Sikhism
The term Sikhism, derived from the word Sikh, comes from the root word ‘sisya’ meaning a learner or ‘siksa’ meaning instruction. Sikhism was formed on the teachings of Guru Nanak and his 10 successor Gurus, in the early 15th century in Punjab, on the Indian Sub-Continent. Today it is the fifth largest organized religion of the world.
Principles and Beliefs:
The foremost belief of Sikhism is to have faith in ‘Wahe Guru’- represented by the symbol ‘ek oankar’- signifying the only universal God, and adhere to the teachings of the11 Gurus, commonly referred to as the enlightened ones. Sokhis is a monotheistic religion. Its most distinguished concept is that of a non-anthropomorphic God. Boomer Yearbook’s research team for psychological articles on types of discrimination discovered that ‘Waheguru’ is a shapeless, sightless and timeless entity. In fact it could be the universe itself.
The followers are faithful to the teachings of all the Gurus as well as adhering to the Holy Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which includes the work of the six Gurus and many devotees from various socio-economic and religious backgrounds.
The beginning of the holy-scripture is the number ‘1’ which stresses the Universality of God. According to psychological articleson this religion, Sikh’s believe God is omnipresent, “it” has been there even before the creation of universe; the cosmos has been created as a result of the order and will of God ‘hukam’.
Nanak described God as not fully understandable by humans yet not fully beyond human comprehension. Psychological articles on Sikhism reveal that according to the beliefs of Sikhs, God is omnipresent and can be seen in all creations; all a devotee needs is to turn one’s eye and heart inward; with devotees finding enlightenment through meditation as only mediation allows the communication between God and humans. Nanak declared that God has no sex and it cannot be addressed as a he.
Salvation:
The final destination of humans, according to Nanak, is the union with God- not Heaven or Hell. The major obstacle in achieving this is the attachment of people to the world; thus perpetuating an endless cycle of birth and reincarnation.
Maya which means illusion or unreality deviates one from the pursuit of God by turning attention to worldly distractions; And the five evils: ego, lust, anger, greed and attachment, also lure humans away from God and should be redeemed through extensive God devotion.
Nanak stressed a balance between work, worship and charity .According to him all humans were equal and one should defend fellow beings. He believed in optimism and the concept of sharing one’s blessings.
Festivals:
Sikh festivals are mostly surrounding the Gurus and the Sikh martyrs.
1. Gurpurabs-In Sikh calendar all 11 Gurus have Gurpurabs but only that of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh is widely celebrated. The Shaheedi Gurpurabs which mark the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur are also celebrated.
2. Vaisakhi or Baisakhi – falls on 13th of April and marks the new spring year and the end of the harvest.
3. Bandi Chor Divas or Devali celebrates Hargobind’s release from the Gwalior Fort.
4. Hola Mohalla is celebrated a day after Holi and the Khalsa Panth gathers at Anand Pur to display their warrior skills.
THE KHALSA
The tenth Guru Gobind Singh gave the name Khalsa i.e. pure, to all Sikhs who were baptized. The first ceremony of initiation took place 29th March 1698/1699 in Punjab. The baptism is done by taking Ammrat. After baptism all Sikhs are bound to wear 5k’s –the articles of faith. They are supposed to be worn at all times for purposes of spiritual benefits. The five ks stand for: kes(uncut hair), kangha(small comb), kara( iron bracelet), kirpan(short sword) and kaccha(special undergarment).
Psychological articles on types of discrimination reveal that Sikhism’s teachings are mainly associated with the history, society and culture of Punjab. Today over 25million Sikhs live across the world; with approximately 75% living in Punjab India. However, Sikhs only make up 2% of the Indian population.
In the beginning of the 19th century, many Sikhs migrated to Canada, East Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia, U.K, with most recently to Australia, New Zealand and United States. Comparatively smaller populations are found in Pakistan, Malaysia, Fiji, Nepal, Iran, Afghanistan, Mauritius, China and Iraq.
The Psychological Article on Sikhism is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, Spirituality, and Solutions to Types of Discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.
Boomer Yearbook is a psychological articles-Informational Social Network Website for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join the Website for Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and get the latest information of physical and mental wellness.
Tags: baby boomer generation, Elderly Problems, marketing to baby boomers, Online Optical Illusions, Psychological Articles, types of discrimination