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by Harbhajan Singh Manocha
 The
word Sikh means a disciple or a learner. A Sikh is a person who believes
in One God and follows the teachings of the Ten Gurus enshrined in the
Guru Granth Sahib, The Sikh Holy Book, and he also treats it as his living
Guru.
Sikhism is one of the youngest religions of the world.The
Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak, who was born in 1469 C.E., in the
village Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib, in Pakistan. Right from his
childhood his keen mind would not accept all the groundless rituals,
superstitions and dogmas which were prevalent in religions in those days.
Guru Nanak, and the nine
Gurus who succeeded him, made a distinct contribution to the Sikh religion
and religious theology. They all set wonderful examples of living
spiritually while taking an active and secular part in the world. The
Tenth and the last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) finalized the Sikh
Baptism (Amrit-Pan) ceremony in 1699 and thus gave distinct identity to
the Sikhs. The first Five Baptized Sikhs (Amrit-Taken) were named as Panj
Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) who in turn baptized (Amrit) the Guru on his
request – an event hitherto unknown in the history of mankind.
A Baptized Sikh must
keep Five Ks: Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (a comb), Kara (a steel bracelet),
Kachha (an underwear) and Kirpan (a sword). Thus Sikhs became Khalsa (the
Pure Ones), a Saint and Soldier who will follow the Code of Conduct (Rehayat
Maryada). It is based upon the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh
traditions and conventions. These rules are meant for carrying out the
religious ceremonies and enforcing the discipline of the Faith in a
uniform manner throughout the world. Guru Granth Sahib guides Sikhs to
control five vices which give a person temptation to commit sin.
These are
Kamm (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment) and Ahankar
(false ego). A Sikh should try to avoid indulgence in these vices, and
should always inculcate and develop virtues – truthful living, love for
God, service to mankind, treating everyone equally, tolerance, courage to
fight against injustice and compassion with humility.
During the eighteenth
century the Sikhs were subjected to various suppressions and persecutions
by the communal fanatic authorities of that time. They made supreme
sacrifices to protect and preserve their faith and separate entity. The
Mughal Empire was on the verge of disintegration. The Afghans had invaded
the country under Ahmed Shah Abdali. The Sikhs availed themselves of this
opportunity and established a Sikh Kingdom under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The Sikh Empire lasted half a century and was annexed by the English in
1849. The Sikhs came to Canada over a hundred years ago, and in the last
30 years, they have settled in many other western countries.
The Sikh's place of
worship is called Gurdawara (House of Lord) where the Sikh's Holy Book
(Guru Granth Sahib) is installed in the main hall and is used for prayers
and daily services. It has two important features, Sangat (Congregation)
and Pangat (Community Kitchen-Guru Ka Langar) where food is provided.
Everyone is always welcome to both.
The Sikh religion is
strictly a monotheistic faith, believing in One Supreme God, Being
Absolute True, All Pervading Creator, Without Fear and Enmity, Unborn,
Eternal, Self-Existent, Gracious and Enlightener. Sikhism is based on
three pragmatic concepts: Nam Jaapna, remembering God; Kirat Karni, doing
honest labor for living and Vand Chhakna, sharing one's earnings with
others.
The Sikhs believe in respecting all other religions.
Many hymns of
other devotees of other religions and castes are included in their Holy
Book, recognizing whole human race as one. Sikhism rejects all
distinctions of caste, color, creed, nationality, race and sex and
believes in the equality for all men and women. The Sikhs end their prayer
with these words "Nanak Nam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhane Sarbat Da
Bhalla." (O God, in Thy Name, Shower Thy Blessings on whole
humanity.) In conclusion, the Sikh Greetings is "Sat Sri Akal"
(God is Everlasting) and the Sikh Salutation is "Waheguru Ji Ka
Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh" (Hail God's Khalsa, Victory be to
God).
Harbhajan Singh Manocha
is a retired teacher who represents the Sikh Community in Inter-faith and
Multifaith organizations. For more information call 604-325-9230.Each month Common Ground
features a different spiritual path. If you would like to have your
religious faith included, email: editor@commongroundmagazine.com.
Back to
September, 2002 Index
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