Sikhism

They don't have one. Or, at least, nothing was ever mentioned by the Sikh gurus. They took their task to be teaching people how to live righteous lives, and didn't deem a creation account important in this regard. Similarly, there is no doomsday account either; again, because they didn't believe these to be questions of spirituality: where you came from and where you will go does not affect what you do now, or the person you are.

Note, however, that there are one or two references to Hindu beliefs about the "ages" and other such stuff in the Sikh holy book (these bits were written by Hindus, obviously, and are linked to Hindu beliefs about the creation of mankind). Remember, though, that the Sikh holy book is intended as a guide on how to live ones live (and has poems by both Hindus and Muslims): what's important is the meaning of the words and not the context used in the poetry. For example, page 145 of the Sikh holy book (the "Sri Guru Granth Sahib"):

The Dark Age of Kali Yuga is the knife, and the kings are butchers; righteousness has sprouted wings and flown away.

In this dark night of falsehood, the moon of Truth is not visible anywhere.

I have searched in vain, and I am so confused;

in this darkness, I cannot find the path.

In egotism, they cry out in pain.

Says Nanak, how will they be saved?

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Kirtan [singing] of the Lord's Praise has appeared as a Light in the world.

How rare are those few Gurmukhs [good person; literally, "Guru's mouth": one who follows the guru's teachings on how be a good person, as opposed to one who follows the desires of life (greed, egotism etc.)] who swim across to the other side!

The Lord bestows His Glance of Grace;

O Nanak, the Gurmukh receives the jewel.

This should be interpreted as a lament on the evil that people do, and how special it is to find someone who lives by what is right; not a literal endorsement of the belief in "Kali Yuga" and other concepts of creation and ancient eras.

The Sikhs were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar to wear a steel slave bangle called a Kara at all times. This was one of five articles of faith, collectively called kakars that form the external visible symbols to clearly and outwardly display ones commitment and dedication to the order (hukam) of the tenth master and become a member of Khalsa.The Khalsa is the "Saint-Soldier" of Guru Gobind Singh who undertakes the following: "He does not recognize anyone else except One Lord, not even the bestowal of charities, performance of merciful acts, austerities and restraint on pilgrim-stations; the perfect light of the Lord illuminates his heart, then consider him as the immaculate Khalsa." (Guru Gobind Singh in the Dasam Granth page 1350)

The Kara is to constantly remind the Sikh to always remember that whatever he or she does with their hands has to be in keeping with the advice given by the Guru. And this advice can be summed up in this line from theSGGS, the Sikh holy scripture: "In the tenth month, you were made into a human being, O my merchant friend, and you were given your allotted time to perform good deeds." (SGGS page 76)

The Kara is a constant reminder of the Sikh's mission on this earth and that he or she must carry out righteous and true deeds and actions in keeping withGurbani. The Kara is usually worn on the right hand although this has not been stipulated by the tenth Guru.

The sections below give more details of the underlying message of this faith. It is easiest to discuss the topic if the details are divided into the following sections:

1. Equality: All humans are equal before God - No discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste, race, gender, creed, origin, color, education, status, wealth, et cetera. The principles of universal equality and brotherhood are important pillars of Sikhism.
2. Personal right: Every person has a right to life but this right is restricted and has attached certain duties - simple living is essential. A Sikh is expected to rise early, meditate and pray, consume simple food, perform an honest day's work, carry out duties for his or her family, enjoy life and always be positive, be charitable and support the needy, et cetera.
3. Actions count: Salvation is obtained by one's actions - good deeds, remembrance of God - Naam Simran, Kirtan.
4. Living a family life: Encouraged to live as a family unit to provide and nurture children for the perpetual benefit of creation. (as opposed to living as a wild hermit, which was, and remains, a common spiritual practice in India.)
5. Sharing: It is encouraged to share and give to charity 10 percent of one's net earnings.
6. Accept God's will: Develop your personality so that you recognise happy event and miserable events as one - the will of God causes them.
7. The four fruits of life: Truth, contentment, contemplation and Naam, (in the name of God).

