Sihkism: An Overview
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The religion Sikhism came about in the sixteenth century in India. It is based on the teachings of Nanak and nine gurus. This systems teachings and ideas have been known as the Gurmat. Gurmat means teachings of the gurus. Sikhism comes from the word Sikh, which means “learner” or “believer”. Followers of Sikhism are known as Sikhs. There are over 23 millions Sikhs making it the fifth largest religion in the world. Most Sikhs live in India and Pakistan.
Sikhism is monotheistic which means its main belief is in one God. Their God has many names. The most important is Waheguru. Waheguru means “The Wonderful Lord” in the Punjabi language. Some other names used for God are Ek Onkar, Onkar, Satguru, Satnaam, Akal-Purkh, Rabh, Hari, Raam and Pritam. Sikhisms teachings and beliefs are closely tied to the culture and history of the Punjab. Sikhs are meant to follow the teachings of the ten gurus and their holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib was written by numerous people from different backgrounds. Sikhs seek deliverance through regimented, personal prayer on the message and name of God.
Sikhs believe God is the same for all religions even though he has many names and qualities. They believe that He created everything on earth and he is everywhere in everything. The think He was never born and can never die, he will exist forever. Sikhs also believe that everything has soul and after death the soul is passed onto another body until it is finally freed. Where your soul goes is determined by the way you live your life. If you live your life is a way that is seen as good is the Sikh faith then your soul will have happiness in its next life. Sikhs believe that since God is in everything a human soul can be reincarnated as another life form such as trees and animals. When a person finally achieves spiritual perfection they are rewarded with salvation which consists of reuniting with God and leaving the material world.
Sikhs teach that one should love and fear God and by constantly thinking of God are they able to evolve spiritually. Sikhism also teaches that all humans are equal regardless of gender, race or social standing. Sikhs treat all peoples of the world equally. Part of the Sikh religion is also to protect all creatures and keep them safe especially fellow human beings.
In the Sikh religion there are no holy days. Sikhs believe that no day is holier that then others are Sikh teachings also instruct followers to keep a positive and optimistic view of live because God is always with you.
The Sikh religion has five thieves with are similar to the seven deadly sins. The five thieves are list, anger, greed, attachment and pride. Its the responsibility of the Sikh person to control there emotions in their lives. They are taught to attack the five thieves with five weapons contentment, charity, kindness, positive energy and humility.
The Sikh church is called the gurdwara. There are many gurdwaras across India and in almost every nation where Sikhs reside. Sikh families attend the gurdwara to worship which usually consists of singing passages from the scriptures. Sikhs also recite passages from memory daily after the wake up and bathe. The most sacred shrine is the Harimandir Sahib, known as the Golden Temple.
Nanak taught that rituals, festivals and religious ceremonies were