Basic beliefs
The Sikh faith is a distinct religion revealed through the
teachings of the ten Gurus, the first of whom was Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He was
born in 1469 CE in the Punjab, India. In 1708 the tenth and the last Guru in
human form, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, vested spiritual authority in the Holy Sikh
Scriptures known as the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and temporal authority in the
community of initiated Sikhs, the Khalsa Panth. Sikhs strictly believe that
there is One God, who is Nirgun (transcendent) and Sargun (immanent). While
being absolute and beyond human comprehension, God can be realised and
experienced through contemplation and service. The object of a Sikh’s life
is to develop God consciousness and ultimately to receive God’s grace.
Life presents the opportunity to do so through truthful living and selfless
service in the context of a family life. A Sikh’s way of life is guided by
the following principles: Nam Simran – remembering and praying to
God at all times Kirat Karna – earning a living by honest means
Wand Shakna – sharing with the poor and needy Sewa –
selfless service to God and humanity Equality – to treat all human
beings as equals. A Sikh practices purity of thought, purity of action, and
respect and love for God’s Creation. He or she has been given the human
form to practice dharma (spirituality).
As in most religions there are varying degrees of commitment by
the adherents, similarly practices of individual Sikhs may differ. However much
of this information relates to Sikhs who have taken Amrit (initiated Sikhs) and
need to adhere to particular religious practices. It is possible to be a Sikh
and follow the Sikh philosophy but not to be initiated to be a Khalsa/Singh.
Nonbaptised Sikhs are not required to fulfil the five Ks and can have cut hair
but in strict religious terms cannot bear the title of Singh/Kaur. Although
many in the West use Singh/Kaur as a surname inherited from their ancestors
rather than a title of initiation. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji,
abolished distinctions of caste, colour, race or religion by introducing the
concept of equality by making it obligatory for intiated Sikhs to a) share
Amrit (holy water), b) adopt the same religious name of Singh (lion) for men
and Kaur (princess) for women; c) wear five articles of faith, commonly known
as the five K’s. These are: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a small wooden
comb), Kara (an iron/steel bangle), Kirpan (a short sword for defence) and
Kachhera (special shorts). Although not mentioned in the five articles of
faith, the daastar (turban) is an essential accompaniment, which is worn to
maintain the sanctity of Kesh and is treated with utmost respect. The Guru
instructed Sikhs to say prayers in the early morning, at sunset and before
retiring, to abstain from tobacco and drugs, due to their addictive properties.
Intoxicants such as alcohol are not forbidden in the same way, but are to be
used in moderation to promote self control; some Sikhs take this to mean total
abstinence. The Guru also instructed Sikhs to contribute a minimum onetenth of
their wealth, mind and body for religious purposes or to the needy.
The Gurdwara is the Sikh meeting place. It serves as a place of
worship. school meeting room, communal kitchen, and if necessary a Gurdwara
will provide a place to sleep for travellers. The role of the Gurdwara is to
disseminate and learn spiritual wisdom, undertake religious ceremonies, and it
is a place where children learn the Sikh faith, ethics, custom, tradition and
texts. |
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