1. Non-logical behavior: Superstitions, or rituals which have no meaning, such as pilgrimages, fasting and bathing in rivers, gambling, worship of graves, idols or pictures, and compulsory wearing of the veil for women, are prohibited.
2. Material obsession: ("Maya") Accumulation of materials has no meaning in Sikhism. Wealth such as gold, portfolio, stocks, commodities, properties, et cetera, will all be left here on Earth when you depart. Do not get attached to them.
3. Sacrifice of creatures: Sati - Widows throwing themselves in the funeral pyre of their husbands, the act of slaughtering lambs and calves to celebrate holy occasions
4. Non-family oriented living: A Sikh is encouraged not to live as a recluse, beggar, monk, Nun, celibate, or in any similar vein.
5. Worthless talk: Bragging, gossip, and lying are not permitted.
6. Intoxication: The consumption of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or other intoxicants is prohibited.
7. No priestly class: Sikhs do not have to depend on a priest for any of the functions that need to be performed.
8. Eating meat killed in a ritualistic manner: Sikhs are strictly prohibited from eating meat killed in a religious manner (such as halal or kosher meat), or any meat during the langar.[1] In some Sikh groups, eating any meat is believed to be forbidden, but this is not a universally held belief.[2]

1. Naam: Meditate upon God's name (Waheguru in the Sikh religion) through verba the mind is stilled and cleansed in order to become one with God. The technique taught by the Guru Granth Sahib is "Urd Uhrd". This means to inhale with the "Wahe" syllable and exhale on the "Guru" syllable. This is the most important part of the religion.
2. Kirat Karni: - Earning an honest living while remembering the Lord.
3. Wand kay Shakna: - Share with others who are deserving, as during langar

1. Reincarnation, karma and salvation: - Every creature has a soul. Upon death, the soul is passed from one body to another until liberation[citation needed]. The journey of the soul is governed by the deeds and actions that we perform during our lives.
2. Remember God: Love God, but have fear of Him as well. Only by keeping the Creator in your mind at all times will you make progress in your spiritual evolution.
3. Humanity (brotherhood): All human beings are equal. We are sons and daughters of Waheguru, the Almighty.
4. Uphold moral values: Defend, protect and fight for the rights of all creatures, in particular your fellow human beings.
5. Personal sacrifice: Be prepared to give your life for all supreme principles. See the life of Guru Teg Bahadur.
6. Many paths lead to God: - Sikhs are not special; they are not the chosen people of God. Simply calling yourself a Sikh does not bring you salvation. Members of all religions have the same right to liberty as Sikhs.
7. Positive attitude toward life: "Chardi Kala" - Always have a positive, optimistic and buoyant view of life. God is there - He will be your help.
8. Disciplined life: Upon baptism, a Sikh must wear the 5Ks and perform strict recital of the five prayers Banis.[citation needed]
9. No special worship days: Sikhs do not believe that any particular day is holier than any other.
10. Conquer the five thieves: It is every Sikh's duty to defeat these five thieves: Pride (a'Hankar), Anger (Kr'odh), Greed (Lob'H), Attachment (Mo'H), and Lust (K'haam). Known collectively as P.A.G.A.L.
11. Attack with Five Weapons: Contentment (Santokh), Charity (Dan), Kindness (Daya ), Positive Energy (Chardi Kala), Humility (Nimarta).
12. Having premarital sexual or extramarital relations:Sikhs are encouraged to be faithful to their spouse. All forms of adultery are discouraged. [3]
13. Not son of God: The Gurus were not, in the Christian sense, "Sons of God". Sikhism says we are all God's children.
14. All are welcome: Members of all religions can visit Sikh temples ("Gurdwaras"), but please observe the local rules: cover head, no shoes, no smoking when going in to the main hall.
15. Multi-level approach: Sikhism recognizes the concept of a multi-level approach to achieving your target as a disciple of the faith. For example, "Sahajdhari" (slow adopters) are Sikhs who have not donned the full 5Ks but are still Sikhs regardless.

Note: The Punjabi language does not have a gender for God. Unfortunately, when translating, the real meaning cannot be properly conveyed without using "Him," "His," "He," "Brotherhood," "Him or Her," et cetera; but this distorts the meaning by giving the impression that God is masculine, which is not the message in the original script. The reader must allow for this every time these words are used. It is often the case that rather than taking a gender definition, God is simply conveyed as "Omnipotent Being" rather than God, thus converying the correct perceptual image.

1. ^ "Sikhism, A Complete Introduction" by Dr. H.S. Singha & Satwant Kaur Hemkunt, Hemkunt Press, New Delhi, 1994, Special:Booksources
2. ^ "Sikh Identity: An Exploration of Groups Among Sikhs" by Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, pg. 51, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, 2005, Special:Booksources
3. ^ Doris R. Jakobsh. Relocating Gender In Sikh History: Transformation, Meaning and Identity. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2003, pp.39-40

• Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle - A Socio-Religious Non-Profit Sikh Organization (ISO 9001:2000 Certified)

When entering a temple:

1. Sikhs take off their shoes and socks and wash their hands.
2. Cover their heads.
3. Bow in front of the Holy Book called the Guru Granth Sahib.

Then they proceed to take some 'Karah Prashad' - holy food - and sit down to listen to the teachings of the Guru and pray.

Sikhs do not believe in caste. Its just a Punjabi thing.

Note: Sikhism is a Religion, Punjabi is a culture.