A few days ago, I visited a Sikh friend’s home, where I saw the mother instructing her daughter not to wash her hair because it was Thursday. Then there was a discussion in the house about which astrologer should be consulted for matchmaking and horoscope reading. I was shell-shocked to hear the entire conversation and initially wanted to intervene, but I refrained, thinking it was a personal matter. Finally, however, I felt compelled to join the discussion, as it concerned the Sikh religion, which is close to my heart. This incident forced me to write this paper so that the basic tenets of the Sikh religion may be known to all Sikhs who follow the faith. These principles must be followed in both letter and spirit. I would request the readers of this article to share it widely so that there is no confusion among the younger generation.
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and developed through the teachings of ten successive Sikh Gurus. It is based on equality, community service, and devotion to God. Sikhism has a set of core doctrines and principles that guide the beliefs and practices of its followers.
1.Oneness of God: Sikhism emphasises belief in the oneness of God, known as Ik Onkar. Sikhs believe in a single, formless, omnipresent God who is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe. This belief rejects polytheism and affirms monotheism.
Sikhism firmly upholds monotheism, rejecting the idea of multiple gods or deities. Sikhs believe there is only one ultimate reality and that all creation is connected to and emanates from this singular divine source. It acknowledges that God is transcendent, beyond human comprehension and attributes.
It teaches that God is formless and beyond human conceptions and limitations. God cannot be contained or confined by any physical form or image. This belief contrasts with the worship of idols or anthropomorphic representations of God.
2.Guru Granth Sahib: The Guru Granth Sahib contains the teachings, hymns, and compositions of the Sikh Gurus as well as the writings of saints from other spiritual traditions. It teaches that there is only one divine reality, which is formless, eternal, and omnipresent. The Guru Granth Sahib emphasises the need for inner spiritual transformation. It teaches that true liberation comes from transcending the ego and realising one’s divine nature. The scripture guides individuals on the path of self-discipline, self-control, self-awareness, and the cultivation of virtues to attain spiritual growth and liberation. It teaches that God’s love is unconditional and all-encompassing. Sikhs are encouraged to cultivate love and compassion toward all beings and to serve selflessly, extending kindness and support to others. The scripture provides spiritual guidance, ethical principles, and a roadmap for leading a meaningful and purposeful life in accordance with Sikh values.
3.Guru Panth: Guru Panth refers to the collective body of baptised Sikhs who follow the Guru’s teachings and are guided by the Guru Granth Sahib. It represents the authority and decision-making power of the Sikh community. It promotes the principle of inclusivity and representation within the Sikh community and recognises the equality of all baptised Sikhs, irrespective of their social, economic, or cultural backgrounds.
The collective decisions of the Sikh community aim to uphold justice, equality, and the welfare of all members.
4.Three Pillars: Sikhism has three fundamental pillars that form the basis of Sikh practice:
a. Naam Japna: Naam Japna is a central practice in Sikhism that involves remembrance and meditation on the divine name of God. It is considered a means of connecting with the divine and attaining spiritual union. “Naam” translates to “name,” and “Japna” means “to repeat” or “to meditate upon.”
The most chanted name in Sikhism is “Waheguru,” which means “Wonderful Lord” or “Wondrous Enlightener.” The purpose of Naam Japna is to establish a direct and intimate connection with God. Through the repetition of the divine name, Sikhs seek to transcend their individual egos and merge their consciousness with the divine consciousness. It is a transformative practice that purifies the mind and elevates one’s spiritual awareness. It helps purge negative thoughts, ego-driven desires, and distractions, allowing the individual to cultivate positive virtues and develop a deeper understanding of the divine nature.
b. Kirat Karni: The correct term in Sikhism is “Kirat Karni,” which translates to “Earning an Honest Living.” Kirat Karni is one of the core principles and practices emphasised in Sikhism. It encourages Sikhs to engage in honest labour and earn their livelihood through righteousness. It emphasises the importance of hard work, effort, and diligence in one’s chosen profession.
Kirat Karni goes beyond personal gain and emphasises the importance of selfless service and contribution to the welfare of others. It promotes a sense of social responsibility and the idea that work should be undertaken to benefit others. It also teaches the importance of detachment from materialism and the pursuit of wealth for its own sake.
c. Vand Chakna: “Vand Chakna” is a concept in Sikhism that promotes the practice of sharing and distributing resources with others. It is a principle that emphasises the importance of selfless service, generosity, and community welfare. “Vand” translates to “sharing” or “giving,” and “Chhakna” means “to distribute” or “to share.” It promotes a spirit of generosity, compassion, and selflessness. It upholds the idea that all individuals are equal and deserving of basic needs and support. It rejects discrimination based on social, economic, or cultural factors. It also encourages a balanced lifestyle, where individuals meet their own needs while considering the needs of others and the well-being of the environment.
Vand Chakna reflects the Sikh values of selflessness, compassion, and community-oriented living. By practising Vand Chakna, Sikhs aim to cultivate a spirit of empathy, reduce disparities, and create a more inclusive and caring world.
5.Equality and Social Justice:
Equality is a fundamental principle in Sikhism that is deeply ingrained in its teachings, practices, and philosophy. Sikhism strongly emphasises the equality and dignity of all human beings, regardless of caste, gender, race, or social status. It rejects social hierarchies, caste discrimination, and gender inequality.
Sikhism advocates gender equality, challenging patriarchal norms and empowering women. Sikh Gurus emphasised the equality of women and men, recognising the inherent divinity and potential within each gender. The practice of Langar exemplifies the principle of equality in Sikhism. In Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship), Langar is a free meal for all, regardless of social status, caste, religion, or gender.
6.Rejection of Rituals and Superstitions:
Sikhism advocates a direct and personal relationship with God, emphasising spirituality over ritualistic practices. It discourages superstitions and emphasises the importance of understanding and questioning beliefs based on reason and knowledge. Superstitions are baseless beliefs that lack rationality and can obstruct spiritual growth. Sikhism emphasises the rejection of empty rituals and external forms of worship. Sikh practices focus on the internal transformation of the individual rather than reliance on superstitious rituals or external objects for salvation.
Furthermore, Sikhism’s resolute rejection of ritualistic veneer underscores a profound commitment to the inner dimensions of spirituality. A call to eschew superstitious beliefs, the faith extols an intimate, direct rapport with the divine, transcending the boundaries of materiality and engaging in a profound examination of beliefs predicated on reason and cognition.
In culmination, the tableau of familial dialogue I witnessed propels an exploration into the bedrock of Sikhism—a journey marked by an ardent commitment to monotheism, ethical conduct, and societal equity. As the world hurtles forward, these precepts emerge as luminous guideposts, illuminating a path that resonates with the timeless wisdom of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the lineage of Sikh Gurus. It is my fervent hope that this exposition engenders greater clarity and understanding among adherents, paving the way for an unobstructed assimilation of Sikh teachings within the contemporary milieu.
(Courtesy: The Sikh Review)
Dr. Stuti Malhotra
