Sikhism

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion. The word Sikh means ‘disciple’ and they are the disciples of G-d who follow the writings and teachings of the 10 Sikh Gurus.

-A Sikh believes:

· There is only one God and he is the same God for all
religions.

· The soul goes through a cycle of birth and death
before reaching its human form. The goal of life is to
merge with God and to maintain a balance between
spiritual and temporal obligations.

· The true path to God does not mean a renunciation of
the world but through living the life of a householder,
earning an honest living and avoiding temptation and
sin.

· Sikhism condemns rituals such as fasting,
pilgrimages.

· All people of all races and sex are equal in the eyes of
God. There is total equality between man and woman
and women can participate in any religious function
and lead the congregation in prayer.


-Sikh Afterlife:

Sikhs when they die are generally cremated and mourners come to the Gurudwara and offer prayers. A Saptah (seven day recitation) or Dusehra (ten day recitation) of the Granth is started at the deceased’s house. On the last day the ‘Sadd Ramkali’ is read which tells of the third Guru’s death and the transitory nature of life and the acceptance of God’s will. The period of mourning normally lasts for 10 days. No memorials are erected and it is forbidden to commemorate anniversaries of the death. The ashes are scattered on a river or in the sea.


-Organization:

Sikhs do not have priests. They were abolished by Guru Gobind Singh who felt they had become corrupt and full of ego. In some Gurdwaras a person known as a Granthi is employed to read the scriptures, conduct worship and perform such ceremonies as weddings but they are not considered as a priest – any Sikh can undertake the same tasks at any time. A Sikh can read the Guru Granth Sahib in a Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) or at home.

There are three main branches of Sikhism:

*Udasis – An order of ascetics and holy men, they are often active as missionaries.

*Sahajdharis – Who are clean shaven and do not follow the Khalsa tradition.

*The Khalsa.

-Other Sikh traditions:

Scriptures forbid the eating of meat killed in the Muslim tradition (Halal) and the consumption of tobacco, alcohol or other intoxicants.

Sikhs live according to the Rahit Nama (code of Discipline) which is believed to interpret the Gurbani and to be based upon the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh.