Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sikhism
Sikhism, founded in Punjab by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, began as a reaction against
the caste system and Brahmin domination of ritual. Sikhs believe in one god and although
they reject the worship of idols, some keep pictures of the 10 gurus as a point of focus. The
Sikhs' holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, contains the teachings of the 10 Sikh gurus,
among others. Like Hindus and Buddhists, Sikhs believe in rebirth and karma. In Sikhism,
there's no ascetic or monastic tradition ending the cycles of rebirth. Almost 2% of India's
citizens are Sikhs, with most living in Punjab.
Born in present-day Pakistan, Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of Sikhism, was
largely dissatisfied with both Muslim and Hindu religious practices. He believed in family
life and the value of hard work - he married, had two sons and worked as a farmer when
not travelling around, preaching and singing self-composed
kirtan
(Sikh devotional songs)
with his Muslim musician, Mardana. He is said to have performed miracles and he encour-
aged meditation on God's name as a prime path to enlightenment.
Nanak believed in equality centuries before it became socially fashionable and cam-
paigned against the caste system. He was a practical guru - 'a person who makes an honest
living and shares earnings with others recognises the way to God'. He appointed his most
talented disciple to be his successor, not one of his sons.
His
kirtan
are still sung in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) today and his picture is kept in mil-
lions of homes in and beyond the subcontinent.
To grasp the intricacies of Sikhism read Volume One (1469-1839) or Volume Two (1839-2004) of
A History
of the Sikhs
by Khushwant Singh.
