![]() In order to understand the principles of Sikhism, it is necessary to comprehend the symbolic importance of the Sikh Gurus. Responsibilities of the Guru According to the Guru Nanak, the ‘Guru’ is the human representative or medium through which God communicates to human beings. The ‘sabad’ or the celestial word uttered by the Guru is in reality the expression of God. The primary responsibility of the Guru is to instil a sense of awakening amidst his followers. The ‘sabad’ creates a deep awakening among the human beings and the enlightened disciples are bestowed with the ‘Hukam’. Here, according to Guru Nanak, ‘Hukam’ implies two basic concepts: it may signify a sense of harmony and at the same time it may also represent the order bequeathed by God. It is believed that the universe came into existence upon the ‘Hukam’ of God. Concept of God in Sikhism Sikhism propagates monotheism. Principally, it condemns idolatry and any form of ritualistic practice or superstition. The central principle governing Sikhism is belief in a single supreme divine authority, prevalently referred to by the phrase ‘Ek Onkar’. According to the teachings of Guru Nanak, the God in Sikhism is ‘nirankar’ or formless and an eternal or ‘akal’ entity whose presence is ‘alakh’ or overwhelming. God is represented by the term ‘Waheguru’ and he is omnipresent or ‘sarab viapak’. He is also represented as ‘Satt-nama’, the sacred name and ‘Kartar’ or the Supreme Creator. The Divine Creator, only He is capable of destroying the cosmos. Sikhism does not specify the gender of the formless all-pervading God. Religious Faith in Sikhism ![]() The principles of Sikhism are founded on the concept of universal brotherhood. The Sikhs must renounce all forms of material temptation (‘dhan ki kirat’) and practice meticulousness and hard work ‘Kirat Karni’. A primary principle followed by a Sikh in his everyday life is the practice of ‘Vand Chakko’ or sharing of food with other members of the community. Safeguarding of moral values and personal sacrifice is a premier duty of the Sikhs. The Guru Granth Sahib also delineates a set of five 'doshas' or evils that a Sikh must abstain from. These are; 1. ‘Ahankar’ or pride 2. ‘Lobh’ or greed 3. ‘Krodh’ or anger 4. ‘Kaam’ or desire 5. ‘Moh’ or addiction. They are countered by the five set of virtues which are believed to aid salvation. These include; 1. ‘Daya’ or kindness 2. ‘Pyare’ or affection 3. ‘Nimrata’ or humbleness 4. ‘Sat’ or truthfulness 5. ‘Santokh’ or fulfillment Five K’s in Sikhism The Khalsa system introduced by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 was also based on five essential principles, denoted prevalently as the ‘Five Ks’ or the obligation to wear the ‘panj kakkar’ as part of the daily attire. It includes: 1. ‘Kachha’ or undergarment, 2. ‘Kesh’ or uncut tresses and unshaved beard 3. ‘Kanga’ or comb 4. ‘Kirpan’ or dagger 5. ‘Kara’ or amulet Sikhism upholds the principle that all living beings are equal in the eyes of God and any form of distinction on the basis of gender, caste or creed are entirely renounced by the followers of the Sikh faith. |
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Principles Of Sikhism