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Home , Jaap Sahib, Kara (Sikhism), Khanda (Sikh symbol), Nishan Sahib, Panj Pyare, Satnam

Here is a Pamphlet you can print and distribute to your friends who want to know more about . time, motivated by communal fanaticism. They had to gods and goddesses are considered nonentities. Sikh Baptism What is Sikhism make supreme sacrifices to protect and preserve their This religion consists of practical living, in rendering Amrit (The Sikh Baptism) is a must for The word ‘Sikh’ means a ‘disciple’. A faith and separate entity. The Mughul Empire was on service to humanity and engendering tolerance and every Sikh. No minimum or maximum Sikh is a person who believes in one god the verge of disintegration. The Afghans had started brotherly love towards all. The Sikh did not age is stipulated for getting baptised. A and teachings of the Ten Gurus, enshrined invading the country under Ahmad Shah Abdali. The advocate retirement from the world in order to attain Sikh undertakes to uphold the in the Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy availed of this opportunity to establish their own salvation. It can be achieved by any one who earns an principles of its faith and Code of Book. Additionally, he or she must take kingdom which they ultimately achieved under honest living and leads a normal life. Conduct as prescribed by the Gurus. Amrit, the Sikh Baptism. Maharaja Ranjit (1708-1839 AD). The Sikh ‘He alone, O Nanak, knoweth the way, who earneth Any man or woman of any nationality, Empire lasted for half a century and was annexed by the with the sweat of his brow, and then shareth it with the Brief History race or social standing, who adheres to English in 1849 AD. others.’ the principles of the Faith has a right to The Sikh religion was founded by Guru During the freedom struggle of a large number of (, p.1245) Nanak, who was born in 1469 AD in the receive baptism and join the Sikh Sikhs kissed the hangman’s noose, faced all the gave new hope to the down-trodden Commonwealth - The Panth. village Talwandi, now called ‘Nankana brutalities and braved the bullets and suffered long term mankind to join his fraternity as equals. He is a creator Sahib’ near Lahore (). imprisonments in order to liberate the country. Although of the NEW MAN in the New World supported by a Sikh Code of Conduct Right from his childhood his keen mind the Sikhs constitute only 1.7 percent of India’s New morality. The Sikh Code of Conduct is known as would not accept all the groundless rituals, population, yet they have made a name for themselves Riches and personal possessions are not hindrance in ‘’. It is based upon superstitions and dogmas which passed for in almost all walks of life such as armed forces, living by spiritual ideals. Sikhism does not believe in the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, religion in those days. agriculture, sports, industry, education, medicine and the maxim ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the the Sikh traditions and conventions. Guru Nanak and the nine Gurus who engineering, etc., through sheer dint of hard work and eyes of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the These rules are meant for carrying out succeeded him, set a wonderful example with a missionary dedication. Their adventurist and Kingdom of God.’ On the other hand the Sikh dictum is the religious ceremonies and enforcing of living spiritually, while yet taking an enterprising nature has taken them to almost all as under: the discipline of the Faith in an active and secular part in the world. countries of the world. ‘They, who are attuned to the Lord, by the Guru’s uniform manner throughout the world. The Tenth and the last Guru, Guru Gobind No individual or organisation, Grace, Attain to the Lord in the midst of Maya,(ie. Singh (1666-1708 AD) initiated the Sikh Religion and Philosophy whosoever important it may be, has a The Sikh religion is strictly monotheistic, believing in wealth).’ Baptism ceremony in 1699 AD, and thus (Guru Granth Sahib, p.921) right either to amend these rules or to gave a distinctive identity to the Sikhs. one Supreme God, Absolute yet All-pervading, the frame new ones. This power rests with Eternal, the Creator, the cause of causes, without Sikhism does not accept the ideology of pessimism. It The first ‘Five Baptised Sikhs were named advocates optimism and hope. The maxim, ‘Resist not the Panth, ie.,the community as a (Five Beloved Ones), who in Enmity, without Hate, both Immanent in his creation whole acting through their Beloved and beyond it. It is no longer the God of one nation, but evil but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn baptised the Guru on his request - an turn to him the other also’, does not find any place in Five (Panj Payare). Any rule which event hither to unknown in the history of the GOD OF GRACE. That being so, He creates man over-rides the basic teachings of the not to punish him for his sins, but for the realisation of Sikh way of life. On the other hand it enjoins its the world. followers: ‘When an affair is past every other remedy, it Faith is ultra vires. All intoxications Shortly before passing away, the Guru his true purpose in the cosmos and to merge in from such as alcohol, tobacco and all its where he issued forth is righteous, indeed, to unsheathe the sword.’ ordained that Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh () derivation, Trimming of the Keshas, Holy Scripture would be the ultimate ‘O my mind, thou art the embodiment of Light; know Eating the meat(Kutha) prepared as per spiritual authority for the Sikhs and the thy essence’ Distinctive Personality Muslim rites (Hallal) are forbidden. temporal authority would vest in the ‘O my mind, the Lord is ever with thee; through the A Sikh has a distinctive personality. This distinction is Adultery is considered as a sin. A Sikh Khalsa Panth - The Sikh Commonwealth, Guru’s Word enjoy His Love.’ represented by five symbols, popularly known as Five should regard another man’s wife as Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy ‘Knowing thy essence thou knowest thy Lord; and K’s, because the first letter of each symbol begins with his sister or mother; and another man’s Scripture was compiled and edited by the knowest thou the mystery of birth and death.’ the letter ‘K’. These are Keshas (long and unshorn hair), daughter as his own daughter. The Fifth Guru, in 1604 AD. This (Guru Granth Sahib, p.441) (a comb), (a steel bracelet), Kachha (pair same rule is applicable to the Sikh is the only Scripture in the world which The basic postulate of Sikhism is that life is not sinful in of shorts) and ( a sword). Woman also. has been compiled by the founders of a its origin, but having emanated from a Pure Source, the People who wear a uniform and who are imbued with True One abides in it. Thus sayeth Nanak: disciplined outlook, are better able to achieve unity of Woman in the Sikh Society faith during their own life time. Woman is regarded as a significant Guru Arjan also built the world famous ‘O my mind, thou art the spark of the Supreme Light; purpose and acquire a real sense of brotherhood than know thy essence.’ those who have set no particular standards. A Sikh part of the Sikh community. She - Darbar Sahib, at Amritsar receives the utmost reverence for her which is the nucleus of Sikhism. Not only the whole of Sikh philosophy, but the whole of without these symbols is a nonentity. Sikh history and character, flows from ‘this principle’. Those who cut their hair or trim their beard commit a role in the family and society. The During the eighteenth century the Sikhs birth of a daughter is not considered were subjected to various suppressions and The Sikhs do not recognise the caste system nor do they breach of the Cardinal Rules of the Order, and are believe in idol-worship, rituals or superstitions. The considered as ‘apostates’. persecutions by the authorities of the continued...... inauspicious nor does there exist any Married and family life is considered honourable, brotherhood. It is here that the high and the low, the rich Personal Law. custom like sati - the burning of the widow natural and ideal. and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, the kings and There is no such class as priesthood in with her husband’s dead body on the ‘O my mind, keep thyself detached even in the the paupers, all share the same food sitting together in Sikhism. However, the one who funeral pyre. Rather a widow has a right to household, If thou practisest the Truth, and holdest thy one row. This kitchen is run by the common performs the daily service is called the remarry if she so desires. desire and, doest good deeds, thy mind is illumined by contributions of the Sikhs. The institution of . A woman is considered to have the same the Guru’s Grace.’ (Common Kitchen) is instrumental in creating social The -singers are called Ragis and soul as man and she has an equal right to (Guru Granth Sahib, p.26) equality among the whole mankind. the singing of is called , grow spiritually and to attend religious The marriage of Sikh couple is solemnised by The Gurdwara ie. praise of the Lord. congregations and recite divine hymns in circumambulating four times around the Guru Granth The Sikh is called Gurdwara. In every We conclude this brochure with the the Sikh Temple. She is also eligible to Sahib. Each time a Shabad - Epithalamium, which is a Gurdwara the Sikh Holy Scripture is installed in the following words from our daily prayer. participate and perform all ceremonies part of the marriage service is recited by a Sikh priest main hall, which is used for prayer and daily service. ‘O God, give us light, give us including Baptism. who performs the marriage ceremony. The priest tells Every person irrespective of caste, creed, culture or understanding, so that we may know Sikh women do not put on veil (purdah). them to mould their conjugal relations as per the model nationality can visit it. Before entering the Gurdwara what pleaseth Thee, And may all (the Dowry and divorce are not permitted. laid down in these Four Shabads (Hymns). one must take off his shoes and cover his head. On whole mankind), prosper by the Grace. Wearing of clothes which expose the