SIKHISM

WHAT IS SIKHISM ?

Sikhism or Sikhi is the world's 5th largest religion, developed from the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the 9 successive gurus. Sikhi is derived from Sikh which is again derived from the sanskrit word - Sisya ( शिष्यः) that means a disciple or a learner. Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhi (Sikhism). The basis of Sikhi emphasises on striking harmony or balance between one's spiritual process and everyday truthful living. The terms Gurmat & Aad-Matt (the primal counsel) is alternatively used for Sikhism or Sikhi.

WHO IS A SIKH ?

Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Ang 305) defines Sikh in these words (with translation) -

Meaning - One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru the True Guru shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food - that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind.

HISTORY OF SIKHISM

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first sikh guru is the founder of sikhism or sikhi. Nanak ji was born in Punjab and used to live a life of sewa, honesty, simplicity & spirituality. The people who became his followers at that time, came to be known as Sikhs. The new sikh tradition was in infancy at the time of Guru Nanak. The guruship was passed from Guru Nanak to Guru Angad to Guru Amardas to Guru Ramdas to Guru Arjan to Guru Hargobind to Guru Har Rai to Guru Har Krishan to Guru Tegh Bahadur to Guru Gobind Singh. It continued to grow under the guidance of 10 sikh gurus.

THREE PILLARS OF SIKHISM

Guru Nanak Dev Ji formalised three pillars of Sikhism -

1) Naam Japo - Naam Japo, sometimes also known as Naam Japna means to meditate on the God or Akal Purakh. By contemplating on naam, a devotee is able to harness the qualities of God, controls the 5 evils and is able to live a satisfying life.

2) Kirat Karo - Kirat Karo means to earn a living through honest means. Sikh way of life tells us not to renounce the world and become dependent on others for food but instead Guru Nanak Dev Ji advises to earn your living through labor, hard work & sincerity, without any corruption.

3) Vand Chakko - Vand Chakko, sometimes also known as Vand Chakna means share & consume together. Guru Nanak Dev Ji believed in sharing (food & wealth) with others in need, irrespective of any caste or creed. The spirit of sharing with the community is an important message given by the Guru Sahib.