Holy Book
- more details
The Sikh Holy Book (The Guru Granth Sahib or Adi Granth) is
unusual in that it was written by the founders of Sikhism
and has not altered substantially from the original of 1604
AD. It contains 1430 pages and contains the works of Sikhs
and non-Sikhs. There are 6 main translations of the Granth
Sahib in English and provides a universal message of personal
liberation and salvation.
Core Beliefs
It surprises many people (and even some Sikhs) that Sikhs do not believe in God in any traditional sense of the word. Their main thrust is in seeking that which is True. Given the environment that Sikhs live in and the environment of their diaspora, many confuse the search for truth with someone else's definition of God and truth. The main ethical principles and beliefs are:
Ik Onkaar (There is
One God)
Nam Japo (Devoutly repeat the divine name and seek
the inner sound)
Kirat Karo (Live Honestly and Justly)
Vand Chakko (Share your possessions with all humankind)
Raj Kare Ga Khalsa (The righteous will prevail in the
end)
Places of Worship - more
details
Gurdwara (The abode of the
Holy Book). Sikhs were instructed to treat their Holy Book
as their living Guru. There are about 500 Gurdwaras in the
UK and a similar number in the US and Canada.
Culture - more
details
Sikh culture is almost independent of their place of residence.
This is because they have a common background, share the same
ancestral past, speak a common language (Punjabi), identify
with a common set of core vales and beliefs, wear the same
symbols, live in similar family structure, and have a similar
psyche. Sikh culture and Identity is very strong and many
Sikhs believe that one day all the people of the world will
see the logic and rationale for their way of belief and life.
Founder - more
details
Sikhism was, in essence,
founded by Guru Nanak Dev. The concept of a living teacher
was to become an important cornorstone of Sikhism.
History - more
details
The Punjab is the melting pot of many races, religions and
cultures. It housed some of the earliest civilisations on
earth, and has seen many invasions, battles and wars. These
include: the Aryan invasions which started around 1500 BCE;
invasion by the Persian King Darius and the occupation in
516 BCE by the Persians under King Gustasp; the conquering
of the Persians by Alexander the Great and his entry into
the Punjab in 321 BCE; and around 711 CE, the Muslims attacked
and occupied much of the Punjab.
Festivals - more
details
The main festivals and special
times of Sikhism relate to the following: Gurpurb, Basiakhi,
Diwali, Hola Mohalla, Maghi, Births, Deaths, Baptism and Tying
of the Turban
Etiquette - more
details
Welcome to Gurdwara (the
name given to the Sikh's place of worship). The term Gurdwara
literally means "the door" or "the gateway
to the Guru". It is a place where the Guru Granth Sahib
(the Sikh holy Scripture) is present. It is open to every
one regardless of age, sex, caste, or creed and is the centre
for congregational worship in Sikhism. It also plays a socioeconomic
role in the Sikh community; attached to every Gurdwara is
a free kitchen where the Langar is prepared and served.
Women - more
details
The place of women in Sikhism
(the Religion) is a subject of very little discussion. This
is because women have, without any condition or reservation
(related to either form or function), exactly the same rights
as men. The Guru Granth Sahib provides the blueprint for women's
rights - it makes clear that equal rights of women are a fundamental
part of Sikh doctrine.
Music - more
details
A glimpse into the lives and culture of the people of Punjab
can be got through the folk idiom of Punjab. There is a great
repertoire of music, right from the time of birth to death.
Culturally Punjab can be divided into three regions, Malwa,
Majha and Doaba. Today Malwa represents the true spirit of
Punjabi folk traditions. The Punjabi fold idiom is so rich,
so varied and so very versatile. It is a culture of generous,
vast, big-hearted people which is devoid of any fanaticism
and religious narrow mindedness of ideology.
