Introduction to sikhism

Sikhism is the only major religion of the world that has its recorded revelation available in the form of Kartarpuri Bir (Guru Granth Sahib-the Sacred Embodiment of the Living Guru of the Sikhs). In Judaism, recorded revelation in the form of Arc of Covenants is missing. In Christianity, there is no recorded revelation and all the Bibles, in the form of Old and New Testaments having their base in culture and history. In Islam, the original recorded revelation papers are not available. Compilation of both the Bible and Quran took place after the death of the prophets concerned.

Hindu religion has been the dominating South Asia for centuries. Muslims took their share from the Hinduism that had almost demolished other religions like Christianity and Buddhism. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, the Sikh religion came into existence. The originator of the Sikh religion was Guru Nanak Dev, the social reformer par excellence. Sikh religion bases itself and promoted by ten Gurus (Masters). The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, ended the personal Guruship and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as Guideline for the Sikhs. The ten Masters gave the Guru Granth Sahib and its teachings to the Sikhs. Nobody can dare make any changes in the Guru Granth Sahib. It is authentic and the most modern scripture. There is no need for any living Guru in future in Sikhism.

In the beginning, Sikhs were not politically strong. They established themselves later, after enduring many attacks on them and very strongly after the executions of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur by the Mughal Kings. Guru Gobind Singh militarized the Sikh community when he founded “Khalsa” in 1699. It synthesized the political and religious principles. Now they are a significant part of Indian politics and a vital political force.

There are three main religions following the monotheism; Christianity, Judaism and Islam.  Guru Nanak also based Sikhism on monotheism with the concept of one God being the supreme power. God cannot or will not descend in human form; God is omnipresent with unlimited power and has no gender. Wahe Guru was the name given to God. Repeating the “Nam”, God’s name, brings the person near God. Central theme of the Holy Scripture is God Almighty. According to Sikhism God turned as Wahe Guru – is shapeless, timeless and unseen. He is supreme and has no gender. Sikhism believes that all religions are the flower of the same garden having belief on the same God.

Sikhism does not believe in salvation as Christianity does. Sikhism rejects all rituals, fasting, pilgrimage, and mortification and self-torture. Sikhism believes in glorifying one God. Sikhism does not believe in many gods and goddesses, stones, idols and so seems very near to Islam in rejecting such concepts. The five main vices are lust, anger, greed, pride and worldly attachment. If one can avoid these vices, one may attain salvation, in accordance with Sikhism.

Hindus also believe reincarnation theory. The rebirth of living things in descending form is for their deeds. According to Sikhism, humans do have the qualities to approach God by “Nam Simran” (recitation of God’s name).  Humans have the capacity of recognizing themselves and can evolve to the highest level of human being with their deeds and intellectuality.

The fantastic concept of equality in human beings without any discrimination is the golden belief of Sikhism. In accordance with the Sikhism, all persons, rich, poor high or low irrespective of their creed are equal. In Sikh society human beings are the most valuable entity. There is strict prohibition of any form of intoxication in Sikh religion and all Sikhs must adhere to Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal Guru. Sikhism contributed a lot to promote Seva (free selfless service), Simran (recitation), Bani (Guru Granth Sahib) and Bana (bearing the five K’s).  Sikhism promotes family life and divorce is banned in Sikhism.

Khalsa, meaning Pure, is the name given by Gobind Singh to all baptized Sikhs. Baptized Sikhs are required to wear five K’s: Kesh (Hair), Kangha (Comb), Kara (Steel Bracelet), Kirpan (Sword) and Kaccha (Underwear).  These five Ks have practical and symbolic meanings. When one reads carefully the above qualities and spiritual approach, one cannot deny the modernism in Sikhism. We can say that Sikhism is not only a set of beliefs but also a way of life and practical religion. It is one of the latest religions of the world and it meets the current needs and requirement of the society.