Sikhism is a religion that originated in India a little over 500 years ago. Today, it has approximately 25 to 30 million followers, known as Sikhs, most of whom live in India, although important Sikh communities can also be found in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and France.
The origins of Sikhism
Sikhism began with Guru Nanak, who was born in 1469 in the Punjab region, in an area that is now part of Pakistan. The word guru means “teacher” or “spiritual guide.” Guru Nanak was the first of the ten Gurus of Sikhism.
From an early age, Guru Nanak reflected deeply on God, human life and the differences between religions. Hinduism and Islam were the two major religious traditions in the region in which he lived. Guru Nanak taught that God is one and that all human beings are equal before God, whether rich or poor, men or women, Hindu or Muslim.
He travelled extensively, sometimes for years at a time, meeting people, sharing his teachings and encouraging peace, justice and compassion. He also composed poems, hymns and prayers, many of which were sung to music.
A saying traditionally associated with Guru Nanak expresses this emphasis on overcoming religious divisions:
“There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.”
His teachings placed the emphasis on devotion to the one God and on the fundamental equality of human beings.
The main principles of Sikhism
Sikhism teaches that all human beings are equal, regardless of their origin, religion, sex or caste. Equality is one of the central principles of the Sikh tradition.
Among its main teachings are:
- One God: Sikhs believe in one God, who is not limited to a human form and is present throughout creation. God cannot be confined to a particular people or religion and is ultimately beyond human description.
- Equality: Sikhism rejects discrimination based on caste, social status or sex. Women and men have equal spiritual dignity, and people from different backgrounds may worship together.
- Earning an honest living: Sikhs are encouraged to work honestly and to earn their living without exploiting others.
- Sharing with others: Sikh teaching encourages generosity and service to people in need. Sharing food and resources with others is an important religious principle.
- Remembering God: Prayer, meditation and the remembrance of God are central aspects of Sikh spiritual life.
The Ten Gurus
After Guru Nanak, Sikhism was guided by nine successive Gurus. Each contributed to the development of the Sikh community and its teachings.
The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, lived during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Before his death, he declared that there would be no further human Guru and that the Sikh sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, would thereafter serve as the eternal Guru of the Sikh community.
The Guru Granth Sahib contains hymns, prayers and religious poetry. It occupies a central place in Sikh religious life and is treated with profound respect. It is read and recited in Sikh places of worship, known as Gurdwaras.
The Gurdwara
A Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship. Gurdwaras are open to everyone, including people who are not Sikhs.
One of their distinctive features is the langar, a communal kitchen in which free meals are served to all visitors regardless of their religion, social background or financial situation.
Traditionally, people sit together to eat the same food. The practice expresses one of Sikhism’s fundamental principles: the equality of all human beings.
Before entering a Gurdwara, visitors remove their shoes and cover their heads as a sign of respect.
The Khalsa and the Five Ks
Sikhs who undergo a formal initiation may become members of the Khalsa, the community established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
Initiated Sikhs traditionally observe five articles of faith, commonly known as the Five Ks because their names begin with the letter K in Punjabi:
- Kesh: uncut hair, symbolising respect for the natural form given by God.
- Kanga: a small wooden comb used to keep the hair neat and clean.
- Kara: a metal bracelet symbolising commitment to God and righteous conduct.
- Kachera: a special cotton undergarment associated with discipline and modesty.
- Kirpan: a ceremonial blade symbolising the duty to defend justice and protect those who are vulnerable.
These articles have a religious and spiritual meaning. They remind initiated Sikhs of their responsibilities and of the ideals of courage, discipline, justice and faithfulness to their religious commitments.
Sikhism places particular emphasis on devotion to God, equality, honest living, service to others and solidarity with those in need. These principles continue to shape Sikh religious and community life throughout the world.