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| Sikhism |
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Sikhism is
the youngest of the World Religions, barely 500 years
old. It was founded by Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469
who laid the basic principles of Sikhism. It offered the
people a simple Sikh religion teaching "Oneness of
God", whose name is TRUTH. Nine Gurus followed him
who all reinforced and added to what was taught by the
first Guru. After which in 1708, the holy book of the
Sikhs, The SIRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB
JI was proclaimed to be the only Guru by the last Guru,
Siri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This holy book embodies the
philosophy and fundamentals of Sikhism. It is the only
holy book of a major religion which was written and authenticated
by its founders.
All the fundamentals of Sikhism emanate from the concept
of love for God which follows the love of man. God is
the Supreme being, Universal and all powerful. For a Sikh,
all human beings are creatures of God and must be treated
equally. One must work hard and share one's earnings with
the less fortunate which had to be earned by righteous
means. One must be always active in mind and body.
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Siri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the last
Guru gave the Sikhs a distinct Uniform and appearance
so that they were easily recognized. So, in 1699
on the day of Vasakhi April 13, he assembled his
Sikhs and baptized five beloved who were brave and
obedient to his orders and called this brotherhood
- The Khalsa. Also he gave them a new surname "SINGH"
(Lion) to be added to their first names. He gave
them the five symbols and five basic prayers. These
saints - soldiers were devoted to mankind. The women
were given equal status with men as the new brotherhood
had no distinctions of caste, creed, color or sex.
The women were to add "KAUR" (Princess)
to their names and were to be always protected.
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| The five symbols are necessary for the strength
and unity of the religion and also for the value each
had. All Sikhs were to have Kesh or
unshorn hair, a Kanga or the comb to
keep this hair neat and clean, Kaccha
or the underwear worn as a symbol of agility and readiness
for action, Kirpan or sword which is
an emblem of courage and adventure to be used for defensive
purposes and lastly, Kara or the Steel
bracelet to remind the Sikh of his bond to the God.
A Sikh is easily recognized by his beard (Uncut
and untrimmed) and unshorn hair which
he protects with a turban on his head. Sikhs are not
allowed to wear caps and have to grow their hair to
its natural lengths as it be going against the law of
God and nature to cut them. Also it is a mark of Distinction
for the Sikhs. The simple ideals of Sikhism and the
history of fearless courage of the Sikhs has made the
Khalsa proud and fearless even today. In fact, a Sikh
has his feet firmly planted on the earth but his head
is always towards god.
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| Sikh Values |
Belief in One God — Sikhs view
life as an interconnected whole. All human beings are
equal and alike in front of God.
Equality
of man and woman — Sikh men have last name
of "Singh" and the women of "Kaur".
Equality of all Mankind regardless of Race, Religion,
Background Caste or Creed. All are Equal, All are Loved
and Respected.
Belief in the Guru Granth
Sahib — the Sikh holy book or the "Living
Guru". Sikhs venerate the revealed teachings contained
in the holy book, which belongs to all mankind. Sikhs
do not believe in idols and idol worships or rituals.
Belief in the Guru — (Teacher).
Sikhism is not a synthetic religion. It is a revealed
faith that has been transmitted through human means.
Belief in Freedom — Sikhism
is an intensely democratic faith that places great emphasis
on the individual and freedom of choice for everyone.
Love for All — Sikhs pray
daily for the well-being of all of humanity.
"Nanak
Naam Chardikala, Tere Bane Sarbat da Bhalla"
(O God! Through Satguru Nanak, may your name be exalted
and may All Humanity prosper according to your Will).
Food and Shelter for All —
Central to the Sikh faith is humble and voluntary Service
for all in need - not only the poor.
Justice
for All — A Sikhs spiritual beliefs must
constantly be tested and proven in the world of action.
A Sikh cannot witness injustice and turn away. They are
"Saint Soldiers" in every decade.
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" Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fatehs "
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The
Khalsa belongs to the God; all victory is the victory
of God.Sikhism maintains that while
" Truth is High, Higher still is Truthful living".
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