sikhism questions

What is Sikhism?

Sikhism is the religion of the Sikh people. The word Sikh means one who seeks after truth. The first word in the Sikh scripture is "Sat", which translates to truth. Sikhism is based on truthful living.

Who and What is a Sikh?

The word 'Sikh' in the Punjabi language means 'disciple', Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus. The wisdom of these teachings in Sri Guru Granth Sahib are practical and universal in their appeal to all mankind.

"I observe neither Hindu fasting nor the ritual of the Muslim Ramadan month; Him I serve who at the last shall save. The Lord of universe of the Hindus, Gosain and Allah to me are one; From Hindus and Muslims have I broken free. I perform neither Kaaba pilgrimage nor at bathing spots worship; One sole Lord I serve, and no other. I perform neither the Hindu worship nor the Muslim prayer; To the Sole Formless Lord in my heart I bow. We neither are Hindus nor Muslims; Our body and life belong to the One Supreme Being who alone is both Ram and Allah for us." (Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Granth Sahib, Raga Bhairon pg. 1136)

"Any human being who faithfully believes in: (i) One Immortal Being, (ii) Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh, (iii) The Guru Granth Sahib, (iv) The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and, (v) the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion is a Sikh." (Rehat Maryada, Sikh Code of Conduct)

Philosophy and Beliefs

**  There is only One God. He is the same God for all people of all religions.

**   The soul goes through cycles of births and deaths before it reaches the human form. The goal of our life is to lead an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. Sikhs should remember God at all times and practice living a virtuous and truthful life while maintaining a balance between their spiritual obligations and temporal obligations.

** The true path to achieving salvation and merging with God does not require renunciation of the world or celibacy, but living the life of a householder, earning a honest living and avoiding worldly temptations and sins.

** Sikhism condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship etc.

** Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. It teaches the full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.

History and Practices

The founder of the Sikh religion was Guru Nanak who was born in 1469. He preached a message of love and understanding and criticized the blind rituals of the Hindus and Muslims. Guru Nanak passed on his enlightened leadership of this new religion to nine successive Gurus. The final living Guru, Guru Gobind Singh died in 1708.

During his lifetime Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa order (meaning 'The Pure'), soldier-saints. The Khalsa uphold the highest Sikh virtues of commitment, dedication and a social conscious. The Khalsa are men and women who have undergone the Sikh baptism ceremony and who strictly follow the Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions and wear the prescribed physical articles of the faith. One of the more noticeable being the uncut hair (required to be covered with a turban for men) and the Kirpan (ceremonial sword).

Before his death in 1708 Guru Gobind Singh declared that the Sikhs no longer needed a living and appointed his spiritual successor as Sri Guru Granth Sahib, his physical successor as the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh felt that all the wisdom needed by Sikhs for spiritual guidance in their daily lives could be found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Eternal Guru of the Sikhs. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is unique in the world of religious scriptures because not only is it accorded the status of being the spiritual head of the Sikh religion, but besides the poetry of the Gurus, it also contains the writings of saints of other faiths whose thoughts were consistent with those of the Sikh Gurus.

Sikhism does not have priests, which were abolished by Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru felt that they had become corrupt and full of ego. Sikhs only have custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib (granthi), and any Sikh is free to read the Guru Granth Sahib in the Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) or in their home. All people of all religions are welcome to the Gurdwara. A free community kitchen can be found at every Gurdwara which serves meals to all people of all faiths. Guru Nanak first started this institution which outline the basic Sikh principles of service, humility and equality.

The most significant historical religious center for the Sikhs is Harmiandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) at Amritsar in the state of Punjab in northern India. It is the inspirational and historical center of Sikhism but is not a mandatory place of pilgrimage or worship. All places where Sri Guru Granth Sahib are installed are considered equally holy for Sikhs.

How Many Sikhs Live in the World and Where?

Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. There are about 26 million Sikhs worldwide. The vast majority of Sikhs live in the Panjab, a part of northern India. Sikhs live in just about every major country around the world. It is estimated that nearly one million Sikhs live in the United States.

