Punjabi Traditions
Punjabi Traditions
About Sikhism
Sikhism is the fourth largest religion in India and fifth largest in the wolrd. It was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh guru about 500 years ago. The principle of Sikhism is “Ek Onkar” Meaning that there is only one God. The religion was further populated by ten Gurus who were the teachers or masters of Sikhism. It strictly rejects idol worship and opposes the caste system prevalent in the Hindu religion in India.
The holy text of Sikhism is called “Guru Grandh”which was originally compiled by the fifth guru, Sri Arjan Dev Ji and updated by successive gurus.
The Origin of Sikhism:
About the origin of Sikhism no consensus exists. Historians believe that it originated from Hinduism and Islam. Some others believe that Sikhism is derived from Hinduism as it is also based on the four fold Hindu principles, Karma (work), Samsara (present life), Jnana (learning), and Mukti (liberation). However many Sikhs oppose this and hold the view that Sikhism is a direct revelation from God and not a component of Hinduism or Islam.
Sikhism was formed during the 15th Century when there were various social and political unrest, religious ritualism, untouchability and externalism in India. Initially Sikhism was a reformist movement (also called Bakthi movement) in accordance with the teachings of the saint poets like Kabir.
The Principles of Sikhism:
- Sikhism is a practical simple way of life. It does not believe in idol worship or going to shrines and tombs.
- It opposes all ritualism found in other religions.
- It firmly believes in the concept of doing honest labour, sharing the earnings with the poor and worshiping God through meditation.
- It upholds human liberty, equality and fraternity.
- The three basic concepts of Sikhism are “Kirt Karna”-meaning that to earn one’s live hood through creative, productive and honest labour,“Wand Chhakna”-meaning that to share the earnings with the needy,“Nam Japna”-meaning that one can see the omnipresent God through meditation.
