SEEKING TO UNDERSTAND AND LEARN. . .SIKHISM, PART III

In concluding my three part posting focusing on Sikhism, I have chosen to share some of the values Sikhs hold, some of the behaviors that are prohibited, and a few ‘other’ observations.

Sikhs value EQUALITY.  All humans are equal before God; therefore, no discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste, race, gender, origin, color, education, status, wealth, or belief system.  The principles of universal equality and brotherhood are important tap roots in Sikhism.  Sikhs value a person’s RIGHT TO BE ALIVE.  Sikhs value the FAMILY.  Sikhs are encouraged to provide for and nurture members for the benefit of creation [each has a contribution to make to the world].  Sikhs value SHARING; it is important to share with those who do not have enough and it is important to give 10% of one’s net earnings to ‘charity.’  Sikhs value the FOUR FRUITS OF LIFE: Truth, contentment, contemplation and ‘Naam’ [in the name of God].

Some of the Prohibiting Behavior includes, but is not limited to: Material Obsession [‘Maya’] and Material Attachment.  Sacrifice of Creatures, including self-sacrifice.  Non-family oriented living — a Sikh is encouraged NOT TO LIVE as a recluse, beggar, monk, nun, celibate, etc.  Worthless Talk — bragging, gossip and lying are not permitted.  Intoxication — using alcohol, tobacco, certain other drugs are not permitted.  There is no priestly class in Sikhism; a priestly class is prohibited.  Sikhs are prohibited from having premarital or extramarital sexual relations.

Sikhs are encouraged to ‘meditate upon God’s name (‘Naam’); they are encouraged to earn an honest living while remembering God; and they are encouraged to share with those in need.

There is but ONE GOD.  God has infinite qualities and names; God is Creator and Sustainer.  Sikhism does not acknowledge the belief of a Personal God, as does Christianity, for example.  God is usually interpreted as being unfathomable, yet in a true sense God is also knowable.

Every creature has a soul and upon death, the soul is passed from one body to another until ‘liberation;’ the journey of the soul is governed by the deeds and actions that we perform during our lives.

Sikhs strive to REMEMBER GOD: Only by keeping the Creator in your mind at all times will you make progress in your spiritual evolution.

Sikhs live so that they are prepared to give their lives for Supreme Principles.’

Sikhs believe that there are many paths to God; they are not the only path nor do they consider themselves to be ‘the chosen ones.’

For a Sikh, no particular day is holier than another.

ALL ARE WELCOME.  Members of all faith traditions are welcomed and can visit and pray in the temple (Gurdwara); there are ‘rules’ to be followed when visiting a temple: cover your head, remove your shoes, no smoking once you cross the temple’s threshold.

The MOOL MANTAR sums up Sikhism’s basic beliefs:  There is one creator, whose name is truth; a creative being without fear, without hate, whose timeless spirit is throughout the universe and who is beyond the cycle of death and rebirth, who is self-existent; by the grace of God (the Guru), God is made known to humanity.  Chant and meditate on God’s name who is True in the beginning, True now, and will be True forever.