Sikhism beliefs

Sikhism beliefs

1. sewa

   • selfless service
   • man(mental), tan(physical), dhan( donations)
   • 'in the midst of this world, do seva, and you shall be given a place of honour in the court of the lord.' (guru granth sahib 26)

2. sangat

   • 'the sat sangat, the true congregationo of the true guru, is school of the soul, where the glourious virtues of the lord are studied.'(guru granth sahib 13160
   • company/congregation of sikhs in presence of the guru granth sahib

3. the nature of god

   • mool mantar
     • ik onkar- there is only one god
     • satnam- eternal truth is his name
     • karta purakh- he is the creator
     • nirhau- he is without fear
     • nir vair- he is without hate
     • akaal moorat- immortal, without form
     • saibhang- he is the enlightener, self existent
     • gur prasad- he can be reached through the mercy and grace of the true guru

4. the purpose of life

   • 'the gurumukhs are celebrated in life and death.' (guru granth sahib 125)
   • to earn good karma and break the cycle of rebirth to join with god
   • gurmukh- god centered
   • manmukh- man centered
   • haumai- too much pride/ego
   • made to become one with god

5. god as creator

   • god is the creator of the world
   • he is omnipotent
   • 'you yourself are the creator' guru granth sahib 12
   • god is present and beyond his creation9 immanent and transcendent
   • mool mantar- karta purakh

6. the nature of human life

   • 'truth is higher than living; but higher stills truthful living.'(guru granth sahib 620
   • 5 virtues- truth, compassion and patience, contentment, humity and self control, love
   • wisdom and courage are also important

7. life after death

   • the body is the field of karma in this age; whatever you plant, you shall harvest.' (guru granth sahib 78
   • reincarnation: soul is reborn into another body until it is liberated and joins with god. (mukti)
   • karma will determine how many rebirths a person will have

8. the oneness of humanity

   • 'recognise the lords light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter.' (guru granth sahib 349
   • sikhs believe that god created everyone and so everyone is one/ equak