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Sikhism

This religion is among the youngest in the world, and it is still developing. In the year, 1469, it was founded by Guru Nanak, and he had a special message for mankind. His wanted the world to know that creation is the work of one God and thus everyone should be united. During this time, there were many castes in India, and they were responsible for disunity. Examples of problems that existed in India were fanaticism, religious factions and sectarianism. According to Guru Nanak, every religion deserves to be respected as he did not belong to a specific religion. Furthermore, he claimed that there are many paths in the world and only a single God exists. Moreover, ‘Truth’ is the word that refers to God.

Sikhism is a religion that believes in only one God who is a destroyer, as well as a sustainer. They believe that diversity exists in the world and do not believe in duality. Its followers have to pray on a daily basis as God requires this as part of daily devotion. They are against the system of caste as they do not conform to discrimination. Every human is entitled to equality regardless of sex, race, class, and creed. The goal of the Sikhs is to ensure that rebirth, death and birth is stopped. This is to ensure that God is united with souls who have separated from him. Sikhs have to call upon the name of God while they are meditating. Furthermore, at every situation, the teachings of the Guru’s should be followed keenly. People’s impulses and desires should be regulated and controlled through engaging in selfless services.

Sikhs are not allowed to eat meat that has been ritually slaughtered, take drugs, take tobacco and even commit adultery. The latter are all referred to as Kurahts or Cardinal Sins. Moreover, there are five vices that Sikhs should control and regulate, and they include; anger, egotism, worldly attachment, greed and lust. Sikhs must strictly ensure that they do not become involved in fasting, yoga, pilgrimages, superstitions and idol worship. Sikhs have their scripture, which is sacred, and is known as Guru Granth Sahib. It has to be read on a daily basis. The latter is referred to as a Guru who is eternal as the existence of human Gurus ceased. All Sikhs are required that they participate in community service.

Currently a problem, which exists in this religion, is that in, western countries, the Sikh youth cannot speak Punjabi. They are used to speaking in English in many situations, in life, and thus learning Punjabi becomes difficult. Most Sikh ceremonies are in Punjabi, and this means that the younger generations are left out. The latter are often uncomfortable during such ceremonies, which are extremely vital in the Sikh community. If this situation persists Sikh traditions will be forgotten. A lot should be done to ensure that the Sikh religion does not fade away with the generation which is old. Parents are ensuring that their children learn the Punjabi language. Sikh leaders are offering their services and teaching children Punjabi. In most Sikh homes parents ensure that only Punjabi is spoken so that children learn the language. Also, prayers are recited in Punjabi to make this language not to fade. In deed this is a fascinating religion that focuses on positive aspects of life.