Sikhs: Difference between revisions

The word Sikh is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘shishya’ which means ‘disciple’ or ’Student’ or ’Learner’. In the Punjabi language the word Sikh also means to learn. So a Sikh is a Disciple of the Guru. Sikhism the religion of the Sikhs has a total of Ten Gurus. The Sikh is a follower of the teaching of these ten Gurus, Masters or Prophets and many Hindu and Muslim Saints whose teaching are incorporated in the Sikh’s perpetual authority, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. To the Sikhs, this is more than a Holy Book. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 – 1539) was the first Sikh Guru, while Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666 – 1708) was the last human Guru of the Sikhs.

The Sikhs are instructed to be Honest, Hard-working, God fearing, Polite, Courageous, Simple people, who practice normal (householder) family life; respect for all other communities; complete equality in all aspects of human life; complete transparency to race, colour, gender, caste, creed, wealth, social status, education, profession, etc. To restrain and control these 5 thieves – Pride, Anger, Greed, Attachment & Lust. (P.A.G.A.L.)

The Sikhs have been taught to: Remember God at all times; accept the Will of God; be Loving to all other beings; to be Charitable; be Un-attached to the World; accept this Life as transient – like a dream; accept re-incarnation as evolution of the Soul; death as a door to the next life; Birth & Death as a continuous cycle - only broken by Salvation – union with God; your Karmas will determine how your soul evolves; etc

For more information on this Religion, see Sikhism or Sikhism Primary Beliefs & Principles

A Sikh is a person male or female, old or young who is a disciple or follower of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and its many teachings. The Legal definition of a Sikh is: Any human being who faithfully believes in

• (i). One God,
• (ii). The Ten Sikh Gurus,
• (iii). The Sri Guru Granth Sahib,
• (iv). The Teachings of the SGGS
• (v). And who does not owe allegiance to any other religion, is a Sikh

In the SGGS on page 305 , Guruji defines Sikh as:

• One who calls himself a Sikh of the True Guru, shall arise early and meditate on Hari’s Name.
• Make effort upon arising early to bathe and cleanse in the pool of Amrit.
• As per Guru teachings chant & make others chant Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and pains depart.
• Then, at dawn sing Gurbani while sitting or standing, meditate on the Lord’s Name.
• Whoever, with every breath & bite remembers my Har Har - that GurSikh delights the Guru’s Mind.

Check the original Text here: SriGranth.org

Most people become Sikhs because they are born into Sikh families. However, as Sikhism is a young religion, many are turning to this faith as more knowledge about the teachings of the Gurus become more widespread and better understood. It is only during the 1960's that the first English translations of the SGGS became available.

Becoming a Sikh is a big commitment and needs to be considered very carefully. The faith is very different from most other faiths and it will be very challenging for any individual contemplating becoming a Sikh. There are many hurdles to be crossed and many strange different cultural problems to be resolved. It is not advised that anyone made this decision in haste. You must familiarise yourself with the full implication for over one year before you even think to consider becoming a Sikh.

Sikhs are not allowed to convert individual to their faith either by applying pressure or by force or by any other means. It is up to prospective new members to make the initial effort. This is very unlike some of the other faiths where 'the faithful will go to heaven if they convert x number of people to the faith'– A Sikh receives no benefit from God or Guru for “converting” a person to Sikhism. Zero Commission in Sikhism! You must take good proper advice before taking any steps.

But if the decision has been made there are benefits of being a Sikh. As the most modern of the World religion - it is now the Fifth biggest in number terms – There are about 23,000,000 Sikhs worldwide – it has a growing membership. As a Sikh, you are a part of a body that practises: Equality on race, gender, creed, caste, etc; High Principles of Ethics and Morality: Protection of the Weak; Sacrifice for your Principles; Charity; Selfless Service, etc

However, there are many drawbacks as well: Eventually, as you progress to higher level, you will have to: stop Drink alcohol, beer, spirits, etc, stop Take drugs, stop Smoking, not Shave your hair, Tie a turban, etc

This section deals with the general duty of a Sikh to Society and God rather that his/her daily Practises which are dealt with in a subsequent section.

1. Accept the Ten Gurus and SGGS as their Spiritual Teachers. Regularly study, meditate on and read the SGGS. Naam Japo; have faith in Guru & God.
2. Live a householder's life – honest, simple and family oriented Kirat Karni; Know you responsibilities and honour these.
3. Contribute to the well being of Society by offering selfless service without receiving payment and give ten percent of their net income to a charity, poor person, worthy cause, etc. Wand kay Shako
4. Treat every person as an equal irrespective of caste, creed, gender, profession, social status, age, race, ability, etc
5. Speak politely; forgive easily and be humble at all times – page 1384 – “Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra. Wear these three robes, O sister, and you will captivate your Husband”
6. Avoid the five thieves – PAGAL – Pride, Anger, Greed, Attachment to Worldly things Maya and Lust.
7. If you are a Baptised Sikh, Wear the 5Ks.
8. Do not be Cruel; nor have a negative outlook on life; Always have a Positive Attitude Chardi Kala
9. Do not practise rituals or superstitions; no fasting; no penances; Always be logical and scientific in your approach to any problem.
10. Practise vegetarianism – The Sikhs have to offer their food first to their Gurus before taking it themselves and NO sikh would allow meat products in their temples and so it follows that it is preferred for a Sikh to be a vegetarian. There is dispute about this matter but the consensus is that only vegetarian food is served in Sikh temples.

The following is the daily routine to be followed by a practising Sikh:

1. To rise early in the morning
2. To have a shower or bath – Minimum to wash face, hands & feet.
3. To mediate on God and recite the [Bani]s of the Guru – Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib and 3 other banis. If possible to attend Gurdwara – Sikh Temple; to listen to Kirtan whenever possible.
4. To perform Aardas, have breakfast and attend to the family needs
5. To attend work, training, or study, etc and perform Kirit Karni
6. To perform Aardas and have lunch
7. Finish your daily work, school or college and return home to see to your family duties.
8. In the evening after tea to recite or listen to the Rehras Sahib
9. After Aardas, to have the evening meal and engage in recreational, Charitable, Social tasks
10. Before bed to recite the Kirtan Sohila