Basic Tenets of Sikhism

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Diagram showing some of the important Sikh beliefs

The Basic Tenets of Sikhism can be summarised as follows:

There are three requirements for a Sikh of the Guru:

  • Nam Japna - Rise in the Amrit Vela and meditate on God's Name.
  • Dharam Di Kirt Karna - Earn one's living righteously by the sweat of the brow or the industry, effort and conscientiousness of the mind.


In addition, a Khalsa Sikhs are required to:

Maintain 5 K's:

Life of Dedication to God

The Twin Pronged Approach by carrying out:

  • Simran - repeating spiritual song aloud or silently with each breath throughout one's waking hours, during work and play.
  • Seva - giving one's time in selfless service.

These two duties for the Sikh have to be carried out in equal parts to make sure that ones spiritual understanding is enhanced. Look at these two – Simran and Sewa as the two wings of a Bird. You must have equal strength in both the wings for the bird to lift off. Similarly, one must practise and carry out both Simran and Sewa if one is to take off in Sikhism.


Lead a Disciplined Life

  • Bani - recitation of sacred prayers
  • Bana - spiritual dress


Conquer the 5 Thieves

It's every Sikh duty to defeat these 5 thieves: Lust (Kham), Anger (Krodh), Greed (LobH), Attachment (MoH), and Ego (aHankar). Within each person live these 5 thieves and it’s the duty of every Sikh to subdue and control the behaviour of these emotions and enemies.


Discover the 5 Treasures

A Sikh must always express the following virtues:

Compassion (Daya), Truth (Sat), Contentment (Santokh), Humility (Nimrata) and Love (Pyar)


See also


These articles deal with Sikh Beliefs

Primary Beliefs and Principles | Technique and Methods | Religious Philosophy | Prohibited Behaviour | Underlying Values | Basic Tenets of Sikhism


Excerpt from the book "LIVING REALITY - Questions and Answers about life, under the guidance of The Siri Guru Granth Sahib" by Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, Ph.D