Being a Sikh
I AM A SIKH FROM PUNJAB, INDIA.
The word ‘Sikh’ means one who is a learner, a student or a disciple.
Sikhism is a monotheistic/pantheistic religion that was founded in the late 15th century on the Indian subcontinent, within the northern region of Punjab. Sikhi, as its also known, is the world’s fifth-largest religion with over 30 million Sikhs worldwide. The majority of Sikhs are from the Punjab region in India, and we consider Amritsar, our holy city. Sikhs first immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s and today there are approximately half a million Sikhs living in America.
IDENTITY & THE 5 KS
Most Sikhs (most men, and some women) are readily identifiable by the turban they wear to cover uncut, long hair. Typically most women keep their hair long and covered with a scarf. The ‘5Ks’ are articles of faith that Sikhs are required to wear as mandated by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. All five articles start with the Punjabi letter ‘K’, hence the ‘5 Ks’:
Kesh, or uncut long hair, which is covered by a dastaar, or turban as a sign of respect. Hair is considered a naturally occurring form of humans and considered sacred. Turbans have been a notable part of the Indian sub-continent’s history from its earliest civilizations.
A kara is a steel bracelet to be worn on one’s dominant hand.
A kangha is a small comb meant to keep one’s hair combed and clean; it symbolizes personal care and hygiene.
A kachera is a specific undergarment for men and women, essentially underwear leggings, again meant to emphasize modesty and chastity.
A kirpan is a small, short dagger, meant to be worn as a symbol for the defense of the poor, weak, or vulnerable.
HISTORY
Sikhi was established by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century and subsequently, his teachings and philosophy were evolved and formalized by a succession of nine more Gurus. As Sikhs, we believe that all ten human forms of our Gurus were inhabited by a single, eternal divine spirit that embodies the universal tenets of Gurmat (Punjabi = ‘the way of the Guru’). The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, mandated that after his passing, the spirit of the eternal Guru would be manifest within the holy scripture of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib (in essence our holy book, comprised of writings and music from each of the ten Gurus)
PHILOSOPHY & BELIEFS
"Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living" - Guru Nanak
Practicing Sikhi is a lifetime of learning about the idea of ‘oneness.’ We believe all people and their faiths are centered around the worship of one Divine Being, who created the Universe, and is divinely present in all life forms within it. Our core teaching revolves around the daily practice of three principles:
of equality and justice amongst all humans,
of guardianship and service of the community, and,
of truthful living by meditating on and singing hymns of the divine.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
Sikh temples of worship are known as gurudwaras, which means ‘doorway to the Guru,’ and they are open to all. Almost every gurudwara maintains a community kitchen where anyone can come and be served free meals. The notion of ‘seva’ or service is a core foundation within all local Sikh communities.
Sikhi denounces superstitions and rote ritualism. We reject any theological distinctions and inequities within society based on religion, caste, gender or race, and our gurudwaras and scriptures are open to anyone.