Sikhism
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Sikhism was founded against a backdrop of longstanding religious bigotry
and hatred between Hindus and Muslims. Historians and specialists
in Eastern religions generally believe that Sikhism is a syncretistic
religion, originally related to the Bhakti movement within Hinduism
and the Sufi branch of Islam, to which many independent beliefs and
practices were added.
Some Sikhs believe that their religion is a re-purification of Hinduism;
they view Sikhism as a Hindu religious tradition.
Many Sikhs disagree; they believe that their religion is a direct revelation
from God–a religion that was not derived from either Hinduism
or Islam.
However the religion came about, the founder is credited to Guru
Nanak, approximately 500 years ago. He was inspired
by Kabirdas, a Hindu Muslim who spent his life preaching that the two
major faiths had aspects that were right and also beliefs that were
awry, like the caste system. His teachings were not accepted by the
orthodox hierarchies of his time, but were attractive to the ordinary
people.
During his lifetime, Guru Nanak, inspired by these teachings of
Kabir, shaped a unique and distinct religion that became known
as Sikhism. His belief was that God was neither Hindu nor Muslim, and
he would follow God's path only. Sikh is derived from the word
Sisya (disciple). Sikhism does not have priests, which were abolished
by a later Guru who felt that priests had become corrupt and full of
ego. The word 'Guru' in Sikhism means the descent of
divine guidance to mankind provided through Ten
Enlightened Masters. Starting with Guru Nanak, the divine
spirit was passed from one Guru to the next with the last Guru ending
in 1708. Thereafter Sikhs only have custodians of the Guru Granth
Sahib (granthi), the Sikh Holy Scriptures
and any Sikh is free to read the Guru Granth Sahib in the Gurdwara (a
Sikh temple) or in their home.
All people of all religions are welcome to the Gurdwara,
the center of Sikh worship, but the Gurdwara's are more than that.
A free community kitchen can be found at every Gurdwara which
serves meals to all people of all faiths. Guru Nanak first started this
institution based on the Sikh principles of service, humility and
equality.
Under the stewardship of the Ten Gurus, Sikhism was able to gather many
followers from other religions, but not without much persecution
along the way. Although the Gurus were outspoken about other religions
they strongly believed in religious freedom. They also emphasized that
the remembrance of God at all times and the leading of a decent and
honorable life, as the most important thing.
One of the greatest holy sites in the world is the center for the
Sikhs–Harmiandir Sahib–(The Golden Temple) at Amritsar in
the state of Punjab in northern India. It is the inspirational and historical
center of Sikhism. All places where Sri Guru Granth Sahib are placed
are considered equally holy for Sikhs.
A way of life and philosophy
well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago, the Sikh
religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and
is ranked as the worlds 5th largest religion. Sikhism's message of devotion
and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind,
social justice and denouncing blind rituals draws many new converts
to itself.
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