- Encompassing truthful living
- equality of mankind (incl. women)
- many other fundamentals
Stats: It is the 7th largest religion with over 23 million followers worldwide.
About Sikhism
Beliefs And Fundamentals
Sikhism is a progressive monotheistic religion, inaugurated over 500 years ago. Its philosophies stress such things as the equality of mankind, the rejection of blind rituals and idol worship. It preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are equal in the eyes of God. Generosity and helping those in need are social responsibilities. Community service is something which is encouraged and a free community meal, known as langar, can be found at every Gurdwara, a sikh place of prayer, where people of every religion are welcome to eat.
These fundamentals of Sikhism are written in the Guru Granth Sahib. This is the Sikh holy book which was proclaimed as the 11th and final living guru of the Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Guru Granth Sahib is an amalgamation of the poems, hymns, and other writings of the ten gurus as well as the writings of scholars, poets and sages of other religions. It is unique amongst the worlds' scriptures since it contains the actual writings of the founders of the religion. The hymns and poetry found within encourage meditation and truthful living.
What robs us of truthful living is encompassed by the the five "sins" or "cardinal vices" which are lust, anger, greed, attachment, and conceit.
Once one has shed these sins, one can achieve truthful living.
The Guru Granth Sahib is the head or the authority on Sikhism and is held in the highest of regard by Sikhs for the writings contained within. There are no priests, only custodians (granthi) of the Guru Granth Sahib and anyone is allowed to read from it. Within, can be found all that is Sikhism.
Some Concepts In Sikhism:
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Equality: Everyone is equal in God's eyes regardless of caste, creed, or gender.
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A good world is just and fair to all: Social justice is to be supported. The use of force as a last resort is justified.
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God is accessible without priests: Sikhism does not have clergy. Everyone can be directly in touch with God.
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Devotion can take the form of action as well as prayer: Personal devotion includes meditation on and awareness of God ( Nam simran) and community service (Sewa).
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Accept other faiths: Sikhs do not believe that Sikhism is the only way to God and does not believe that any one religion holds the truth.
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Live in the world: One should live a responsible life as part of the community and should not withdraw themselves from the world.
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No rituals: Sikhs consider empty rituals meaningless.
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Death is not the end: Death is seen as the transition to a life where the joy of being in the presence of God can be fully realised.
How Sikhs View God:
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There is only one God.
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God created the universe, and the universe depends on God's will for its continued existence.
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God has always existed and always will exist.
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The essence of God is truth.
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God is without hatred or fear.
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God needs nothing else in order to continue to exist.
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God has no shape or gender and never has or will take human form on earth.
Gurus:
Guru Nanak Dev
Born: 1469
Guru: 1469-1539 |
Guru Hargobind
Born: 1595
Guru: 1606-1644 |
Guru Angad
Born: 1504
Guru: 1539-1552 |
Guru Har Rai
Born: 1630
Guru: 1644-1661 |
Guru Amar Das
Born: 1479
Guru: 1552-1574 |
Guru Har Krishan
Born: 1656
Guru: 1661-1664 |
Guru Ram Das
Born: 1534
Guru: 1574-1581 |
Guru Teg Bahadur
Born: 1621
Guru: 1664-1675 |
Guru Arjan
Born: 1563
Guru: 1581-1606 |
Guru Gobind Singh
Born: 1666
Guru: 1675-1708 |
