An Introduction to Sikhism
There are over 30 million Sikh (pronounced “sickh”) throughout the world in almost every major country, though the majority resides in the Northern Punjab area of India. The origins of the religion stems from the Hindu and Islamic influence in India where Guru Nanak Dev broke away from the Hindu Caste system.
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion distinctly based in total equality of all peoples. It is an orthopraxic religion, focused more on good deeds than good rituals or scripture. This is why charity and volunteering is such an important part of the religion as well as the community. Sikh services end in a shared meal, where those who are hungry may eat all that they need to satisfy hunger. Thus it is expected people do not take more than necessary and also help provide to the shared meals.
One major practice is the covering of the head by both men and women practitioners, in devotion and respect for their Gurus. This is why when anyone visits a Sikh temple (Sikh holy place also known as gurdwara), all people must wear a head covering, including tourists/non-practitioners.
The most important practices are referred to as the 5 K’s. Kesh refers to uncut hair, which is protected by the turban head covering for men. Kangha is a wooden comb meant to keep the hair combed twice a day. Kara is the metal bangle that all practitioners should wear. Kachera is a specific undergarment for men and women. Kirpan is a short dagger. “The Kirpan is religiously symbolic of their spirituality and the constant struggle of good and morality over the forces of evil and injustice, both on a individual as well as social level”.
The Sikh holy book is the Guru Granth Sahib, based off of the teachings of the gurus, as wells as Sikh, Hindu and Muslim saints. Shoes must be removed in the presence of holy text and ones back must not be turned to it.
