Sikhism
Sikhism is the youngest religion in the world. It is a religion that has tried to bring about a harmony and synthesis among all the religions of the world, but especially between the two religions of Hinduism and Islam.
Guru Naanak, the founder of this religion was born in 1469 in the village of Talwani, a district of Lahore. From his childhood, Nanak was of a religious temperament. When he took his cattle for grazing, he was often found deep in meditation.
During the time the Hindus held many superstitious beliefs and the Muslims were fanatics and had orthodox views. There were constant fights in the name of religion.
Guru Naanak took upon himself the task of introducing a new religion that would have the good points of both the above religions so that Hindus and Muslims would live together in peace and good will. At a young age, he started spreading a new gospel of love. He taught through verses that came to him directly through divine inspiration and communion with God. This collection of verses is in the religious book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib. The text within the Granth is known as Gurbaani. The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the Sikh temples called Gurudwaras.
The followers of Guru Nanak are known as Sikhs. The word ‘Sikh’ means ‘one who learns’ or ‘disciple’.
The ten Sikh Gurus are:-
- Guru Naanak
- Guru Angad
- Guru Amar Daas
- Guru Raam Daas
- Guru Arjun Dev
- Guru Har Gobind
- Guru Har Rai
- Guru Har Kishan
- Guru Teg Bahaadur
- Guru Gobind Singh
Although peace and good will were the watch words of this new religion yet in the years that followed its followers were forced to become militant and take up arms, under the leadership of Guru Gobind Singh when they were persecuted by the Muslim Rulers. Since they fought bravely against these Muslim rulers, the title ‘Singh’ (Lion) was attached to their names.
Sikhs do not believe in idol worship. They only sing the hymns and sayings of great saints. The most important feature of this religion is dedicated and devoted discipleship. The Sikhs worship God in the form of a Jyoti. They give importance to Japa or Jyoti meditation. They believe that God is one. He is the ‘Sat Purusha’- the absolute perfect being and the creator and sustainer of the universe.
The Sikhs are distinguished by the following five requirements prescribed by the Gurus. These are called the five K’s –
- Keeping the hair uncut (Kesh)
- Keeping a steel comb always (Kangwa)
- Wearing a steel bangle (Kade)
- Keeping a short sword (Kripaan)
- Always wearing an underwear (Kacha)
The code of conduct for the Sikhs is almost the same as that of the Hindus, but the Sikhs do not believe in caste distinctions.
Prayer
Vahe Guru, Vahe Guru, Vahe Guruji
Bolo, Satnam, Satnam, Satnamji Bolo
Symbol
The Sikh symbol is called the Khand. The double-edged sword in the middle is the khand. The right edge of the khand symbolises freedom and authority governed by moral and spiritual values. The left edge symbolises divine justice, which punishes those who do wrong. The circle or chakra represents the Oneness of God who has no beginning and no end. The crossed swords (kirpans) represent spiritual authority and political power.
