Sikhism

Sikhism was founded in the Punjab region of India in the late 15th century. Sikhism holds that its founder, Guru Nanak, and his nine successors were inhabited by the same spirit and then the spirit transferred itself into the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. The Guru Granth Sahib, or Adi Shri Guru Granth Sahib, is the foundational scripture of the Sikh tradition, a massive text that is regarded as the embodiment of the final Sikh guru. It is a collection of hymns that describe and praise god, as well as a moral and ethical guide for all Sikhs. Although it originated as a blending of Sufi Muslim and reform movements of Hinduism, Sikhs reject the Hindu teaching of the incarnations of God as well as the belief in heaven or hell. Sikhs hold that salvation occurs through being absorbed into God. Sikhs also generally reject the social doctrine of caste, and adhere to practices of equality in worship and life. The centers of Sikh worship are the Sikh temple (gurdwara) and communal refectory (langar). All Sikhs must enter the gurdwara with bare feet and a covered head. A Sikh worship service includes prayer and singing hymns from scripture. The service is concluded by the distribution of karah prasad, a sacramental food made of flour, butter, and raw sugar that is shared by all to demonstrate equality and the rejection of caste. Sikhs attempt to live balanced lives of worship, work, and charity centered on community. Besides gurdwara worship, festivals are also important community activities.

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