The Sikh reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Sikh

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The word Sikh is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘shishya’ which means ‘disciple’ or ’Student’ or ’Learner’. In the Punjabi language the word Sikh also means to learn. So a Sikh is a Disciple of the Guru. Sikhism the religion of the Sikhs has a total of Ten Gurus. The Sikh is a follower of the teaching of these ten Gurus, Masters or Prophets and many Hindu and Muslim Saints whose teaching are incorporated in the Sikh’s perpetual authority, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. To the Sikhs, this is more than a Holy Book. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 – 1539) was the first Sikh Guru, while Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666 – 1708) was the last human Guru of the Sikhs.

The Sikhs are instructed to be Honest, Hard-working, God fearing, Polite, Courageous, Simple people, who practice normal (householder) family life; respect for all other communities; complete equality in all aspects of human life; complete transparency to race, colour, gender, caste, creed, wealth, social status, education, profession, etc. To restrain and control these 5 thieves – Pride, Anger, Greed, Attachment & Lust. (P.A.G.A.L.)

The Sikhs have been taught to: Remember God at all times; accept the Will of God; be Loving to all other beings; to be Charitable; be Un-attached to the World (Maya); accept this Life as transient – like a dream; accept re-incarnation as evolution of the Soul; death as a door to the next life; Birth & Death as a continuous cycle - only broken by Salvation – union with God; your Karmas will determine how your soul evolves; etc

For more information on this Religion, see Sikhism or Sikhism Primary Beliefs & Principles and the Index at Sikh Sites

Table of contents
1 Who is a Sikh?
2 Why become a Sikh?
3 Duties of a Sikh
4 Daily Practises of a Sikh
5 The Sikh and His Guru

Who is a Sikh?

A Sikh is a person male or female, old or young who is a disciple or follower of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and its many teachings. The Legal definition of a Sikh is: Any human being who faithfully believes in In the SGGS on page 305 , Guruji defines Sikh as: Check the original Text here: SriGranth.org

Why become a Sikh?

Most people become Sikhs because they are born into Sikh families. However, as Sikhism is a young religion, many are turning to this faith as more knowledge about the teachings of the Gurus become more widespread and better understood. It is only during the 1960's that the first English translations of the SGGS became available.

Becoming a Sikh is a big commitment and needs to be considered very carefully. The faith is very different from most other faiths and it will be very challenging for any individual contemplating becoming a Sikh. There are many hurdles to be crossed and many strange different cultural problems to be resolved. It is not advised that anyone made this decision in haste. You must familiarise yourself with the full implication for over one year before you even think to consider becoming a Sikh.

Sikhs are not allowed to convert individual to their faith either by applying pressure or by force or by any other means. It is up to prospective new members to make the initial effort. This is very unlike some of the other faiths where 'the faithful will go to heaven if they convert x number of people to the faith'– A Sikh receives no benefit from God or Guru for “converting” a person to Sikhism. Zero Commission in Sikhism! You must take good proper advice before taking any steps.

But if the decision has been made there are benefits of being a Sikh. As the most modern of the World religion - it is now the Fifth biggest in number terms – There are about 23,000,000 Sikhs worldwide – it has a growing membership. As a Sikh, you are a part of a body that practises: Equality on race, gender, creed, caste, etc; High Principles of Ethics and Morality: Protection of the Weak; Sacrifice for your Principles; Charity; Selfless Service, etc

However, there are many drawbacks as well: Eventually, as you progress to higher level, you will have to: stop Drink alcohol, beer, spirits, etc, stop Take drugs, stop Smoking, not Shave your hair, Tie a turban, etc

Duties of a Sikh

This section deals with the general duty of a Sikh to Society and God rather that his/her daily Practises which are dealt with in a subsequent section.

  1. Accept the Ten Gurus and SGGS as their Spiritual Teachers. Regularly study, meditate on and read the SGGS. Naam Japo; have faith in Guru & God.
  2. Live a householder's life – honest, simple and family oriented Kirat Karni; Know you responsibilities and honour these.
  3. Contribute to the well being of Society by offering selfless service without receiving payment and give ten percent of their net income to a charity, poor person, worthy cause, etc. Wand kay Shako
  4. Treat every person as an equal irrespective of caste, creed, gender, profession, social status, age, race, ability, etc
  5. Speak politely; forgive easily and be humble at all times – page 1384 – “Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra. Wear these three robes, O sister, and you will captivate your Husband”
  6. Avoid the five thieves – PAGAL – Pride, Anger, Greed, Attachment to Worldly things Maya and Lust.
  7. If you are a Baptised Sikh, Wear the 5Ks.
  8. Do not be Cruel; nor have a negative outlook on life; Always have a Positive Attitude Chardi Kala
  9. Do not practise rituals or superstitions; no fasting; no penances; Always be logical and scientific in your approach to any problem.
  10. Practise vegetarianism – The Sikhs have to offer their food first to their Gurus before taking it themselves and NO sikh would allow meat products in their temples and so it follows that it is preferred for a Sikh to be a vegetarian. There is dispute about this matter but the consensus is that only vegetarian food is served in Sikh temples.

