Sikh
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. A Sikh is a follower of the religion called Sikhism, which is the fifth largest in the world.
A Sikh is a disciple of the Guru Granth Sahib which is more than a Holy Book for the Sikhs – It is their perpetual and living teacher and guide. Sikhism has Ten Gurus. This religion was started by Guru Nanak Dev, who was born in 1469.
The Khalsa
Main article: Khalsa
A baptised Sikh becomes a member of the Khalsa or the "Pure". When a Sikh joins the Khalsa, he/she is supposed to have pledged his/her life to the Guru, and is expected not to desist from sacrificing anything and everything in a struggle for a just cause. The word "Khalsa" has two literal meanings. It comes from Persian. One literal meaning is "Pure" and the other meaning is "belonging to the king". When the word "Khalsa" is used for a Sikh, it implies belonging to the King, where the King is God himself. To become a Khalsa a Sikh must surrender him/her self completely to the supreme King or God and obey his will completely. Only then a Sikh is called "Khalsa"
For more information on this Religion, select Sikhism.
