Sikhism - What Sikh Religion Is All About?

The incarnation of the Gurus, their Life and cause for which they died is our glorious Religion - Sikhism. Sikhism denotes truth, purity and sacrifice of a sikhs life. It unexplored the tracks and the paths reaching out to the ultimate reality. Sikhism was originated by Guru Nanak, the first guru of sikh religion and his successors.

The essence of Sikh teaching is summed up by Guru Nanak in the words
'Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living'.

God is described as not wholly unknowable. It is said that God is omnipresent (sarav viāpak) in all creation and is visible everywhere to the those who are spiritually awakened. This means God is seen and known only from 'the inward eye', or the 'pure heart', of a human being. This also means that God is seen by those who have true love for God. God is known as 'Nirankar' means 'without any form'. In Sikhism, the influences of ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust are known as the Five Evils.

In a sikh life, the key practice to be pursued is 'nām', which means the remembrance of the divine Name 'God'. Money and all the luxuries of life which denotes Māyā', has been defined as illusion or unreality. These are the core deviations from the pursuit of God and salvation. It is believed that people who are distracted from devotion due to the worldly attractions, only gives illusive satisfaction. But to have moksha or reach the last stage of a sikhs life 'sac khand' (The Realm of Truth), only 'nam' (the divine name) is to be pursued.

Sikhs are divide into two groups such as Namdharis and Nirankaris. Nihangs are considered as, to be the army of Sikhism. There also existed a section known as Udasi, but they were exiled because of their misconduct and malpractices.

Practices Followed

- Sikhism tried to abolish caste system and Sati (practice)
- In Sikhism everyone has equal rights irrespective of caste,
creed, color, race, sex or religion.
- Sikhism rejects pilgrimage, fasting and superstitions.
- Sikhism raised voice against many social evils such as Dowry system and Girl Child Infanticide
- Promoted Girls education and raised voice for their respectable position in the society