Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak, is built on the teachings of ten Gurus. These spiritual leaders shaped the religion's core beliefs, emphasizing devotion to One God and equality for all. The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture, is considered the eternal Guru.

Sikh practices focus on selfless service (sewa) and community meals (langar). The Khalsa, initiated Sikhs, wear the Five Ks as symbols of faith. Sikhs strive to be Gurmukh, aligning with the Guru's teachings and accepting God's will (Hukam).

Sikh Gurus and Divine

Guru Nanak and the Ten Gurus

• Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539) who was the first of the Ten Gurus, a lineage of spiritual leaders that shaped the religion
• Guru Nanak traveled widely, spreading a message of devotion to One God and equality of all people regardless of caste or gender
• The Ten Gurus were the successive spiritual leaders of the Sikhs, with the final human Guru being Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708)
• Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, to be the eternal Guru for Sikhs

Belief in One God

• Ik Onkar is a central tenet of Sikhism representing the unity and oneness of God
• Ik Onkar translates to "One Supreme Reality" and emphasizes the monotheistic nature of Sikhism
• Waheguru is a term used to refer to God in Sikhism and can be translated as "Wonderful Lord" or "Praise to the Guru"
• Sikhs believe in a formless, timeless, and all-pervading God who is the creator of the universe and the source of all existence

Sikh Practices and Service

Sewa and Langar

• Sewa refers to selfless service, which is an essential part of Sikh practice and can include volunteer work, charitable giving, or helping others in need
• Performing Sewa is seen as a way to purify the mind, eliminate ego, and serve God by serving others
• Langar is a communal meal served in Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) to all visitors regardless of their background, promoting the principles of equality and sharing
• Everyone sits on the floor together to eat the vegetarian meal, breaking down social barriers and fostering a sense of community

Khalsa and the Five Ks

• The Khalsa, meaning "pure ones," is the collective name given to Sikhs who have undergone the Sikh initiation ceremony (Amrit Sanchar)
• The Khalsa was established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 to create a community of dedicated Sikhs who would defend their faith and stand against injustice
• Members of the Khalsa wear the Five Ks, which are five articles of faith that serve as visible symbols of their commitment to Sikhism
• The Five Ks are: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton underwear), and Kirpan (small sword)

Sikh Spiritual Concepts

Gurmukh and Hukam

• Gurmukh, meaning "one who faces the Guru," refers to a person who lives in accordance with the teachings of the Gurus and submits to the will of God
• A Gurmukh strives to overcome their ego, meditates on the divine name (Naam), and lives a life of devotion and service
• In contrast, a Manmukh is someone who is self-centered and driven by their own desires and ego, rather than following the Guru's teachings
• Hukam refers to the divine will or order of God, which governs the universe and the lives of individuals
• Sikhs believe in accepting and submitting to the Hukam, understanding that everything happens according to God's plan and that one should strive to align their own will with the divine will