Often confused as being a part of Hinduism and even Islam, Sikhism is a separate religion, having its own beliefs, divine scriptures, rites and rituals. The youngest of the major world religions, the origins of Sikhism can be traced 500 years ago to the 15th century A.D. Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab province of India, Sikhism today is the 5th largest religion in the world. There are approximately 26 million Sikhs globally, 20 million of whom reside in India. The highest concentration can be found in the state of Punjab followed by New Delhi. A large number, 336,000, Sikhs live in the UK as per its 2001 census, while Canada had nearly 300,000 by 2005.
Sikhism, as the name of the religion, was mainly coined by Westerners, just Judaism or Buddhism. It is derived from the word Sikh, which itself is derived from the Punjabi word ‘Sikhna’, which means ‘to learn’. All Sikhs consider themselves to be disciples or students of God and the Guru. They often call their religion as ‘Sikhi’, ‘Gursikhi’ and Gurmat’ while the Sikh community at large is known as the Panth . The religion is based on the belief in an all powerful, all loving God whom the Sikhs call ‘Waheguru’. All of the religion’s beliefs, rites, rituals and way of life are recorded in scriptures derived from the teaching of 10 successive gurus, beginning with Guru Nanak.
THE 10 GURUS OF SIKHISM
The beginning of Sikhism is marked by the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469. However, he was succeeded by 9 more gurus or prophet-teachers, each of whom contributed to and reiterated the teachings of his predecessor. The teachings of these gurus are the foundation of Sikhism.
1. Guru Nanak Dev, 1469-1539: Born in Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak belonged to a Hindu family. At the age of 13, he refused to wear the ceremonial ‘coming of age’ thread and sang Let mercy be the cotton, contentment the thread, continence the knot and truth the twist” . Guru Nanak taught the oneness of God and that all human beings are born equal. He travelled across India and abroad preaching this message. 947 of his ‘banis’ or hymns are recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism.
2. Guru Angad Dev, 1504-1552: He wrote the Janam Sakhi, a biography of Guru Nanak. He also pioneered the Gurmukhi script and founded a school at Khadur Sahib to teach it to children. 63 of Guru Angad banis are included the Guru Granth Sahib.
3. Guru Amar Das, 1479-1574: He is known for his preaching of women’s rights and equality, advocating the abolition of the tradition of ‘Sati’, or the burning of a woman at her husband’s funeral pyre. 869 of his banis are part of the Guru Granth Sahib.
4. Guru Ram Das, 1534-1581: Founder of the city of Amritsar. 638 of his banis are part of the Guru Granth Sahib. He wrote the Lawan, a four stanza hymn, which is an integral part of Sikh marriage ceremonies.
5. Guru Arjan Dev, 1563-1606: Best known for compiling the Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 as well as building the Golden Temple in Amritsar. He also authored the Sukhmani Sahib bani or the Prayer of Peace. 2312 of his banis are part of the holy book.
6. Guru Hargobind, 1595-1644: Introduced martial arts and self defense as an integral part of Sikhism.
7. Guru Har Rai, 1630-1661: Grandson of Guru Hargobind, he was instrumental in fortifying the religion by promoting military tradition and rejecting alteration to be made to the Guru Granth Sahib.
8. Guru Harkrishan, 1656-1664: Son of Guru Har Rai, died at the age of 8 of small pox after being a guru for 3 years.
9. Guru Tegh Bahadur, 1621-1675: Defended Sikhism against Mughal rule and attained martyrdom. He also founded the city of Anandpur Sahib.
10. Guru Gobind Singh, 1666-1708: He was responsible for several core changes such as the introduction of the Five Symbols of Sikhism as well as using the surnames ‘Singh’ and ‘Kaur’. He formed the ‘Khalsa’, consisting of baptized Sikhs who dedicate themselves to following the teachings of the Gurus at all times. Finally, he nominated the Guru Granth Sahib as his successor, ending the line of Gurus in Sikhism.
