Sikhism is a religion that developed in an environment heavily influenced by conflict between the Hindu and Muslim religions. Sikhism comes from the word Sikh, which means a strong and able follower. The core beliefs of Sikhism are belief in one God and the teachings of the ten Gurus (teachers/prophets), enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. It departs from some of the social traditions and structure of Hinduism and Islam such as the caste system and purdah.

The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, was born in 1469 to a Hindu family in northeast India. After four epic journeys, he preached to Hindus, Muslims and others, and in the process attracted a following of Sikhs or followers. Religion, he taught, was a way to unite people, but in practice he found that it set men against one another. He particularly regretted the antagonism between Hindus and Muslims. He wanted to go beyond what was being practiced by either religion and hence a well-known saying of Guru Nanak is, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim."

Sikh Religious Philosophy. Sikhism’s religious position is clear, despite the appearance that it is a blend of insights originating from two very different faiths. Sikhism's coherence is attributable to its single central concept – the sovereignty of the One God, the Creator. Sikhs believe materialism prevents them from seeing the ultimate reality, as God created matter as a veil, so that only spiritual minds, free of desire.

Retaining the Hindu doctrines of reincarnation and the law of karma, the Gurus taught followers to end the cycle of reincarnation by living a disciplined life – that is, by moderating egoism and sensuous delights, to live in a balanced worldly manner, and by accepting God. However, Sikhism is opposed to the caste system. A Sikh should balance work, worship and charity - and meditate by repeating God's name, to enhance spiritual development. Salvation, Guru Nanak said, does not mean entering paradise after a last judgment, but a union and absorption into God. Sikhs believe in neither heaven nor hell. They strive for grace during the human journey of the soul.

Primary Beliefs & Principles Underlying Values Prohibited Behavior 1. One God: has infinite qualities and is A. Equality 1. Non-Logical Behavior: present within all things & places B. God’s Spirit: all superstitions and rituals are 2. Re-incarnation, Karma & Salvation creatures have God’s prohibited (pilgrimages, fasting, 3. Remember God spirit bathing in rivers; circumcision; 4. Meditation: early morning meditation for C. Personal Right to worship of graves, idols; experiencing union with God Life compulsory wearing of the veil) 5. Equality of Humans D. Actions Count 2. Material Obsession: wealth, 6. Earn One's Living Righteously: work E. Living a Family Life gold, stocks, & properties will all be left here on Earth when you hard & honestly; never live off others F. Sharing & Charity depart; do not get attached to 7. Conquer the 5 Thieves: ego, anger, G. Accept God’s Will them greed, attachment, and lust. 3. Sacrifice of Creatures 8. Attack with 5 Weapons: contentment, 4. Non-Family Oriented Living charity, kindness, positive attitude, humility. 5. Worthless Talk: bragging, 9. Share With Others gossip, and lying are not permitted 10. Uphold Moral Values 6. Intoxication 11. Personal Sacrifice 12. Many Paths to God: believe that Salvation can be obtained by non-Sikhs as 7. No Priestly Class well. 13. Positive Attitude to Life 14. Disciplined Life: strictly recite the 5 prayers.

15. No Special Worship Days