body The same ceremony is performed at the remarriage of a entering the main hall every one approaches the Holy ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki and breed lustful thoughts are considered widow or a widower. Book and bows before it in reverence and takes his Fateh’(Hail God’s Khalsa, Victory be dishonourable. Fairs and Festivals place. to God)(Sikh Salutation). Ceremonies of the Sikhs The Sikhs celebrate the following days: A Granthi, or Sikh Priest conducts the prayer and or Sikhism is a practical religion - a faith The important ceremonies among the The birth and death anniversaries of the Ten Gurus. performs the Congregational services. Services begin of hope and optimism. Its ideals from a Sikhs are those associated with Birth, The installation of the Holy Granth Sahib as the with the singing of hymns with the musical instrument. large part of the more progressive Naming the child, Amrit (Baptism), Anand Spiritual Guide (Guru) of the Sikhs. Called Kirten, it is the most important aspect of the elements in humanity today. It shows Karaj (marriage) and the Death ceremony. The birth of the Khalsa, ie. Baisakhi day which Diwan. The Sikh Holy book is 1430 pages of poetry mankind how to lead a worthy and The most important among all these is the generally falls on the 13 th of April each year. rendered complete with original music, rag and taal useful life in the world, which elevates Amrit (Sikh Baptism) ceremony. Martyrdom days of the prominent Sikhs who died for scores. or Ragees sing the hyms in the same it to the status of Universal World No special rituals are attached to these the sake of their religion or in defence of the oppressed. musical scores. On special occasions, singing is Faith. ceremonies. The only important aspect is The days connected with the important events of the intercepted with lectures, poems, or other compositions recitation of shabad (hymns) from Guru Sikh history. highlighting events from Sikh history. The services are Dharam Parchar Centre Granth Sahib. The Daily Life of a Sikh concluded with Ardas - the prayer, which invokes God’s The dead amongst the Sikhs are cremated blessings in granting peace, prosperity and protection to Every Sikh is expected to get up in the morning before Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sang Sabha and their ashes are thrown into the nearest dawn. After taking bath he should meditate on the Name all mankind. After the prayers a Shabad-hymn is read canal or river. No sanctity is attributed to from the Holy Scripture and then Karah Parshad, a 17 Wilkinson Road Tel:3485125 of God. Fax:3380594 Singapore 1543 any particular river. it is forbidden to erect ‘Rise thou early and meditate on the Name, Yea, dwell sweet semolina - pudding made from flour, sugar and monuments over the remains of the dead. butter is distributed to the congregation. Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sang Sabha on the Lord night and day; Then, thou sufferest not P.O. Box 660 Tel:215564 All these ceremonies have a common sorrow; and all thy woes depart.’ On each Gurdwara , a flag of yellow objective, namely, to remind us of one’s colour, surmounted with a - a double edged Karachi Pakistan (Guru Granth Sahib, p.255) Nanak Parchar Sabha Inc relation with God. These are conceived as The following five compositions are recited every day: sword is erected. This symbolises the combination of means to an end ie. the union of soul with temporal and spiritual aspect of Sikh life. 808 S Broadway 4th Floor, Morning: , and Ten Swiyyas Tel: (213) 6242242 the Lord. Evening: Rehras Each city or town has according to their requirements. All of them have the same sanctity. There Fax: (213) 6234596 Marriage in Sikhism Night : (before going to bed) LA, CA 90014 - USA. Marital bond according to Sikh religion is A Sikh is required to attend Gurdwara - the Sikh Temple are some Gurdwaras which in addition to being a place of prayer have also historic importance. The five most Trust a sacrament - a holy union and not a - as a part of daily routine. 1030 Hamilton St. Tel:(604) 6853394 contract. important Gurdwaras are known as TAKHATS/thrones and Pangat or seats of authority. These are Takhat Sahib in Fax: (604) 6853686 Vancouver BC ‘They are not wife and husband who only The two important features of a Gurdwara are Sangat - Canada V6B2R9 sit together. Rather are they wife and Bihar, Takhat Kesgarh Sahib at , and congregation, and Pangat - Community Kitchen, also Takhat Damdama Sahib at Talwandi-Sabo in , Gurcharan Singh Narula husband who have one spirit in them.’ known as Guru-ka-Langar. This community kitchen is 01-05 High St. Plaza Tel: 3389855 (Guru Granth Sahib, p.788) Takhat at Nanded in and meant for providing food to all devotees, pilgrims and Takhat Sahib at Amritsar, which is also the supreme seat Fax:3399159 Singapore 0617 Sikhism does not believe in celibacy. visitors. It is a symbol of equality, fraternity and of authority. Religious as well as temporal injunctions are issued from here from time to time for the guidance of the community. These injunctions are known as Namas and have the binding force of Sikh