Sikh Beliefs

Sikh Beliefs

1. Sewa

   • Quote
     • "In the midst of this world, do seva, and you shall be given a place of honour in the Court of the Lord." (GGS 26)
   • Selfless service
     • Man (Physical Service)
     • Tan- Physical (Cleaning)
     • Dhan- Donations (Money)
   • Sikh Story
     • Ramesh Seth offered tea as sewa.

2. The Purpose of Life

   • Quote
     • "The Gurmukhs are celebrated in life and death." (GGS 125)
   • Meaning
     • Gurmukh-God-Centred
     • Manmukh-Man-Centred
     • Haumai-Too much pride/ego
   • Information
     • The purpose is to earn good karma and break the cycle of rebirth to join God
     • Gurus taught people that they are made to serve others
     • A person should meditate on the name of God and rid themselves of world attachment, Greed
     • Sikhs feel human life has purpose as they are created by God
     • They are created to become one with Waheguru
     • Feel spiritually purified when they devote time to meditating

3. Nature of God

   • Meaning
     • Immanent-In everything
     • Transcendent-Beyond everything
   • Information
     • God is beyond human description, has no gender (use he to make is easier)
     • Human words cannot fully describe the greatness of God
     • God can be experienced when he reveals himself to Sikhs
   • Mool Mantra
     • 'Saibhang'-He is the enlightener, self-existent
     • 'Karta Purakh'-He is the creator
     • 'Akaal Moorat'-Immortal, without form
     • 'Gur Prasad'-He can be reached through mercy and grace of the true Guru
     • 'Nirhau'-He is without fear
     • 'Ik Onkar'-There is only one God
     • 'Satnam'-Eternal truth is His name
     • 'Nir Vair'-He is without hate
     • 'Ajooni'-Beyond birth and death

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5. Life after Death

   • Sikh Story
     • A man though he knew about karma and didn't help a blind man. He thought he deserved to be blind because of his past actions. He was right. He didn't help someone and became blind in his next life. The man who ignored him began to worry. The blind man said that he had forgotten that there is 'God in all od us.'
   • Quote
     • "The body is the field of karma in this age; whatever you plant, you shall harvest." (GGS 78)
   • Meaning
     • Reincarnation-Soul is reborn into another body until it is liberated and joins with God. (Mukti) There could be '8.4 million' reincarnations (GGS 88)
   • Information
     • Karma will determine how many rebirths a person will have

6. Sangat

   • Information
     • Company/congregation of Sikhs in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Develop religious understanding perform sewa, meditate, akhand path ect.
   • Quote
     • "The Sat Sangat, the True Congregation of the True Guru, is the school of the soul, where the Glorious Virtues of the Lord are studied." (GGS 1316)

7. Oneness of Humanity

   • Quote
     • "Recognise the Lord's Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter." (GGS 349)
   • Information
     • Sikhs believe that God created everyone and so everyone is one/equal
     • Khalsa Sikhs are meant to stand up for those in need and wear the 5 k's as symbols of equality. Take the names, 'Singh' or 'Kaur'
     • This is shown in Langar

8. Nature of Human Life

   • Other Important Virtues
     • Wisdom
     • Courage
   • 5 Virtues
     • Contentment
     • Humility and Self-control
     • Compassion and Patience
     • Love
     • Truth
   • Quote
     • "Truth is higher than living; but higher still is truthful living." (GGS 62)