Although the Sikhs constitute only 3 percent of India's Population they have made a name for themselves in almost all walks of life including the armed forces, agriculture, sports, art, education, medicine, engineering,, etc., through sheer dint of hard work and with a missionary dedication. Their adventurist and enterprising nature has taken them to almost all countries of the world.

Religion and Philosophy

     The Sikh religion is strictly monotheistic, believe in one supreme God. Absolute yet all pervading, the Eternal, the Creator, the cause of causes, without hate. The basic postulate of Sikhism is that life is not sinful in its origin, but having emanated from a Pure source, the True One abides in. The Sikhs do not recognize the caste system nor do they believe in Idol-worship, rituals, superstitions. The religion consists of practical living, in rendering service to humanity and brotherly love towards all. The Sikh Gurus did not advocate retirement from the world in order to attain salvation. It can be achieved by any one who earns an honest living and leads a normal life.

Sikh Baptism

     Amrit, is the name of the Sikh Baptism, it is a must for every Sikh. No minimum or maximum age is stipulated for getting Amrit. A Sikh undertakes to uphold the principals of its faith and Code of Conduct as prescribed by the Gurus. Any man or women of any nationality, race or social standing, who adheres to the principles of the Faith has a right to receive baptism and join the Sikh Commonwealth. When a Sikh takes Amrit there are certain rules he or she must follow. The Baptized Sikh's must wear the five symbols or five K's. These are the Keski or Keshas(long uncut hair wrapped in a turban), Kangha(a comb), Kara(a steel bracelet), Kachara(a type of shorts), and a Kirpan(a sword). The Kangha is kept to keep the hair neat and tidy and a turban known as the Keski is worn to keep the hair clean. Moreover the turban represents the royal symbol of the Army of God(Khalsa Phoj) to protect the poor and down trodden in the world. The Kirpan is used for self protection and protection of others and is not supposed to be used for any other purpose. The Kachara is meant for personal sanctity. The Kara is worn on the right wrist to act as a visual reminder that God is watching all of our deeds and is binding us not to commit any sinful acts. The rules that a Sikh must follow after being Baptized are known as the "Sikh Rehat Maryada," It is the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, these rules are not taking any drugs or alcohol including tobacco. The second is that no hair on the body can be cut. The third is not to eat any meat including beef, pork, eggs, and fish. The Guru Granth Sahib notes this as, "Mercy on living creatures is considered superior to all pilgrimage and religious donations." The fourth rule is not to commit adultery. A Sikh should regard another man's wife as his sister and another man's daughter as his own daughter. This also includes pre-marital relationships.

     Every Sikh is expected to get up in the morning before dawn. After taking a shower and washing his hair he should meditate on the name of God. The following prayers are done daily: Morning: Japji Sahib,Jaap Sahib, Ten Swiyas, Kabiyo Baach Bainiti Choupai, and Anand Sahib Evening: Rehras Sahib Before Bed: Kirtan Sohila These prayers constitute two hours of prayer daily although more prayers can be done. A Sikh is also required to attend the "Gurdwara"-the Sikh temple or church.