Sikhism

HISTORY

In Punjab, north India, a 30-year-old poet and mystic Guru Nanak (April 15, 1469 – September 22, 1539) experienced two days of mystical ecstasy. He was inspired to start a movement, which sought to combine Hindu and Muslim elements in a single religious creed. He called his followers Sikhs- the Punjabi for disciples.

Guru Nanak died in the Punjab in 1539. Nanak was followed as Guru (teacher) by a succession of leaders who converted the Sikhs into a military confraternity which established itself as a political party.

Guru Nanak with Bhai Bala, Bhai Mardana and Sikh Gurus

Amritsar, site of the Golden Temple and center of Sikhism, was founded by Ram Das Sodhi in 1577. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most visited temple in all of the Sikh faith. It is covered in gold.

Sikhism took on a distinct identity in 1699, celebrated by Vaisakhi. This is when Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru, founded the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa.

Guru Gobind Singh (December 22, 1666 – October 7, 1708), was formally installed as the leader of the Sikhs at age nine, As well as founding the Khalsa, his other notable contributions to Sikhism also include introducing the Five Ks, the five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times. Guru Gobind Singh also continued the formalization of the religion, wrote important Sikh texts and enshrined the scripture the Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's eternal Guru.

Portrait of Guru Gobind Singh, holding a falcon and escorted by Sikhs

Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs, was first installed at the Golden Temple on September 1, 1604. Granth is a Hindi word, which means "book" and it contains the writings of each of the ten gurus. The Guru Granth Sahib is worshiped as the Supreme Authority of Sikhism and is considered the eleventh and final guru of Sikhism.

Illuminated Guru Granth Sahib folio

BELIEFS

The Sikh faith is the world's ninth largest religion, with more than 30 million followers. Its main tenant is adherence in the teachings of the religion's founders, the 10 gurus, from 1469 to 1708.

Sikhs make up 0.39 percent of the world population, approximately 83 percent of whom live in India.

Sikh pilgrims inside the Golden Temple By Fulvio Spada from Torino, Italy

About 76 percent of all Sikhs live in the north Indian State of Punjab, where they form a majority (about two-thirds) of the population.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, that believes in one God. They believe everything is a part of God and God is a part of everything. The goal of life is to focus on being at one with God, which is attainable by meditation, prayer, good deeds and noble action. The thing that is keeping people from reaching union is bad karma, which is caused by pride, anger, greed, emotional attachment and ego. Once an individual discovers the god within and stops searching elsewhere then he can reach salvation.

Vaisakhi is an important festival celebrated by Sikhs, celebrating the founding of Khalsa in 1699. Vaisakhi, also known as Basaki, is the harvest festival in the Punjab region. It is celebrated on the first day of the Basak month, in the Sikh calendar.

Each male Sikh is distinguished by the "Five Articles of Faith", 5 Ks, things Sikhs wear at all times: These include a kesh - uncut hair and beards (necessitating the wearing of turbans). The Sikh never cuts or trims any hair as a symbol of respect for the perfection of God's creation.

A Sikh is expected to carry a Kanga, a small comb that is to be used twice daily to keep the hair in clean and healthy condition. Combing their hair reminds Sikhs that their lives should be tidy and organized.

Kanga, Kara and Kirpan: three of the five Sikh articles of faith by Harisingh 

A Sikh is required to wear a Kachera, a pair of breeches that do not go below the knee. It is a reminder to stay away from lust and attachment.

Another part of the "Five Articles of Faith" is the requirement to carry, the Kirpan, a curved dagger at all times. The short, often dagger-sized sword is to remind the Sikh that he is to defend against repression of the weak.

A Sikh is expected to wear a Kara, a steel slave bangle on the dominant arm to remind him to always remember the Guru before undertaking any action.