The word Sikh is derived from the Sanskrit word shishya meaning a disciple or a learner. Thus, those that followed Guru Nanak, the
founder of Sikh religion, came to be known as Sikhs. In the Sikh faith,
reverence for the guru (preceptor) is the cardinal quality, and devotion
to the teachings a sacred duty. In the Sikh way of life, great emphasis is laid
upon practicing moral and spiritual values.
The Sikh way of life is based broadly on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. He says, ‘truth is high, but higher still is truthful
living... This world is the abode of God and the True One lives therein.'
Guru Nanak believed that it is possible to live pure among
the impurities of life. ‘As the lotus liveth unstained in water, as the duck
floateth carefree on the stream, so doth one cross the sea of existence, one's
mind attuned to the Word. One liveth detached, enshrining the One Lord in the
mind, shorn of hope, living in the midst of hope.'
The Sikh way of life is based on three essential teachings
of Guru Nanak. The first is to remember God; the second is to earn one's
livelihood through honest means; and the third is to share the fruits of one's
labor with others. To ensure equality, the Sikh way of life has promoted the
institutions of sangat and pangat. Sangat means that all
sit in a congregation; and pangat means that all partake food from the
community kitchen, sitting in one row with no distinction of high or low.
The Sikh tradition advocates worship of the Akal (Timeless God). The Sikh temple, called Gurdwara, is not only a place of
worship, but also serves as a shelter for those without shelter, and a refuge
for the destitute and the helpless. It is a place where all the visitors
irrespective of their religious affiliation are served free food, and provided
shelter and protection.
The Sikh tradition expects its followers to rise early in
the morning and, after bath, meditate on the name of God so that the mind and
the body become pure. Each Sikh prays to God at different times, importantly in
the morning and in the night before going to bed. An important dictum of the
tradition is, ‘of all the religions, the best religion is to repeat God's name
and to do pious deeds'. The daily prayer of the Sikhs ends on this noble
thought. ‘Thy Name, Thy Glory, be forever triumphant, Nanak, and, in Thy Will,
may peace and prosperity come to one and all.'
K. R. Paramahamsa is an author of book Living in Spirit.
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