PLACES OF WORSHIP IN SIKHISM
A Gurdwara is to Sikhs what mosques are to Muslims and churches are to Christians, a place where they can worship and study their religion. Gurdwara literally means ‘doorway of the Guru’ . The only object of religious reverence present in the Gurdwara is the Guru Granth Sahib. No religious symbols, pictures of gurus or idols are placed in Gurudwaras as, according to Sikhism, God has no form or appearance. There is no ritual lighting of candles or burning incense, although a Gurdwara is always well lit. The scriptures are placed on a raised pedestal called the manji which is covered by a canopy or chanani. The Guru Granth Sahib is kept covered in cloths called rumallahs whenever they are not being read
Every Gurdwara has four doors that signify accessibility to all. These doors are called: a) The Door of Peace, b) The Door of Livelihood, c) The Door of Learning, and d) The Door of Grace. Gurdwaras are also used as community centers where anyone can rest and is given food. A committee of local Sikhs are in charge of the running of the Gurdwaras. It should be noted that it is not mandatory for Sikhs to worship only in a Gurdwara. They can worship God anytime, anywhere, through the recital or ‘kirtan’ to connect with God.
There are several Gurdwaras, especially in India, that have great historical and spiritual significance. The most prominent of all Gurdwaras is considered to be the Golden Temple of Amritsar or the Harmandir Sahib which was built by Guru Arjan Dev. Also, Keshgarh Sahib Gurdwara hold special significance as it is located in Anandpur Sahib, the city where Guru Gobind Singh formed the first Khalsa in 1699.
RITES, RITUALS & HOLY DAYS
Besides the rites of worshiping, there are several rituals and traditions associated with various events of everyday life. Some of these are:
Birth Rites: It is mandatory for a Sikh woman to pray as soon as she realizes that is expecting a child. Similarly, when the baby is born, a prayer called the ‘Mool Mantar’ is recited and the baby is made to taste a drop of pure honey. Then, the baby is taken on a visit to the nearest Gurdwara where the reader or ‘Granthi’ recites verses from the Guru Granth Sahib. This is when the child is named and is given the traditional Sikh surname of either ‘Singh’ or ‘Kaur’.
Marriage: A marriage or ‘Anand Karaj’ as they are called by Sikhs has to follow a code of conduct or ‘Sikh Rahit Maryada’. This code is issues by the Amritsar based Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandahak Committee or the supreme council of Sikhs. Some of the rules of the conduct include: a) a Non-Sikh person cannot be married through the Anand Karaj, b) Children cannot be bound in a marriage, c) the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib at the ceremony is mandatory, d) It is permitted for widows and widowers to remarry, and e) Sikh marriages are monogamous.
Vaisakhi or Baisakhi it is most important of all Sikh festivals and marks the founding of the Khalsa. Sikhs also celebrate the festival of Diwali with Hindus and Jains, although they do this to mark the release of Guru Hargobind and 40 other prisoners. Hola Mohalla is another important festival initiated by Guru Gobind Singh when Sikhs perfoms military drills and have mock battles. In addition to these, there are other holy days such as the birthdays of the ten Gurus.
DUTIES & RULES OF WORSHIP
Sikhism proclaims that there is only one God and all human beings are His students/ disciples and children. Hence, all human beings are considered equal, regardless of their race, religion or castes. Sikhs are to live their lives in a manner that will ultimately lead to ‘mukti’ or liberation. In order to do so, they are to follow the teachings of God and the ten Gurus. There are five sins or vices that deter human beings from the right path. These are: a) Lust, b) Greed, c) Material or worldly attachments, d) Wrath or Anger, and e) Pride or Arrogance. In order the overcome these vices and bring oneself closer to God, Sikhs follow these three main practices: a) Naam Japo – repeating the ‘Gurmanter’ or the name of God ‘Waheguru’ as a form of meditation and prayer, b) Kirat Karo - making a living in an honest, honorable and fair manner, and c) Vand Chakko – Doing charity by by giving food through the Langar or community kitchen at the Gurdwara, donating 10% of income and spending 10% of time doing social service.
A Sikh is to always five symbolic items which clearly demarcate him as being a follower of Sikhism. These ‘Five Ks’ are: a) Kesh or Hair – Sikhs do not cut their hair, men are not to shave, b) Kangha or Comb – Sikhs are to use a small comb to keep their hair tidy and wear it in their hair, c) Kirpan or Sword – A small, dagger like sword is worn at all times to remind a Sikh to fight for justice, d) Kara or Bracelet – a bracelet made of steel and worn at the wrist, to remind one of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and e) Kachchera or Boxer shorts – made of cotton, this is to remind Sikhs about purity, self control and that adultery is forbidden.
Bibliography
Mayled, Jon. Modern World Religions - Sikhism - Foundation Edition. Heinman, 2003.
Nesbitt, Eleanor M. Sikhism: a very short introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.
Rose, David. Sikhism Photopack. Dunstable, UK: Folens Religious Education, 1995.
Teece, Geoff. Sikhism. London: Franklin Watts, 2003.
