Sikhism, a monotheistic religion originating in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century, is rich in philosophy, customs and traditions. Its founder was Guru Nanak (1469-1539).
Sikhism believes in One God (Ik Onkar) – formless, timeless and omnipresent – and aligns with the North-Indian sant (saint) movements emphasising devotion over rituals, while rejecting the caste system and focussing on selfless service and meditation.
Sikh philosophy, rooted in the teachings of Guru Nanak and the nine Gurus who succeeded him, is encapsulated primarily in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism. The 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the spiritual successor of the 10 Gurus.
Guru Granth Sahib, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev (5th Sikh Guru), is treated with great reverence by the followers of Sikhism, and is considered the living embodiment of the 10 Sikh Gurus.
In India, Sikhs number about 20.8 million (1.7% of India’s population), with the majority (16 million) residing in Punjab, where they constitute 58% of the state’s population (2011 census). They include an estimated 26 million Sikhs worldwide, with substantial diaspora communities in Canada, the UK, the USA and Australia.
Core Teachings of Sikhism
- Monotheism: Belief in one God (Ik Onkar).
- Reincarnation: Concept of karma and cycles of birth-death-rebirth (samsara)
- Mukti (Liberation): Goal of spiritual liberation through devotion (bhakti) and righteous living (dharma)
- Seva (Service): Selfless service to humanity is central to Sikhism
- Langar: Community kitchen serving free meals to all, embodying equality
Key Concepts
- Kirat Karni: Earning an honest living through hard work and integrity
- Naam Japna: Remembering and reciting the God’s name for spiritual growth
- Vand Chakna: Sharing one’s earnings and resources with those in need, promoting selfless service and social responsibility
- Equality: Sikhism emphasises equality of humanity, rejecting caste distinctions
- Waheguru: Common term for God in Sikhism, meaning ‘Supreme Being’
- Mukti (Liberation): Goal is spiritual liberation from cycles of birth-death-rebirth (samsara) through devotion
- Karma: Actions influence rebirth; good deeds (karma) aid spiritual progress
- Haumai (Ego): Overcoming ego is vital for spiritual growth
- Maya (Illusion): Attachment to worldly things (maya) is seen as a spiritual hindrance.
Key Values
- Truth (Sach): Practicing honesty in thoughts, words, and actions
- Humility (Nimrata): Cultivating humility and avoiding pride and arrogance
- Equality (Samanata): Recognising the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, regardless of caste, gender, or social status
- Compassion (Daya): Showing empathy and kindness towards all beings
- Selfless Service (Seva): Serving others without expectation of reward or recognition
- Honesty (Sachchai): Avoiding dishonesty and deception in all interactions
- Integrity (Nishtha): Living consistently with one’s values and principles
- Forgiveness (Kshama): Practicing forgiveness and avoiding grudges
- Self-discipline: Regulating one’s desires and emotions to lead a virtuous life
Customs and Traditions
- Amrit Sanchar: Initiation into the Khalsa order, which embodies defence of justice (dharma), was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699; concept of Sant-Sipahi (saint-soldier) where members adhere to Five Ks (Panj Kakkars):
- Kesh: Uncut hair
- Kanga: Comb
- Kara: Steel bracelet
- Kirpan: Sword (symbolising defence of righteousness)
- Kacchera: Special undergarments
- Gurdwara: Sikh place of worship; its key features include Darbar Sahib (where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed) and Langar (community kitchen)
- Nitnam: Daily prayers recited by Sikhs, including Japji Sahib (composed by Guru Nanak)
- Kirtan: Devotional singing of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib
- Gurbani: Hymns/compositions by Sikh Gurus and saints like Kabir, Ravidas in Guru Granth Sahib
- Mul Mantar: Opening invocation in Guru Granth Sahib, encapsulating the foundational principles and core beliefs of Sikhism (Please see box alongside)
Practices
- Langar: Free community meal at the Gurdwara emphasising equality; vegetarians typically serve food.
- Kar-seva: Voluntary service in gurdwaras (cleaning, cooking, etc.).
- Dastaar (Turban): Many Sikhs wear turbans as part of their identity; kesh (uncut hair) is wrapped in it
- Naming: Sikhs often use the surnames Singh for males and Kaur for females, symbolising lion-like courage
Festivals
- Baisakhi: Celebrates the founding of Khalsa (1699); also celebrated as a major harvest festival
- Gurpurab: Observance commemorating the birth/death anniversaries of Sikh Guru-s, like Guru Nanak Jayanti
- Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas): Associated with Guru Hargobind’s release from prison
Philosophical Underpinnings
- Immanence & Transcendence: God is both immanent (present in creation) and transcendent
- Bhakti (Devotion): Emphasis on loving devotion to God
- Seva (Selfless Service): Service to humanity is service to God
- Langar: Institution embodying equality and community service
- Sant-Sipahi: Concept of saint-soldier, blending spirituality and righteous action (espoused by Guru Gobind Singh)
Ethical Dimensions
- Satya (Truth): Truthful living is paramount.
- Daya (Compassion): Key virtue alongside humility
- Dharma (Righteousness): Upholding righteousness
- Non-dualism: Reality’s unity reflected in Ik Onkar
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 CE in Talvaṇḍi village (present-day Nankana Sahib in Punjab, Pakistan) in the Lahore province of the Delhi Sultanate. It was a time of significant socio-religious upheaval in the Indian subcontinent. The prevailing caste system, ritualistic practices and superstitions had distorted the original teachings of Hinduism and Islam. Amidst this backdrop, Guru Nanak’s spiritual experiences and revelations led him to develop a unique faith that emphasised the oneness of God, equality and the importance of living a truthful and honest life. Nanak travelled far and wide with the message of one God (Ik Onkar) who dwells in every one of His creations and constitutes the eternal Truth. With this concept, he set up a unique spiritual, social and political platform based on equality, fraternal love, goodness and virtue. Through his teachings, travels and interactions with people from diverse backgrounds, Guru Nanak laid the foundation of Sikhism, which would evolve into a distinct spiritual and cultural identity.
Guru Nanak’s words are preserved in the form of 974 poetic hymns in the holy text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib. It is part of Sikh religious belief that the spirit of Nanak’s sanctity, divinity and religious authority descended upon each of the nine subsequent Gurus when the Guruship was devolved on to them. His message of love, compassion and service to humanity continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Image above: A famous painting of Guru Nanak by Sobha Singh, an eminent artist from Punjab, India. It is said that it is impossible to find a Sikh home without a Sobha Singh art print of the revered Guru.
Read anecdotes about Guru Nanak by following the links:
https://wellsprings.in/when-guru-nanak-visited-haridwar/
https://wellsprings.in/from-guru-nanaks-life/
Guru Nanak’s birthday is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on the full-moon day in the month of Kartika (October-November). India Post on Nov. 9, 2019, issued a set of 5 commemorative postage stamps and a miniature sheet portraying five sacred Gurudwaras on the historic occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Image courtesy: postagestamps.gov.in/
Pakistan Post too issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring Gurdwara Nankana Sahib on the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak. The stamp was unveiled on Nov.9, 2019 on the eve of the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor between Pakistan and India. The border corridor connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in the Gurdaspur district of India with the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. It allows Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the holy site in Pakistan without needing a visa. Image courtesy Pak High Commission, New Delhi.