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Sikhism founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539) during the fifteenth century, is the fifth largest organized religion in the world today with an estimated 30 million followers. It has its origins in Punjab region of the Indian sub-continent. Guru Nanak Ji, the first Sikh Guru, describes the essence of Sikhism in these words " Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living."
Sikhism entwines spiritual as well as secular life, and emphasises on devotion to one God and doing good works. It does not believe in merely following blind rituals that produce no actions. Sikhs are encouraged to meditate on God's name and work hard for their living.
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They are instructed to treat everyone as equal, stand up against injustice and be generous to the less fortunate. Worship of idols and images is forbidden in Sikhism.
The Sikh way of life calls for a balance between material and spiritual worlds - to be attached and yet detached. Self-centred existence is discouraged in Sikhism.
Sikh holy scriptures are compiled in Guru Granth Sahib - considered a living Guru by the Sikh community.
Who is a Sikh?
The literal meaning of the word 'Sikh' in Punjabi language is 'disciple'. So a Sikh is the one who is a true disciple, a learner and a devoted follower of the Almighty. A true Sikh believes in
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Devotion to one God
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Worshipping the abstract form of God
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Universal equality and brotherhood
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The writings and teachings of ten Sikh Gurus in Guru Granth Sahib
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Noble, truthful and selfless actions
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The necessity of 'Amrit Shak' (Sikh Baptism
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The community of men and women who have been initiated into the Sikh faith is the Khalsa. The Khalsa celebrated its 300th anniversary in 1999.
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