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.
Who is a Sikh?
A person who believes in the Ten Gurus and follows the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib is deemed to be a Sikh.
Sikhs Five Ks
The Sikhs look different – ever wondered why? Well, they are bound to wear five items on them at all times. Some do this out of respect for their tenth prophet, Guru Gobind Singh while others are under command and it is their duty to don these items.
The 5 items are: Kaysh, Kanga, Kara, Kirpan & Kacha which translate into: Uncut hair, small comb, bangle, small sword, shorts. Most male Sikhs will wear a Turban over the uncut hair.
The Sikh and His Guru
The relationship between the Sikh (‘disciple’) and the Guru (‘Master’) is very powerful and dominate and is central to understanding the reason for the strong dedication and devoted service that is performed by the followers of this religion. The Sikh believes that the tenth Guru is their spiritual father and that all other Sikhs as his/her spiritual brothers or sisters. The commitment by the disciple to the Guru is total as is the dedication of the Gurus to the Panth or followers. The Gurus have spoken very highly of their disciples.
Guru’s Dedication to the Sikhs
Guru Gobind Singh says the following about his Sikhs or Khalsa (“the pure ones”):
The Khalsa is my true image. I dwell in the Khalsa. Khalsa is my chief purpose. I am forever with the Khalsa. Khalsa is my closest friend. Khalsa is my mother, father & my comfort. Khalsa is my caste & creed. My creation is through the Khalsa. Khalsa is my haven and storehouse. Because of the Khalsa I am honoured. Khalsa is my body & spirit. Khalsa is my life & soul. Khalsa is my total, true Guru. Khalsa is my courageous friend. Khalsa is my wisdom & knowledge. I will always contemplate for the Khalsa. Full tribute of the Khalsa is beyond me. It is impossible to truly praise the Khalsa with one tongue. I certify that in the above, nothing is false. God and Guru Nanak are my witnesses to this truth.
Further, several of the Sikh Gurus carried out extreme sacrifices - all for the furtherance of the cause and this was done without any regard for personal self-perservation, benefit or gain. Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth guru was martyred by the then Mughal ruler, Emperor Jahangir for not amending the Adi Granth, the Sikh Holy book to reflect his views.
The ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur became the 'leader' of the Kashmiri Hindus to protect and save these tribesmen from the tyranny of the rulers of the nation - He made the ultimate sacrifice and was martyred by Emperor Aurangzeb for not converting to Islam.
Guru Gobind Singh is remembered by the Sikhs as a prophet who has made the most sacrifice for the Panth or ‘Community’. Not only did he have to endure the sacrifice of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur, but also his mother and all his four sons or Four Sahibzadas Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh
On losing his sons, Guruji consoled their mother thus: “Mother of the Panth, What if our four sons are gone? They still live in God’s Kingdom, and forever shall live the Khalsa, Millions of our brave and dear sons." Guruji further said that their sons were 4 'gifts of virtues' from God – Their death has passed these four great virtues into the Khalsa Panth – ‘Ajit’ means Invincible; ‘Jujhar’ means warrior; ‘Zorawar’ means Brave; and ‘Fateh’ is victory. So these qualities will live in our Khalsa.”
The Sikh’s commitment to the Guru
The baptised Sikh is called a Khalsa or the ‘Pure One’. When Sikhs become Khalsas, they pledge their lives to the Guru – So their commitment is total. This devotion can be seen through history when the Sikhs have fought until death for the cause. The Battle of Saragarhi (1897) is remembered and honoured as one of many battles where the Sikhs have fought with unflinching strength. In the Battle of Saragarhi, the Sikh Havildar Ishar Singh with 21 other soldiers fought with ultimate and supreme bravery against 10,000 Afridi tribesmen. This battle has been taught as history in France for many years as a lesson in bravery and comradeship.
Many other such supreme sacrifices have been made by the Sikhs for their religion, their country or even their alliance partners. In the two great World Wars, over 80,000 Sikhs died for the British and Alliance force in a battles where they could have opted out. Many Sikhs received the Victoria Cross and the Param Vir Chakras for their gallantry and courage.
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