Sikh

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Sikh: Literally "learner"

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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Duties of a Sikh

This section deals with the general duty of a Sikh to Society and God rather that his/her daily Practises which are dealt with in a subsequent section.

  1. Accept the Ten Gurus and SGGS as their Spiritual Teachers. Regularly study, meditate on and read the [[SGGS]. Naam Japo; have faith in Guru & God.
  2. Live a householder life – honest, simple and family oriented Kirat Karni; Know you responsibilities and honour these.
  3. Contribute to the well being of Society by offering selfless service without receiving payment and give ten percent of their net income to a charity, poor person, worthy cause, etc. Wand kay Shako
  1. Treat every person as an equal irrespective of caste, creed, gender, profession, social status, age, race, ability, etc
  2. Speak politely; forgive easily and be humble at all times – page 1384 – “Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra. Wear these three robes, O sister, and you will captivate your Husband”
  3. Avoid the five thieves – PAGAL – Pride, Anger, Greed, Attachment to Worldly things Maya and Lust.
  4. If you are a Baptised Sikh, Wear the 5Ks.
  5. Do not be Cruel; nor have a negative outlook on life; Always have a Positive Attitude Chardi Kala
  6. Do not practise rituals or superstitions; no fasting; no penances; Always be logical and scientific in your approach to any problem.
  7. Practise vegetarianism – The Sikhs have to offer their food first to their Gurus before taking it themselves and NO sikh would allow meat products in their temples and so it follows that it is preferred for a Sikh to be a vegetarian. There is dispute about this matter but the consensus is that only vegetarian food is served in Sikh temples (see Vegetarianism)

Daily Practises of a Sikh

The following is the daily routine to be followed by a practising Sikh:

  1. To rise early in the morning
  2. To have a shower or bath – Minimum to wash face, hands & feet.
  3. To mediate on God and recite the [Bani]s of the Guru – Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib and 3 other banis. If possible to attend Gurdwara – Sikh Temple; to listen to Kirtan whenever possible.
  4. To perform Aardas, have breakfast and attend to the family needs
  5. To attend work, training, or study, etc and perform Kirit Karni
  6. To perform Aardas and have lunch
  7. Finish your daily work, school or college and return home to see to your family duties.
  8. In the evening after tea to recite or listen to the Rehras Sahib
  9. After Aardas, to have the evening meal and engage in recreational, Charitable, Social tasks
  10. Before bed to recite the Kirtan Sohila

Beliefs & Principles of a Sikh

The Sikh Religious Philosophy can be divided into 5 Sections:

Primary Beliefs & Principles:

  1. One God: - There is only ONE God who has infinite qualities and names; S/He* is the same for all religions;
  2. Re-incarnation, Karma & Salvation: – Every creature has a Soul; on death, the Soul is passed from one body to another until Liberation.
  3. Remember God: Love God but have fear of Him* as well.
  4. “Humanhood” (Brotherhood*): All human beings are equal. We are sons and daughters of Waheguru, the Almighty.
  5. Uphold Moral Values: Defend, safeguard and fight for the rights of all creatures and in particular your fellow beings.
  6. . Personal Sacrifice: Be prepared to give your life for all supreme principles – see the life of Guru Teg Bahadur.
  7. Many Paths lead to God: – Sikhs are not Special: The Sikhs are not the chosen people of God – By just calling yourself a Sikh does not bring you salvation.
  8. Positive Attitude to Life: “Chardi Kala” – Always have a positive and obtemistic view of life.
  9. Disciplined Life: Upon baptism, must wear the 5Ks; strict recital of the 5 prayers Banis, etc.
  10. No Special Worship Days: Sikhs do not believe that any particular day is holier than any other.
  11. Conquer the 5 Thieves: It every Sikhs duty to defeat these 5 thieves
  12. Attack with 5 Weapons: Contentment (Santokh), Charity (Dan), Kindness (Daya ), Chardi Kala (Positive Energy), Humility (Nimarta)

For more on this section select Sikhism Primary Beliefs & Principles

Underlying Values:

The Sikhs must believe in the following Values:

  1. Equality: All humans are equal before God – No discrimination is allowed on the basis of Caste, Race, Sex, Creed, Origin, colour, education, status, wealth, etc.
  2. God’s Spirit: All Creatures have God’s spirits and must be properly respected. Show love for all living things. Mistreatment of any living creature is tabooed and forbidden.
  3. Personal Right: Every person has a right to life but this right is restricted and has attached certain duties – Simple Living is essential.
  4. Actions Count: Salvation is obtained by one’s actions – Good deeds, remembrance of God – Naam Simran, Kirtan, etc
  5. Living a Family Life: Must live as a family unit (householder) to provide and nurture children for the perpetual benefit of creation.
  6. Sharing: It is encouraged to share and give to charity 10 percent of one’s net earnings.
  7. Accept God’s Will: Develop your personality so that you recognise happy event and miserable events as one – the Will of God causes them.
  8. The 4 Fruits of Life: Truth, Contentment, Contemplation and Naam, (in the Name of God)

For more information on this section select Sikhism Underlying Values

Prohibited Behavior:

  1. Non-Logical Behavior: Superstitions; rituals, which have no meaning, pilgrimages, fasting and bathing in rivers; gambling; circumcision; worship of graves, idols, pictures; compulsory wearing of the veil for women; etc;
  2. Material Obsession: (“Maya”) Accumulation of materials have no meaning in Sikhism. Wealth, Gold, Portfolio, Stocks, Commodities, properties will all be left here on Earth when you depart. Do not get attached to them.
  3. Sacrifice of Creatures: Sati – widows throwing themselves in the funeral pyre of their husbands; lamb and calf slaughter to celebrate holy occasions; etc
  4. Non-Family Oriented Living: A sikh is not allowed to live a recluse, beggar, yogi, monk, Nun, celibacy, etc
  5. Worthless Talk: bragging, gossip, lying, etc are not permitted.
  6. Intoxication: Drinking alcohol; Drugs; Smoking tobacco; consumption of other intoxicants; etc
  7. No priestly Class: Sikhs do not have to depend on a priest fro any of the functions that need to be performed.


For more information on this section select Sikhism Prohibited Behaviour

Technique and Methods:

  1. Naam: Japo – Meditation & Prayer, Free Service Sewa, Simran, Sacred Music Kirtan
  2. Kirat Karni: - Honest, Earnings, labour, etc while remembering the Lord
  3. Wand kay Shako: - Share with Others who are deserving, Free Food langar, 10% Donation Daasvand, etc


For more information select Sikhism Technique and Methods

Other Observations:

  1. Not Son of God: The Gurus were not in the Christian sense “Sons of God”. Sikhism says we are all Gods kids and S/He* is our Father/Mother.
  2. All Welcomed: Members of All religions can visit Sikh temples (“Gurdwaras”) but please observe the local rules – Cover Head, No shoes, No Smoking when going in to the Main Hall.
  3. Multi-Level Approach: Sikhism recognises the concept of a Multi-level approach to achieving your target as a disciple of the faith. For example, “Sahajdhari” (slow adopters) are Sikhs who have not donned the full 5Ks but are still Sikhs nevertheless.


For more information on this section select Sikhism Other Observations

‘*’ = the Punjabi language does not have a gender for God. Unfortunately, when translating, the proper meaning cannot be properly conveyed without using Him/His/He/Brotherhood, S/He, etc but this distorts the meaning by giving the impression that God is masculine – which is not the message in the original script. The reader must correct for this every time these words are used.

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