The Sikh Way of Life

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:04:06 EST

The word Sikh is derived from the Sanskrit word shishya meaning a disciple or a learner. Thus, those that followed Guru Nanak, thefounder of Sikh religion, came to be known as Sikhs. In the Sikh faith,reverence for the guru (preceptor) is the cardinal quality, and devotionto the teachings a sacred duty. In the Sikh way of life, great emphasis is laidupon 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 truthfulliving... This world is the abode of God and the True One lives therein.'

Guru Nanak believed that it is possible to live pure amongthe impurities of life. ‘As the lotus liveth unstained in water, as the duckfloateth carefree on the stream, so doth one cross the sea of existence, one'smind attuned to the Word. One liveth detached, enshrining the One Lord in themind, shorn of hope, living in the midst of hope.'

The Sikh way of life is based on three essential teachingsof Guru Nanak. The first is to remember God; the second is to earn one'slivelihood through honest means; and the third is to share the fruits of one'slabor with others. To ensure equality, the Sikh way of life has promoted theinstitutions of sangat and pangat. Sangat means that allsit in a congregation; and pangat means that all partake food from thecommunity 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 ofworship, but also serves as a shelter for those without shelter, and a refugefor the destitute and the helpless. It is a place where all the visitorsirrespective of their religious affiliation are served free food, and providedshelter and protection.

The Sikh tradition expects its followers to rise early inthe morning and, after bath, meditate on the name of God so that the mind andthe body become pure. Each Sikh prays to God at different times, importantly inthe morning and in the night before going to bed. An important dictum of thetradition is, ‘of all the religions, the best religion is to repeat God's nameand to do pious deeds'. The daily prayer of the Sikhs ends on this noblethought. ‘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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The Sikh Way of Life