Who is Waheguru?:

Waheguru is the Sikh name for God. It means wonderful enlightener. Sikh believe that repeating Waheguru keeps God ever present in the mind, which is considered is the key to overcoming ego and becoming enlightened.

Sikhs believe the creative aspect of one God is manifest in all of creation as intelligent design. Sikhs worship only one God. Favors sought from images, icons, pictures, nature, or other deities, is not condoned, and considered idol worship.

What is the Practice of the Three Primary Principles?:

Sikhs believe in meditation as a way of life.

• The Sikh ideal is to remember God while carrying out daily duties.
• A Sikh is to remember God while employed in honest work.
• Sikhs believe in sharing what they earn with others in need. Charitable work is considering the same as giving service to God, if carried out while meditating and keeping God in mind.

How do Sikhs Avoid the Five Sins of Egoism?:

Indulgence is considered to be an entrapment of ego. Sikhs believe meditation is a means of moderation to guard against excess pride, desire, greed, and attachment, which can result in anger and diminish the soul’s connection with God.

What are the Four Commandments Sikhs Follow?:

At the time of baptism, initiated Sikhs are instructed to:

• Honor the intention of the creator by keeping all hair intact.
• Uphold the values of family life by abstaining from adultery.
• Refrain from eating animals who suffer a ritualistic death.
• Observe temperance by avoiding the use of intoxicants.

What is Adherence to the Five Articles of Faith?:

Sikhs maintain a distinctive appearance. Baptized Sikhs keep five articles of faith with them at all times.

• Part of the religious duty is to keep every hair intact and unaltered. Men, wear turbans to keep long hair tidy. Women wear turbans or long silky scarves.
• Long hair is groomed daily with a wooden comb.
• A loose undergarment is worn for modesty.
• A steel bangle is worn as a sign of faith.
• Sikhs wear a small sword. It symbolic of battling the senses. It also signifies the Sikh ideal of protecting the innocent against aggressive force.

What is the Traditional Sikh Way of Dress?:

Many Sikhs wear traditional clothing, especially when gathering to worship. Men and women both wear long tops over loose trousers. Men’s clothing tends towards solid colors. Women frequently wear prints, or vivid colors embellished with embroidery. Very devout Sikhs often wear shades of blue, white, or yellow.

What are the Common Misconceptions About Sikhism?:

The Sikh faith originated in Pakistan and North India, about 500 years ago. Sikhism is sometimes confused with Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism because of geographical proximity and cultural similarities.

Sikhs are sometimes confused with terrorists because of their martial history and dress. Sikhs live to a code of honor in service of all humanity. Sikh ethics advocate equality for men and women of every race and religion. Sikhs have a history of being the defenders of the defenseless. Sikhs are known for acting against the terror of forced conversion. Many Sikhs throughout history are respected for having sacrificed their own lives, so that people of other religions may have freedom to worship in the manner of their choice.

All About The Guru Granth, Sikhism’s Holy Scripture

The Authors of Sikh Scripture:

The Sikh scripture has 1,430 pages in a single volume, called aGranth. The poetic hymns of the Granth are written by 43 authorsin raag, a classical musical system of 31 raags, each corresponding to a particular time of day.

Fifth Guru Arjun Dev compiled the Granth. He collected hymns of Nanak Dev, Amar Das, Angad Dev, and Raam Das, assembled verses of enlightened Muslim and HinduBhagats, Bhatt Minstrels, and included his own compositions.

Tenth Gobind Singh added the compositions of his father Guru Tegh Bahadar to complete the Granth. At the time of his death in 1708, Guru Gobind Singhdeclared the Granth to be his successor for all time.

The Guru Granth:

The Guru Granth is the eternal Guru of the Sikhs and may never be replaced by a human being. The scripture is formally referred to as "Siri Guru Granth Sahib", meaning respected scripture of the supreme enlightener. The text is called Gurbani, or the Guru’s word. The original manuscripts of the Granth are hand written in the Gurmukhi script. The words are strung together to form an unbroken line. This ancient connected way of writing is called laridarmeaning linked. Modern text separates individual words and is called pad ched, or cut text. Modern day publishers print the sacred scripture of Guru Granth both ways.

