Sikh Beliefs

Please read “Central Beliefs” in Pat Fisher’s pages 444-447.

Sikh beliefs are very simple and straightforward. The major focus is on the devotion to God. But Sikhs do not consider Sikhism as the only way to God! Sikhs are expected not consider the Hindu or the Muslim as their enemy while developing and practicing their faith. Below are some that you need to remember about Sikh beliefs:

A. God

1. God is one and formless.

2. God is the creator and sustainer of the Universe.

3. God is eternal; God is not born, nor will God die.

4. God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.

B. Equality

1. All human beings are equal.

2. People of all religions and races are welcome in Sikh Gurdwaras.

3. Women have equal status with men in religious services and ceremonies. [Does that mean all is well among Sikhs when it comes to “man-woman relationship”?]

C. Birth and Death

1. After a person dies, his soul is born again in another body, human or animal depending on the accumulated karma.

2. Human life is supreme and it is through this life that we can achieve oneness with God.

3. Finding God takes us out of this samsara, the life cycle.

D. Non-Violence (Ahimsa)

1. Sikhs are a peace loving people and stand for truth and justice.

2. Guru Gobind Singh: "It is right to use force as a last resort when all other peaceful means fail."

On the basis of these beliefs the Sikhs have evolved the following four basic principles for living a good life and leaving the life cycle are:

A. Naam Japna or Simran (Meditation)

1. One of the basic principles for living a good life.

2. Simran helps you get closer to God.

3. Simran brings a peace of mind.

B. Kirat Karni (Work)

1. The second basic principle for living a good life is a productive work.

2. Sikhs should only accept what they have earned by honesty and hard work.

3. Sikhs shouldn't take away what rightfully belongs to others.

4. Guru Nanak said: "Taking away other's right is as sinful as pork to a Muslim and beef to a Hindu." Work!

C. Wand Chakna (Charity)

1. Sikhs should give to the poor and needy in the form of charity.

2. Sikhs should share with others. Sharing is an important religious virtue expressed in the langer, the community kitchen

D. Sewa (Service to Humanity and God)

1. Sewa is a major part of Sikhism and many people do it at the Gurdwara.

2. Sikhs are expected to see the Guru in every one and serve them. [This is somewhat similar to Mother Teresa’s! Mother Teresa saw Jesus in the poor and the marginal!]

3. Read about Seva Panthis in page 445 of Fisher. Also read about Bhai Kanahia in the same page.

Questions to Explore:

1. What do you learn about “everyday Sikhism” from Pat Fisher’s interview with Inderpreet Kaur? (Read page 446 of Fisher for the interview!)

2. Discuss the main beliefs of a Sikh practitioner.

3. Write short notes on the following: a. Langer; b. Seva Panthis; c. Five K’s of the Sikhs; d. Guru Granth Sahib; and e. Gurdwara.