Daily Practises of a Sikh

The following is the daily routine to be followed by a practising Sikh:

  1. To rise early in the morning
  2. To have a shower or bath – Minimum to wash face, hands & feet.
  3. To mediate on God and recite the Banis of the Guru – Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib and 3 other banis. If possible to attend Gurdwara – Sikh Temple; to listen to Kirtan whenever possible.
  4. To perform Aardas, have breakfast and attend to the family needs
  5. To attend work, training, or study, etc and perform Kirit Karni
  6. To perform Aardas and have lunch
  7. Finish your daily work, school or college and return home to see to your family duties.
  8. In the evening after tea to recite or listen to the Rehras Sahib
  9. After Aardas, to have the evening meal and engage in recreational, Charitable, Social tasks
  10. Before bed to recite the Kirtan Sohila

The Sikh and His Guru

The relationship between the Sikh (‘disciple’) and the Guru (‘Master’) is very powerful and dominate and is central to understanding the reason for the strong dedication and devoted service that is performed by the followers of this religion. The Sikh believes that the tenth Guru is their spiritual father and that all other Sikhs are his/her spiritual brothers or sisters. The commitment by the disciple to the Guru is total and so is the dedication of the Gurus to the Panth or followers. The Gurus have spoken very highly of their disciples.

Guru’s Dedication to the Sikhs

Guru Gobind Singh says the following about his Sikhs or Khalsa (“the pure ones”):

The Khalsa is my true image. I dwell in the Khalsa. Khalsa is my chief purpose. I am forever with the Khalsa. Khalsa is my closest friend. Khalsa is my mother, father & my comfort. Khalsa is my caste & creed. My creation is through the Khalsa. Khalsa is my haven and storehouse. Because of the Khalsa I am honoured. Khalsa is my body & spirit. Khalsa is my life & soul. Khalsa is my total, true Guru. Khalsa is my courageous friend. Khalsa is my wisdom & knowledge. I will always contemplate for the Khalsa. Full tribute of the Khalsa is beyond me. It is impossible to truly praise the Khalsa with one tongue. I certify that in the above, nothing is false. God and Guru Nanak are my witnesses to this truth.


Further, several of the Sikh Gurus carried out extreme sacrifices - all for the furtherance of the cause and this was done without any regard for personal self-perservation, benefit or gain. Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth guru was martyred by the then Mughal ruler, Emperor Jahangir for not amending the Adi Granth, the Sikh Holy book to reflect his views.

The ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur became the 'leader' of the Kashmiri Hindus to protect and save these tribesmen from the tyranny of the rulers of the nation - He made the ultimate sacrifice and was martyred by Emperor Aurangzeb for not converting to Islam.

Guru Gobind Singh is remembered by the Sikhs as a prophet who has made the most sacrifice for the Panth or ‘Community’. Not only did he have to endure the sacrifice of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur, but also his mother and all his four sons or Four Sahibzadas Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh 

On losing his sons, Guruji consoled their mother thus: “Mother of the Panth, What if our four sons are gone?  They still live in God’s Kingdom, and forever shall live the Khalsa, Millions of our brave and dear sons." Guruji further said that their sons were 4 'gifts of virtues' from God – "Their death has passed these four great virtues into the Khalsa Panth – ‘Ajit’ means Invincible; ‘Jujhar’ means warrior; ‘Zorawar’ means Brave; and ‘Fateh’ is victory. So these qualities will live in our Khalsa.”


The Sikh’s commitment to the Guru

The baptised Sikh is called a Khalsa or the ‘Pure One’. When Sikhs become Khalsas, they pledge their lives to the Guru – So their commitment is total. This devotion can be seen through history when the Sikhs have fought until death for the cause. The Battle of Saragarhi (1897) is remembered and honoured as one of many battles where the Sikhs have fought with unflinching strength. In the Battle of Saragarhi, the Sikh Havildar Ishar Singh with 21 other soldiers fought with ultimate and supreme bravery against 10,000 Afridi tribesmen. This battle has been taught in history lessons in French schools for many years as a model and an example of extreme human bravery, sacrifice and of comradeship.

Many other such supreme sacrifices have been made by the Sikhs for their religion, their country or even their alliance partners. In the two great World Wars, over 80,000 Sikhs died for the British and Alliance force in battles where they could have opted out. Many Sikhs received the Victoria Cross and the Param Vir Chakras for their gallantry and courage.