Sikhism
8 With a following of just over 25 million, Sikhism is still a relatively large religion. 2This faith is based mainly in India though there are Sikh communities all over the world. 3Because they are centred in India, many confuse their faith with Islam or Hinduism, even though there are no major similarities between them.
General Beliefs
4Sikhism is a strictly monotheistic faith which believes that there is a single god, with whom followers can develop a closer relationship through worship and meditation:
“Meditate and listen to the Name of the Lord, and give it to everyone. In this way, the filth of lifetimes of karma shall be removed and egotistical pride shall vanish from your mind. (Guru Granth Sahib, pg 135)
5The name most often given to God is Waheguru (Wonderful Lord).
6There are five practices that are central to Sikhism, and they are known as the Five Ks (simply because the words all begin with K), introduced by Guru Gobind Singh. 7These are not really beliefs but outward practices that Sikhs must follow as a way of creating a visible identity for themselves.
1. Kesh – keeping hair uncut
2. Kangha – wooden comb carried to care for hair
3. Kara – steel bracelet worn to identify as a Sikh
4. Kachera – cotton undergarments
5. Kirpan – small dagger or sword
8Sikhism has a prominent military mindset, as Sikhs see themselves as soldiers for truth, honesty, loyalty and courage. 9There are also Five Virtues, vital qualities that all Sikhs strive to live by:
1. Truth (sat)
2. Compassion (daya)
3. Contentment (santokh)
4. Humility (nimrata)
5. Love (pyar)
Holy Text
1OThere is a single spiritual text used by the Sikhs called the Guru Granth Sahib which contains hymns, prayers, descriptions of God and rules of conduct for Sikhs. 11Though it was written over many years by different authors (including notable people from other faiths), it was gathered together as a single book by the Guru Arjun Dev (the fifth Guru) and then given the authority as the only sacred text to Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh. 12It is seen as the head of the religion, though the book is not worshipped in an idolatrous way. 13When unused, it is often wrapped in cloth and kept in a quiet area. 14Certain prayers are said when the book is first opened and again when it closes for the night.
15Parts of the Guru Granth Sahib are written in various languages but all are written in the Gurmukhi script that connects all of the words in a single continuous piece. 16The text is completely written in hymn form, with various types of musical measures attributed to different sections. 170verall, there are 33 sections to the book, and 18 of them are divided in terms of their musical format (called ragas).
18Though the sections are titled, most references or quotes from the text are identified simply by page number because the layout of the book creates the same page format no matter what the printing (there are 1,430 pages).
Proselytising
19Sikhs are happy to share their faith with others, but otherwise do not actively seek to convert anyone. 20They believe that faith must not be coerced, but needs to come from the heart. 21They are generally not too receptive to the practice from others for the same reasons.
The Concept of Sin
22The idea of sin for Sikhs is primarily about any actions that would lead one away from spiritual growth, but there are a few things that are specifically prohibited within the faith. 23Breaking the Five Ks (listed above) is one, and the Five Evils must also specifically be avoided:
1. Lust (kaam)
2. Rage (krodh)
3. Greed (lobh)
4. Attachment (moh)
5. Ego (hankaar)
24They don t believe there is any evil figure like Satan that leads people to sin, but that these negative behaviours come from human nature itself. 25There is also no specific path to atone for these actions: everything one does is believed to impact karma. 26And though it is possible to repent of sins and ask for forgiveness, the consequences will still be borne in the next life. 27Since sins cannot be erased, further positive actions must be taken to improve karma.
28Sikhs are also prohibited from drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs. 29The principle behind this is that a Sikh must be ready for action at any moment (particularly in the defence of others) and so anything that would impede this readiness must be avoided.
The Afterlife
30As with most religions that embrace reincarnation, there is no immediate afterlife for souls following death. 31Positive and negative actions during life create karma, and this leads to the state of the next l i f et i m e. 32With enough prayer, devotion and worthy behaviour, you can break the cycle of reincarnation and your soul will be reunited with God.