Sikhism, Sikh Faith, Religion and Beliefs
Sikhism, the Sikh religion and its beliefs has its beginnings in northern Panjab in the late 15th Century. Nanak Dev, the first guru, born to a Hindu family, showed a deep spiritual nature from early childhood. As he matured and became absorbed in meditation, he questioned rituals, idolatry and the rigidity of the caste system. His closest companion, the minstrel Bhai Mardana, came from a Muslim family. Taking leave of their families, they traveled extensively for more than 12 years. Nanak sang hymns he composed in devotion of one God, accompanied by Mardana playing the Rabab, a stringed instrument. Together they imparted the Guru's message to humanity:
- Naam japna, remembering God through meditation.
- Kirat karo, earning an honest living.
- Vand chakko, serving others through sharing
Over the centuries, Sikhs have immigrated to many continents around the world, taking with them their Sikh principals:
- One God
- Ten Gurus
- Siri Guru Granth Sahib
- Teachings of the Gurus
- Initiation according to the tenth guru, Gobind Singh, granted to one who is not bound by any other religion.
One God - Ik Onkar
Mool Mantar, the opening verse of the Sikh Scriptures authored by Guru Nanak Dev, begins with the gurmukhi symbol of Ik Onkar, the first part of which is IK, the numeral ONE. This symbol signifies a belief in One God, whose individual aspects are concepts central to the core Sikh belief of the existence of one divine un-manifest being, who is the essence of all manifest creation.
Waheguru is the name used by Sikhs when referring to God, and is a compound of words meaning wonderful, awe-inspiring, dark gooey attachment and a liberating ray of light.
The Ten Gurus
Sikhism has a rich history. For nearly 300 years, ten gurus served the Sikhs. Nanak Dev and his successors, stressed the importance of family life, and earning a living by honest means. They developed teachings aimed at disbanding the caste system, destroying the bondage of empty rituals, and enlightening the soul. By example they taught selfless service, instituting Langar, the guru's free kitchen, where all are welcomed regardless of caste, color, or creed. Each of the ten gurus made unique contributions of service and sacrifice, including martyrdom.
Gurdwaras
Sikhs banded together, under the guidance of their gurus, to build gurdwaras, places of worship. Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib, referred to by many as the Golden Temple, is today overlaid with marble and gold. A moat-like tank of water fed by the Ganges, where pilgrims bathe, surrounds the Gurdwara. A bridge extends across the sarovar. Nearby is the Akal Takht, the supreme seat of religious authority for all Sikhs, where the Guru Granth is housed after hours. Langer is provided daily to all visitors. Through the centuries, five Takhts, and hundreds of Gurdwaras have been erected as places of worship to commemorate outstanding events and occurrences.
Siri Guru Granth Sahib
The present and eternal guru of the Sikhs is their scripture, Siri Guru Granth Sahib, a collection of poetic verse written in the gurmukhi script of gurbani, and bound in a single volume. Guru Granth contains hymns by six of the Sikh gurus. Begun by the first guru, Nanak Dev, the fifth guru, Arjan Dev compiled and added the written works of minstrels, bards, and bhagats, holy men of Hindu faith and Islamic sufis. Omitting his own works, the tenth guru, Gobind Singh, added hymns by Guru Tegh Bahadur and completed the Granth. In 1708, at the time of his death, he bestowed and bequeathed to the Granth the gadee or eternal title, throne and position of Guru.
Guru Granth may be kept in either a public Gurdwara or private home where there is a Sikh in residence capable of reading Gurbani and properly following the necessary protocol outlined in Rehit Maryada to maintain and care for the Scripture. There are several online sites for viewing Siri Guru Granth Sahib. The research tool offers the daily Hukamnama verse from the Golden Temple and complete Gurbani text in four language options.
Sikh Rehit Maryada, the Sikh Code of Conduct
At the time of initiation, the Amritdhari (initiate) is endowed with the status of Khalsa. Five kakars, the articles of faith, are required to be worn at all times:
- Kes - Unshorn hair.
- Kanga - Wooden comb used in cleaning and for detangling.
- Kachherra - Loose knee length undergarment, with drawstring fastening.
- Kirpan - Short curved iron, or steel, sword.
- Kara - Iron, or steel, bangle worn on the sword arm.
Nitnem (prayers), are required to be reviewed by the Amritdhari Initiate on a daily basis, either by reading, recitation, or recorded recitation.
Bajjar Kurehit is taboo for Sikhs. The Code of Conduct outlines a standard of behavior that forbids Initiates to engage in four cardinal sins:
- Hukaa - Use of tobacco and other intoxicants
- Hajaamat - Dishonoring, alteration, or tampering of head and body hair.
- Halaal - Kuttha or killing (especially in the Muslim sacrificial way) for food
- Haraam - Cohabitation with one other than one's spouse.
Sant / Saphai the Saint / Soldier
The Sikh Faith embraces a concept that regardless of gender, Initiates are soul sisters, and the wedded soul-brides of their groom, Waheguru.Maya is a condition in which the soul loses its sense of unity with Waheguru, thereby entering the state of duality.
Homai or ego is the circumstance of the soul engrossed in the separated self, enslaved by the voices of five enemies which the soul-bride warrior must vigilantly battle:
- Kaam - Desire
- Khrodh - Anger
- Lobh - Greed
- Moh - Attachment
- Ahnkaar - Pride
Amritvela, the quiet, meditative early morning hours, occurr between midnight and daybreak.
Naam Simran, is the practice of contemplation and remembrance of Waheguru.
Naam Jap accomplishes awareness and realization through recitation of Gurmantar.
An exhaustive 176 page treatise on postures and practice of Naam Simran and Naam Jap during Amritvela, is available online.
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