The Guru Granth at Rest:

The Guru Granth may be housed either in a public gurdwara or private home. After hours, or if no attendant is present during the day, the Guru Granth is ceremonially closed. A prayer is said and the Guru Granth is put into sukhasan, or peaceful repose. A soft light is kept on in the presence of the Guru Granth all night.

• In a gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, the Guru Granth is wrapped and kept beneath blankets or coverings, on a canopied bed in a separate room.
• In a private home, the Guru Granth may be wrapped and kept beneath a canopy on a smallfurnished cot in an adjacent, or partitioned area, or unused closet.

Attending to the Guru Granth:

Anyone who wishes to take responsibility for the care and handling of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib should bathe, wash their hair, and dress in clean clothing. No tobacco or alcohol may be on their person. Before touching or moving the Guru Granth, the attending person must cover their head, remove their shoes, and wash their hands and feet. The attendant should stand facing the Guru Granth with their palms pressed together. The formal prayer of Ardas must be recited. The attendant must take care that the Guru Granth never touches the ground.

Transporting the Guru Granth:

Attendants transport the Guru Granth from thesukhasan area to where prakash, the ceremonial opening of the wrappings covering the Granth is to take place.

• A single attendant covers their head with a turban, or scarf, and walks with the Guru Granth on their head.
• A group of attendants carry the Guru Granth in a litter on their shoulders. One walks ahead of a procession sprinkling water, or carrying a sword. Another follows behind waving a fly whisk over the Guru Granth.
• In a vehicle the Guru Granth may be covered, and placed on a cushion or cloth draping either on the seat, or the lap of an attendant.

Holidays and Festivals:

On commemorative occasions, holidays and festivals, the Guru Granth is transported in a litter, either on the shoulders of Sikh devotees, or atop a float, and paraded through the streets. The litter is garlanded with flowers and other decorations. While on a float, an attendant accompanies the Guru Granth at all times. Five initiated Sikhs, called the panj pyara, walk ahead of the procession carrying swords or banners. Devotees may walk ahead sweeping the streets, walk along side, follow behind, or ride on floats. Some devotees have musical instruments, and sing kirtan, or hymns, others put on marshal art displays.

Ceremonial Opening of the Guru Granth:

The Guru Granth is opened every day in a ceremony known as prakash. A prayer is done to invoke the jot, or living light of the Guru to manifest in the Granth. An attendant places the Guru Granth atop pillows on a cot draped with an embroidered rumala coverlet drapery over which a canopy is suspended. The attendant unfolds the rumala wrappings from the Guru Granth, then opens to a random page, while reciting verses of scripture. An ornamental rumala side cloth is placed between the pages and cover on both sides of the Granth. The open pages of the are covered with a matching embroidered coverlet.

The Guru’s Divine Order:

A Hukam, is a verse selected at random from the scripture of Guru Granth, and is considered to be the Gurus divine command. Prior to selecting the Hukam, an ardas, or prayer of petition, is always performed:

• When ceremoniously opening Guru Granth.
• At the conclusion of any Sikh worship service
• During ceremonies such as:
  • A baptism or initiation.
  • A wedding.
  • A funeral.
• For any occasion important to a Sikh's life.
• Whenever guidance or comfort is sought.
• Before putting the Guru to rest.
• When selecting a Sikh name.

A specific protocol outlined by the Sikh code of conduct is to be followed whenever selecting and reading a hukamnama.

Reading the Guru Granth:

Reading the Guru Granth is an important part of a Sikh's life. Every Sikh man, woman, and child is encouraged to develop the habit of devotional reading, or paath:

• Learn to read the Gurmukhi script.
• Learn how to select and read a hukam.
• Read from the Guru Granth on a daily basis.
• Develop the capability and skill to read the entire Guru Granth.

Akhand paath is a continuous, unbroken, reading of scripture performed by a group taking turns, until completed.
Sadharan paath is a complete reading of scripture performed over any period of time, by an individual, or group.

