What is Sikhism?
Sikhism is the religion of the Sikh people. A progressive religion well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago, the Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the world’s 5th largest religion. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
The word 'Sikh' in the Punjabi language means 'disciple' or who seeks truth. Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus. The wisdom of these teachings in Sri Guru Granth Sahib are practical and universal in their appeal to all mankind. The first word in the Sikh scripture is "Sat", which translates to truth.
Sikhism was born in the Punjab area of South Asia, which now falls into the present day states of India and Pakistan. The main religions of the area at the time were Hinduism and Islam.
The Sikh faith began around 15th century when its founder Guru Nanak who was born in 1469, began teaching a faith that was quite distinct from Hinduism and Islam. He preached a message of love and understanding and criticized the blind rituals of the Hindus and Muslims. Guru Nanak passed on his enlightened leadership of this new religion to nine successive Gurus. The final living Guru, Guru Gobind Singh died in 1708.
During his lifetime Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa order (meaning 'The Pure'), soldier-saints. The Khalsa uphold the highest Sikh virtues of commitment, dedication and a social conscious. The Khalsa are men and women who have undergone the Sikh baptism ceremony and who strictly follow the Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions and wear the prescribed physical articles of the faith. One of the more noticeable being the uncut hair (required to be covered with a turban for men) and the Kirpan (ceremonial sword).
Before his death in 1708 Guru Gobind Singh declared that the Sikhs no longer needed a living Guru and appointed his spiritual successor as Sri Guru Granth Sahib - the holy book and his physical successor as the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh felt that all the wisdom needed by Sikhs for spiritual guidance in their daily lives could be found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Eternal Guru of the Sikhs. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is unique in the world of religious scriptures because not only is it accorded the status of being the spiritual head of the Sikh religion, but besides the poetry of the Gurus, it also contains the writings of saints of other faiths whose thoughts were consistent with those of the Sikh Gurus.
Sikhism does not have priests, which were abolished by Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru felt that they had become corrupt and full of ego. Sikhs only have custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib (granthi), and any Sikh is free to read the Guru Granth Sahib in the Gurdwara or in their home.
All religions have temples where people can gather together to contemplate on God and pray. The Sikh temple is called a Gurdwara. The word 'Gurdwara' means 'Gateway to the Guru'. In Sikhism one’ personal dedication to living a good life is important but another important aspect of Sikhism is the Sangat (congregation). Not only should one meditate on God on their individual level but also on a corporate level. All people of all religions are welcome to the Gurdwara.
There are no restrictions on who may enter a Gurdwara for prayer. People of all religions are welcome to attend. Another common feature of all Gurdwaras around the world is Langer, the free community kitchen. Here food is served to all people who sit together to enjoy a communal meal. It is a symbol of the Sikh belief in a non-sexist, non-racist society where all people of all castes & religions are equal and can share a common meal in the true spirit of unity. Guru Nanak first started this institution which outlines the basic Sikh principles of service, humility and equality.
The most significant historical religious center for the Sikhs is Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) at Amritsar in the state of Punjab in northern India. It is the inspirational and historical center of Sikhism but is not a mandatory place of pilgrimage or worship. All places where Sri Guru Granth Sahib are installed are considered equally holy for Sikhs. There are thousands of Gurdwaras throughout Punjab and the rest of the world, each of them having their own importance.
There are various important Sikh pilgrimage sites in Pakistan too. The Sikhs, in their thousands, visit Pakistan each year to celebrate the birth anniversary of their founder, Guru Nanak Dev, at Nankana Sahib - his birthplace. Other sacred spots there are Panja Sahib, and Dehra Sahib
In religion, a pilgrimage is a long journey or search of great moral significance and it enables people to link their natural desire for travel with spiritual goals. Sometimes, it is a journey to a sacred place or shrine of importance. Unlike some other religions, Sikhs are not required to undertake pilgrimages during their lifetime but most Sikhs who can afford to go on such journeys travel to numerous iconic sites. Almost all holy sites lie within India which remains a special place and Sikhs who often combine pilgrimage with visits to relatives. Sikh Punjabi & other pilgrims from far off places visit Gurudwaras to attain the peace of mind as well as soul. These Journeys are undertaken on certain dates and may be performed through various means like vehicles, horses or even walking.
We present to you several Programs which will help you experience the Journeys.
