Sikhism

I

Introduction

Sikhism, major religion of India founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century. Sikhism has almost 16 million followers, most of whom live in the Indian province of Punjab. Punjab is the historic homeland of Sikhism but it has also spread to other parts of northern India, and a significant diaspora exists in Europe and North America. Sikhism is not an ethnic religion and welcomes converts.

II

Theology

The essence of Sikh theology is to be found in the opening hymn of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs’ sacred text:

Sikhs believe that God (Waheguru), who created the universe and everything in it, is omnipresent, immanent as well as transcendent, and omnipotent. Because God is formless, inscrutable, and beyond the reach of human intellect, a relationship with the Creator can be established only by recognizing divine self-expression and truth. This relationship is possible through meditation on God’s Name (nam) and Word (shabad) which are the revelation of the divine instructor (the Guru). Without the Guru’s grace an individual is doomed to the perpetual cycle of death and rebirth.

Guru Nanak’s message went beyond personal reflection and mediation to incorporate a new social vision. This was evident in his strong emphasis on social equality, the rejection of all forms of caste distinctions, the collective welfare of all, and the centrality of the concept of seva (service) to the community. The present and the divine in Nanak’s social vision are linked together in three simple injunctions to his followers: to adore the divine name; to work hard; and to share the rewards of one’s labour with others.

III

Worship, Practice, and Festivals

The Sikh code of discipline (Rehat Maryada) prescribes the daily routine for adherents. They should rise early (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) and, having bathed, observe nam japana by meditating on the divine name and read or recite the order known as nit nem (the daily rule). This is followed by the reciting of the following scriptures: early morning (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.), Japji Sahib, Jap Sahib, and the ten Swayyas; in the evening and sunset, Sodar Rahiras; and at night before retiring, Kirtan Sohila. At the conclusion of each selection the Ardas (prayer) must be recited.

As the influence of the Guru’s word is best experienced in the gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, Sikhs are required to join a daily sangat (congregation) where, as well as listening to scriptures, they must undertake and perform seva. A gurdwara is entered by removing one’s shoes and covering one’s hair. Sikhs and non-Sikhs bow before the Guru Granth Sahib by touching their foreheads to the ground. The sangat are served with Karah Prashad (sacramental food) at the close of the session. Each gurdwara has a langar (common kitchen) where the sangat are enjoined to share a meal.

The Rehat Maryada also imposes further injunctions: Sikhs are not allowed to eat meat killed in accordance with Muslim custom; the use of all intoxicants is forbidden; they must not cut their hair; and they must be loyal to their marriage partners. For most Sikhs and their families, Sikhism plays a central role in their life cycle. There is a distinctive ceremony for naming the newborn and for baptism into the Khalsa (see below); the learning of Punjabi is seen as essential to understanding the scriptures; the marriage ceremony is specifically defined; and, at death, there are prescribed scriptures to be read and procedures to be followed.

Most Sikh children are considered to be born Sikhs. All Sikhs who follow elements of the code of discipline and are mature enough to appreciate the commitment can undergo baptism into the sacred order of the Khalsa (“the pure”) established by Guru Gobind Singh at Baisakhi in 1699. Initiation into the Khalsa follows the ceremony known as khande di pahul (“tempered with steel”) performed by the Panj Piare (the symbolic representation of the five beloved ones who were first baptized, and who subsequently, in turn, baptized Guru Gobind Singh). The Khalsa are required to keep the five ks: kesh (unshorn hair), kacha (short drawers), kirpan (steel dagger), kara (iron bangle), and kanga (comb). In addition they must strictly adhere to all aspects of the Rehat Maryada. Baptized Khalsa males are renamed as Singh and females as Kaur. While the majority of Sikhs follow aspects of the Rehat Maryada and keep the five ks, those who follow the strict discipline of the Khalsa are in a minority.

Sikhs celebrate many festivals which mark the life and times of the gurus, particular events in Sikh history, and reflect the popular traditions of Punjab. The birth and death of a guru is referred to as a gurpurb. The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur are generally observed while the births of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh are universally celebrated. Baisakhi is the first month of the Sikh new year and also coincides with the harvest season in Punjab. Baisakhi is also important for Sikhs because it marks the time of the year when they normally assembled in the presence of the Guru, and as the historic occasion in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa. Sikhs also celebrate Diwali (which marks the release of the Guru Hargobind from confinement in Gwalior Fort) and Holla Mohalla, a festival started by Guru Gobind Singh for his followers in opposition to Holi.

IV

Sacred Text

The Guru Granth Sahib is the sacred text of the Sikhs. It was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604 and is 1,430 pages long. The text includes the hymns and poems of Guru Nanak, his successors, and Muslim and Hindu poets. Upon his death in 1708 Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, ordained that personal guruship was at an end; thereafter it was to be vested in the Guru Granth Sahib.