Researching the Guru Granth:

A variety of research and study materials exist to aid in learning the Gurmukhi alphabet. Interpretations and translations are widely available in Punjabi and English versions, both online and in print. For training purposes the scriptural text is divided into a two or more volumes senchi. For study purposes four or more volume sets called steeksare available. Some of these have the Gurmukhi script and comparative translations side by side. The Sikh scripture has been coded into English letters, and some other languages in order to aid pronunciation for those unable to read Gurmukhi script.

Reverence and Protocol:

Siri Guru Granth Sahib is to be maintained in an environment which is in keeping with the Sikh code of conduct. Edicts prohibit transporting the Guru Granth to any place which is not used strictly for worship purposes. Any place habitually used for parties, dancing, serving of meat or alcohol, and where smoking takes place, is off limits for any type of Sikh ceremony.

How to Set Up a Sacred Space for Sikh Scriptures

Set up a place to keep Guru Granth Sahib in your home or gurdwara following illustrated instructions on how to make a portable altar and all necessary furnishings.
• Build and Assemble a Portable Altar for Guru Granth Sahib
• Furnish a Portable Altar with Cot, Cushions, Coverlet and Canopy

(Sikhism.About.com is part of the About Group. For reprint requests be sure to mention if you are a non-profit organization or school.)

Amrit - Immortalizing Nectar

Definition:

Amrit is said to be the ambrosial nectar of gods, immortalizing those who drink of it.

Phonetically a single a sound translates to mean "un". A double aatranslates to mean "come". Mrit means "death". Put together these sounds form the word Amrit which means, literally, "death is un come," and implies a state of immortality.

• Amritsanchar - The Sikh baptism ceremony. Five beloved administrators of Amrit known as the panj pyare prepare Amrit nectar by stirring sugar cakes into an iron bowl filled with water using an iron sword.
• Amrit Banis - Five prayers of initiation are recited to infuse the water of the baptismal nectar with the sweetness of sugar, strength of iron and the immortalizing properties of prayer.
• Amritdhari - Partaking of the Amrit nectar, initiates are known as Amritdhari, or the possessors of immortality who drink Amrit to experience a kind of rebirth, immortalizing the soul and releasing it from the bonds of transmigration.
• Amritvela - Instructions are given to Amritdhari initiates to meditate during the early morning hours before dawn, a practice known as Amritvela, or an instance of immortality. Panj pyare instruct initiates to recite the scripture and the nectar name Waheguru, to recreate Amrit within.
• Amrit Kirtan - Hymns of immortal nectar are compositions recited and sung by devotees from Sikh scripture.

Pronunciation: Aum - mrit

Alternate Spellings: See Gurmukhi Spelling of Amrit

Examples:

The succession of Sikh gurus embodied by immortal light is described in scripture:
"Amaradaas amrat chhatra gur raameh deeao ||
Guru Amar Das bestowed the umbrella of immortality upon Guru Raam Das. SGGS||1408

The way to immortality through meditation is described in scripture:
Amrit baanee sadhaa salaahae amrit amrit paavaniaa ||1||
The Ambrosial Word ever praises the immortal by which one obtains Immortal Ambrosial Nectar."

Amritdhari - Possessor of Amrit

Definition:

Amrit means immortalizing nectar.

Dhari is a suffix which shows ownership, and refers to the holder or possessor of Amrit.

The elixir prepared during the Sikh baptism ceremony,Amritsanchar, is called Amrit. An initiate who drinks Amrit is known afterward as anAmritdhari or one who posses Amrit.

After drinking Amrit, the amritdhari initiate belongs to the order of Khalsa a saint soldier sect of Sikhs. Amritdhari spiritual warriors do battle with the five voices of ego to overcome egoism and attain humility which is necessary to dispel duality and merge as one with the divine.

Some Amritdhari initiates say that when given Amrit to drink during the initiation ceremony, it felt as though they were swallowing a river.

Pronunciation: Aum rit dhaa ree

Alternate Spellings: Amritdharee, Amritdhaaree

Common Misspellings: Amritdari

Examples:

Guru Arjan Dev wrote:

"Hamaaree piaaree amrit dhaaree gur nimakh na man tae ttaaree rae||1|| rehaao ||
My Beloved brought forth a river of nectar, which the Guru never diverted from my heart mind or soul, for even an instant."