Introduction of Sikhism
Globally, several religions differ in various ways, but they all build an ethical framework for monitoring values in society. Religion is the “means by which human beings come to terms with what is most” (Smith). There are four classifications of religion; animism, polytheism, monotheism, and theism. Sikhism is made up of the Sikh people; the word Sikh is from the Punjabi language, and it signifies discipline. Initially, in the 21st century, there were closely 25 million Sikhs worldwide, most of them located in the Indian state of Punjab (“Sikhism”). Although Sikhism religion has ten Gurus, they are monotheism by nature in regards to their holiness. It is therefore essential to discuss the history, beliefs, teachings, festivals, and leadership of Sikhism.
History of Sikhism
Historically, Sikhism began in India approximately 500 years ago, the late 15th century in the Punjab region. It was formed by Guru Nanak between 1469 and 1539; he formed a definite faith from Islam and Hinduism (“Sikhism”). Later, succession was passed to nine other Guru’s forming the ten main Gurus of Sikhism. The ten Gurus are: “Guru Arjan, Guru Angad, Guru Hari Krishen, Guru Ram Das, Guru Hargobind, Guru Har Rai, Guru Amas sad, Guru Gobind Singh, and Guru Tegh Bahadur” (“Sikhism”). The term Guru refers to the origin of spiritual management to mankind administering with the ten Enlightened Masters. The administration of the Guru began in 1469 and ended in 1708 when the last Guru died (“Sikhism”). As a result of good leadership, Sikhism grew significantly, capturing many followers.
Sacred Texts/Writings
Sikhism has a divine scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, established in the first book. Additionally, there are holy books accessible to the Gurus only. It has hymns that guide the Sikhs people during worship. The scriptures guided all the activities, and the Gurus frequently refer to it when leading the people. Each scripture has its specific meaning, and each Guru had specialized in specific scriptures that they keep on referring to. In addition, the scriptures entail the poetry of the Gurus and other saints with consistency in their faith.
Beliefs
Sikhism had several beliefs of their religion followed by the Sikhs. They believed in only One God, a similar God for everybody, and other religions as well. The religion criticizes blind rituals, such as idol worship, superstitions, worshipping the dead, and fasting. Sikhism condemns inequality among people of all races and both genders; women perform similar roles to men during services. They believe we are all equal before the eyes of God. Also, they believe in the cycle of births and deaths of the soul before the formation of the human. Sikhs believe that accomplishing salvation is by overcoming temptations and sins to enable them to meet with God.
Teachings
Notably, besides the belief, there are teachings of Sikhism given by the leaders. The main teaching of the religion is on social injustices: Everybody is equal before God. Sikhs are taught devotion and resemblance to God; they learn how to live honorable lives away from temptations and sins. The teachings of Sikhism also focus on families and how children should be brought up in a family setup. Families are considered to be one in their religion and with similar systems of operation and guidance.
Leadership
The spiritual leadership of the Sikh people is the Gurus. The religion was formed by one Guru, who later was succeeded by nine other Gurus (“Sikhism”). The initial Guru, “Guru Nanak, came into being 1469; he preached a message of love and understanding and criticized the blind rituals of the Hindus and Muslims” (“Sikhism”). The tenth Guru passed in 1798, and on his mission, he formed the Khalsa order. It encourages the paramount Sikh virtues of social conscious commitment and dedication. People involved in the Khalsa order have been baptized and are keen on the Sikh code of conduct and conventions besides dressing on the physical articles of faith. The holy spirit was crossed between Gurus, and all Gurus with their disciples were considered equal.
Festivals
Sikhism celebrates several festivals on different days and months of the year. In January, they have two festivals; Parkash Utsav Dasveh Patshah on 5th and Maghi on 14th. Parkash Utsav Dasveh Patshah festival is a celebration of the birth of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh; people celebrate holy knowledge and light. Maghi festival This festival remembered the conflict of Muktsar and was formerly selected through Sri Guru Amar Das Ji as Sikhs to show up for the Gurdwara. In March, they celebrate two festivals as well; Sikh new year, either 13th or 14th recognized in the Sikh calendar, and Holla Mohalla (“Sikhism”). The holla Mohall celebration began with Guru Gobind Singh as a congregation for mock battles and military exercises. Recently, it is marked with events of horse riding, tournaments on swordsmanships, and falconry. In April, they celebrate Vaisakhi commemorating the birth of Khalsa and the actual identity of Sikhs in addition to the code of conduct.
Almost every month of the year, there is a Sikh festival. On June 16th, they celebrate the martyrdom of Guru Arjan. September 1st is the Pahila Prakash Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji festival celebrating Guru Granth Sahib as the final human Guru (“Sikh Holy Days”). October 27th is the Bandi Chhor Divas festival celebrating the deliverance of Guru Hargobind from prison. The day is embraced by lighting candles in households and attending Gurdwara. Moreover, in October, they celebrate the installation of Guru Granth Sahib, recognized as a catalog and the existence of Guru.
In November, there are two celebrations; Guru Nanak Gurpurab on the 15th and the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur on the 24th by the Mughal Emperor because he refused to change to Islam religion. The Guru Nanak Gurpurab commemorates the birth of the founder of Sikh, Guru Nanak, and is celebrated for three days each day with its activities. On 21st and 26th December, the martyrdom of the Sahibzade was murdered by a Mughal soldier. Other festivals include the birth of fellow eight gurus, the succession of the guruship, and death anniversaries of the Gurus.
Benefits of Sikhism to the Members
Sikhism provides several benefits to the members of this life. It teaches community service; members can volunteer to the community. Through community service, most people benefit from the service and create peace and harmony in the community. Community service programs bring people together for a specific goal. Also, the teaching and beliefs of Sikhism also criticize social injustices. Most people suffer social injustices due to their vulnerability and lack of awareness of their human rights. Since members of Sikhism are aware of social injustices, they can ensure fairness and prevent such actions from occurring in society.
Sikhism encourages equality, and it limits the issues of gender in society. Both men and women are equal before the eyes of God and themselves. Women are given high positions in leadership and are involved in different services. Emphasis is done on families; Sikhism aims at cares for families and their significance. They believe in the family as the central unit in society. Sikhs earn the virtue of humility through charity and build strong relationships with other people. Children are brought up expectably according to their religion since they all live as a family unit.
Sikhism is beneficial to mankind’s afterlife; Sikhism forms a strong religious foundation. It is believed that afterlife, the members unite with God. The virtues they hold in life secure them a good place afterlife, such as respect and humility besides dignify God. Sikhism teaches its members on life after death as the body will be dead, but the soul will be alive. However, Sikhism religion emphasized life on earth than the afterlife. They believe in reincarnation, which is a process of rebirth. Life after death is a phase of uniting with God after fulfilling the early desires and achievements.
Conclusion
Sikhism is quite clear in their teachings to their members. They differ but are almost similar in some teachings, such as equality and emphasis on God. The main difference with other religions is critical to blind rituals. Christianity and Islam practice blind rituals as a norm, especially fasting. Sikhism and Hinduism are almost similar in carrying out their festivals; some days of the festivals collide, but they celebrate differently. Over the recent past, Sikhism has rapidly grown its members, and with time it will spread to other regions globally, not limited to India and its environments. Sikhism should be embraced and ensure the code of conduct is well-governed and followed to guide its members. It will help build a strong society out of unity and charitable events.
Works Cited
“Sikh Holy Days and Observances.” The Guibord Center, 2011. Web.
“Sikhism, Religion of the Sikh People.” Sikhs.org.
Smith, Huston. “The World’s Religions (Plus).” New York: HarperOne, 2009.