INTRODUCTION TO SIKHISM

A way of life and philosophy well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago, The Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind, social justice and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

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.

Beliefs in Sikhism - Sikhs believe in one God. He is the same for all people of all religions.- Sikhism teaches equality of all people. Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. Sikhism teaches the full equality of men and women.- Sikhism emphasizes daily devotion to the remembrance of God. One should remember God at all times.- Sikhism teaches religious freedom. All people have the right to follow their own path to God without condemnation or coercion from others.- Sikhism emphasizes a moral and ethical life. A Sikh should represent moral responsibility and righteousness.- Sikhism rejects all forms of rituals such as idol worship, pilgrimages, fasting, and superstitions.- Sikhism teaches service to others. The primary task in life should be to help the poor, needy, and oppressed. The Sikhs have a long heritage of speaking out against injustice and for standing up for the defenseless.- Sikhs are supposed to be saints, scholars, and soldiers.- The word Sikh means disciple or student. Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus.

Kesh: Hair is not just a symbol, it is the gift from God.Guru Nanak Dev Jistarted the practice of keeping the hair unshorn. Sikhs live the way God made humans and never cut their hair. Guru Gobind Singh Ji instructed Sikh to wear Turban in order to protect their hair. Turban has many purposes and one is to keep a Sikh focused in his beliefs.Kanga: The comb is necessary to keep the hair clean and tidy. A Sikh must comb his hair twice a day and tie his turban neatlyKara: The bracelet symbolizes restrain from evil deeds. It is worn on the right wrist and reminds theSikhof the vows taken by him.Kirpan: The sword is the emblem of courage and self-defense. It symbolizes dignity, self-reliance, capacity and readiness to always defend the weak and the oppressed.Kachehra: Kachehra, under shorts,symbolizes to live a faithful life. It reminds the Sikh of the need for self-restrain over passions, lust and desires.

Moral Teachings and Moral Values of SikhismContentment (Santokh) is having no ambition, envy, greed or jealousy. One must abide by the Will of God and, in that state, pleasure or pain makes no difference to him. Such a man is above ordinary happiness and misery.Purity(Shuddhi or Snan) of body and mind. Inner purity is more important than the purity of the body.Tolerance(Sabr) To accept truth, whatever it is, and no matter where it comes from; even to die for the religious views of others.Forgiveness(Khama) It means pardoning an offender out of compassion and love for him. Forgiveness generates compassion and compassion encourages the concept of peace, tranquillity, humility and cooperation in men, which checks the tendency of men for supremacy over other fellowmen. To err is human, but to forgive is divine.Charity(Daan) means giving away things without any expectation or reward. It is compassion, which generates charitable disposition among men. Charity, in Sikhism, is invariably associated with tranquillity, humility and disinterestedness. It should not be construed or confused with begging. Begging, as a means to earn daily bread, is strictly taboo.Non-Injury(Ahimsa) According to Guru Nanak, when a man commits a sin, if it does not harm the social balance, we should over-look it. Cruelty to all living beings, men and animals, is decried.Compassion(Daya) generates feeling to help and serve others. Service to mankind is service to God because the spirit of the Infinite resides in every soul.Inspired Optimism(Chardi Kala) It means that everything should be faced and accepted in cheerful spirit as the Will of God.Moral values in Sikhism.Sharing:The principle ofWand Chhakna to share with others who are less forrtunate and unable to help themselves propounded by the founding Guru is one of the cardinal fundamentals of Sikhism which underlines the ethical rule for rendering self-less service where needed for the good of the society. Thus the Gurus were not only responsible for persistently impressing upon their adherents high ethical principles but also for paving the way for bringing about social reform in the society.Realism:Sikhism looks upon the universe as real and recognizes as real all that is found in it. The seemingly destructive forces of Nature, if properly utilised by man, who is endowed with the power to understand and control them, can be transformed into sources of life. Ethically speaking, man is good and peaceful by nature. Metaphysically speaking, man is a unit of energy, a participant in the activity of world-process and can hold communion with God, provided he makes best use of the faculties endowed on him.Sikhism does not encourage monastic renunciation and self-abnegation. It, in fact, aims at a progressive realization of the immense power of human soul. According to it, a life of action and struggle is an essential requisite. The manifold faculties of man have to be developed by bringing them under proper control. The ultimate aim of life is developing a personality with divine qualities which should culminate in perfect control of the self, under the guidance of reason.

KARA

KIRPAN

KANGA

KACHEHRA

KESH

In my opinion , Sikhism is being used to guide their followers by asking them to follow the belief and apply it in their daily life . Most of the belief,teaching and values is in their daily routine .As example , when they are going to gudwara , they have to wear their kara and their head should be cover or else they cant enter.Sikhism is a religion who guide their followers to do good as other religion do.Sikhism thought their followers to do more charity , help the poor,forgive ,think positive always and also being caring and loving towards nature and people.