Sikhism

Arranged marriage.

Anand karaj - literally translated as "Blissful Event". Sikhs regard marriage as a sacred bond of mutual dependence between a man and a woman; a true partnership of equals in marriage is made between those who are united in spirit as well as in mind and body. Marriage is regarded as a strong lifetime bond between the bride and groom and and a union between both the families of the bride and groom.

This event leads to a "joining" of the two families into one creating an enlarged extended family structure where each member has a useful part to play in the new family structure; each member of this extended family has to play a part in ensuring that the new couple are given every assistance in this new relationship and their start on this honourable path of Grist marg, "path of the householder".

Gristi jiwan (living as a householder) is given a very respected position in Guru Nanak's society as it is regarded as the essential basic atomic unit of a healthy community; a couple leading a happy, strong and fulfilling relationship will provide a base for a strong, united and coherent community.

Based on a concept depicted in Laava, the Sikh marriage is not merely a physical and legal contract but is a fusion of the souls; a holy union between two souls, where physically they appear as two individual bodies but in fact are united as one. The couple must feel and think alike and both must be completely identified with the other, i.e. they need to become "Ek Jot Doe Murti"meaning "one spirit in two bodies".

There are some variations of Sikhs as sometimes where they originate from sometimes comes into their 'nationality.' For example there are American Sikhs, British Sikhs and so on.

Some people would argue that the Sikh religion is split up furthermore, into a caste system but Sikhs are supposed to believe in equality therefore the caste system does not really exisist in Sikhism.

Sikhism was founded on the teachings of Guru Nanak and ten successive Sikh Gurus in fifteenth century Punjab, Guru Nanak Dev Jee was born on 15th April 1469. He died on 22 September 1539 in Kartarpur, Punjab, Pakistan at the age of 70

This is Originaly found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak

The prime goal of man is to destroy the cycle of birth and rebirth and be united with God. This can be done by following the teachings of the Guru, meditation and service. If a person overcomes the Five Cardinal Vices he will be saved.

Five Cardinal Vices:

1. Ego
2. Lust
3. Greed
4. Attachment
5. Anger

Each one links into the other, Sikhs believe these are the things which makes a persons life unhappy. If they can control these by meditating and praying, they'll live happily. No one can actually get rid of these. The Sikhs call them the Punj Chor(5 thieves).

Do's and Don't at at Gurugwara

1. Take off your shoes. One is advised to take off their socks too, so that the foul smell of the socks does not enter the Gurudwara premises. This is to show respect. Place your shoes in the shoe room. It also stops dust getting into the Gurdwara.

2. Cover your head. This is also to show respect.

3. No alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or weapons. This is to stop unclean substances and things getting into the Gurdwara.

4. Wash your hands and feet. This is to stop dirty feet and hands spreading dirt and dust spreading around the Gurdwara.

5. Don't point your feet at the Guru Granth Sahib. This would be disrespectful.

6. Anyone of any faith can visit a Gurdwara and will be welcomed in the Gurdwara. So people feel free in the Gurdwara, and won't be scared away.

7. Bow to the Guru Granth Sahib as the first thing touching the floor with your forehead. This not only shows respect but also indicates that you submit yourself to the truths contained in the book.

8. People also place an offering of food or money in front of the Guru Granth Sahib. This is used to run the Gurdwara and the free food kitchen (Langar). The offering is not charity but a sharing of God's gifts. If a person has no money or food to offer they may offer flowers, or just some words of sincere thanks.

9. Everyone sits on the floor in a Gurdwara. This is to be humble before the Guru Granth Sahib and because it gives everyone a place of equal status to sit. Most people sit cross-legged.

10. Anyone who walks round the Guru Granth Sahib or the Gurdwara must do so in a clockwise direction.

11. During a service a person with a whisk or fan called a Chaur waves it over the Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect.

12. Men and women generally sit on separate sides of the hall. To avoid distraction and keep the main focus on God.

13. Stand up and press your both hands together at the time of Ardas.

14. Towards the end of a service karah prasad, a sweet vegetarian food that has been blessed, will be served. This should be taken and received in cupped hands as a gift of God.

15. Every Gurdwara has a Langar-Khana (dining place) attached to it where food is served to everyone without charge. The food served in the Langar must be simple, so as to prevent wealthy congregations turning it into a feast that shows off their superiority. We all are supposed sit together and have the meal served. This is to remove castism or groupism of high and low.