Sikhs regard the Guru Granth Sahib
as
the symbolic representation of the Ten Gurus
and thus the source of all spiritual wisdom.
Sikhism is monotheistic and the sacred texts explicitly state that "there is but one God.
He is the Supreme Truth." God is known as Sat Nam and has neither form nor
material substance. Sikhs believe that the grace of god can be invoked by
righteousness. To this end, Sikhs are enjoined to:
Meditate on the name of god;
follow the teachings of the gurus;
overcome the five deadly sins of anger, attachment, egoism, greed, and lust.
Sikh Code of Conduct
Sikhs adhere to a code of conduct which
permeates their behavior moral choices.
There are also prohibitions against idolatry, consumption of wine and smoking.
Sikhs are against the caste system and the Hindu practise of widow burningsutti.
Sikhism places an emphasis on moral values such as loyalty, gratitude for all favors
received, philanthropy, justice, truth and honesty. Selflessness and the
destruction of ego are seen as the primary means of achieving eternal bliss.
Unlike other Indian religions, Sikh teachings stress the importance of leading
a moral life within society, and it therefore places little
value on asceticism. Sikhs are enjoined to "abide in God amid the
impurities of the world, thus shalt thou find the way to salvation."
Sikh Baptism and Khalsa
Sikhs are part of a brotherhood known as the khalsa. Those who have undergone the amrit or baptism
become part of what is known as "the family of soldier saints."
The Five K's of Sikhism
Individuals who have been baptized as khalsa wear the so-called five k's
as symbols of their membership in the Khalsa. The five k's are:
- Kesh (uncut hair)
- Kara (a steel bracelet)
- Kanga (a wooden comb)
- Kachha (cotton underwear)
- Kirpan (sword)
The Ten Gurus
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