A History Of Sikhism
Posted: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
by Herdeep Mann
Activ UK
Although I was born in England ( United Kingdom ) my roots lie firmly in the country of my parents which is India . My parents came to this country leaving there home of Punjab in Northern India in 1952 following India 's independence from the British in 1947.
Then the United Kingdom was in much need of re-building in the way of heavy industry with the aftermath of World War 2, so both my parents like so many others from India decided to come to England to start a new life. But they brought with them the culture and the religion of Sikhism, which i have also like so many other British Asians have been taught to adhere to and respect.
The Founder of Sikhism: Guru Nanak: 1469 to 1539
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji the first prophet in 1469 he was born into a Hindu family but he refused to take part in the initiation ceremony held by the Brahman Priest, he said he was neither a Hindu or a Muslim
As Guru Nanak grew up he worked for a Muslim, therefore he got to know about the Muslim religion as well. Soon afterwards he became a religious teacher, but he used ideas from both Muslim and Hindu faiths and he called this new faith Sikhism.
The ideology is based on that there is one God, and that all humans are equal, as he travelled around the country Guru Nanak continued to teach people about the new religion, sometimes writing hymns about it, one of the best known ones is the "Japji"which sikhs recite each morning.
He preached against such things like the caste system in India , and against animal sacrifice and fasting.His most important teachings are known as Nam Simran,Kirt Karo,and Wand Chako,these teachings are explained below.
Nam Simran:Which Means "Think About God."
Kirt Karo:Live a normal life,and earn a living through honest work.
Wand Chako:Treat all men and women of all nationalities, creed and colour, as equal, and share with the needy whatever you can spare.
Although other prophets followed 10 in all one of which was Guru Gobind Singh Ji who was the last prophet, and who died in 1708,all the prophets respectively paved the way for Sikhism to grow in various ways of prayer, conduct and discipline
It would be Guru Angad Dev Ji the 2nd Guru who would be responsible for inventing the Gurumukhi script or the Punjabi Language, and then further Gurus like Guru Amar Das Ji the 3rd Guru would be responsible for adding hymns sung at death ceremonies and over the years further Gurus would add hymns, and so the Guru Granth Sahib was completed which is the equivalent of the Holy Bible for the Sikhs.
Guru Gobind Singh then told Sikhs to follow what had been written in the Guru Granth Sahib which contains in its hymns it own code of conduct, with regards to marriage,death,the language and baptism for Sikhs.
Guru Nanak The Founder of the Sikh Reilgion
The Religion: Sikhism is a very young religion and, the word Sikh means to follow a certain discipline, all Sikhs believe in one god and follow the teachings of the 10 Gurus, which are all enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the Sikh holy book.
- Sikhism In its self is about living practically and been fair to everyone this can be achieved by living a honest life.Sikhs Believe in the following
- That there should be justice and liberty for all.
- Equal rights for women
- That all faiths should be tolerated,with regards to caste,gender,race or religion.
- Freedom of speech
- To defend civil liberties and to protect the defenceless.
Other beliefs of been a Sikh are to visit the Gurdwara which means a Gurus home. This is a place of worship for Sikhs, there are numerous Gurdwaras in India and around the world, the most famous one been the Golden Temple at Amritsar (actually known as the Harmindar Sahib).the temple is plated in gold.
The temple was built by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Amritsar , and stands in the middle of a square tank known as a Sarovar. The Temple has four entrances,these are always open this is to emphasise that the temple is open to all faiths.
The Golden Temple Amritsar Sikh Baptism
The Baptism of a Sikh is known a Amrit Sanskar,this is a very important and central part of Sikhism, and once baptised certain rules and disciplines must be followed and adhered to. It was Guru Gobind Singh Ji who made it a requirement for Sikhs to take "Amrit"this is because many people believe it is necessary for one to meet with God after their death
Once a Sikh has taken "Amirt he must submit to Gods will, and serve the needy, and he or she is prohibited from these 4 things in particular these are.
1. Hair Trimming (that's why Sikhs wear turbans)
2. Smoking and drinking and taking of drugs.
3. The consumption of Meat
4. Adultery.
Finally here are some interesting facts about the Sikh Religion.
There are some 26 million follower's worldwide
It is the worlds 5th largest religion
The reilgion originated in India
It is over 500yrs Old.
The reilgion of Sikhism is unique,it has no connections with Islam or Hinduism
Sikhs themsevles have been living in the USA since 1897,early settlers in America helped to build railroads,and worked in lumber mills and farms.
Over 83,000 Sikhs died fighting during the 2 World Wars,over one million Sikhs live in North America,some 15,000 in the Greater Sacramento Area.
The First ever Sikh Temple to be built in the USA is in Stockton,built in 1912.
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