What is Sikhism?

[samabudhi]

Originally Posted by bananabrain

guru nanak was trying to stop the internecine hindu/muslim conflict of the indian subcontinent

...a practice which is common through to today, notably in the example of Sai Baba, the one with the 'fro.

[Mus Zibii]

Originally Posted by bananabrain

well, a lot of religions denounce superstitions and ritualism, whilst apparently creating their own. so it is probably more correct to say that sikhism denounced a certain set of superstitions and rituals that were current at the time of the gurus, whilst attempting to reform religious practice somewhat - of course, to a modern western eye their own practices could seem vulnerable to such accusations. but then again, western critical thought doesn't seem to understand category systems that come from outside itself, although anthropology does its best - and is often at pains to dismiss what are considered superficial or illogical observances, whilst ignoring their deeper significance.

Good point.

[ISFP]

i'm glad to see a Sikhism forum here at last.

i was wondering, could someone give an outline of the basics of Sikh belief? i understand that Sikhs believe in one God, reincarnation, and the equality of men and women. but i don't understand much more beyond that, or the nuances of what i've listed.

thank you.

ISFP

[KnightoftheRose]

i was wondering, could someone give an outline of the basics of Sikh belief? i understand that Sikhs believe in one God, reincarnation, and the equality of men and women. but i don't understand much more beyond that, or the nuances of what i've listed.

Ok, here are just some random points about the Sikh religion:

God is all-pervasive, much like the Brahman of Hindu belief. So, while we can't see it, all souls, and all of existence, while somehow independant (the explaination for that tidbit takes to long, and I'm lazy ), are a part of God.

The Sikhs believe that the soul - because of this connection with God - is naturally good; it's the human's ego which brings about evil.

Love is the central focus of this religion - God's love, much like in Christianity. Courage is also especially honored.

The Guru is the central spiritual figure of Sikhism, and God is considered the One True Guru - their Holy Book is the Adi Granth, which is of similar importance to them as it is to Christians the Bible (I hope that made sense ).

As you said before, they believe in reincarnation - however, they share a belief similar to other eastern religions that they can sort of merge with God upon death, if they walk the right path (though, those other eastern religions call God something else...)

They believe one can come in contact with God via meditation.

They believe God has manifested himself in many forms, thus creating many other religions.

Blah, those are the main points of Sikhism that I can pull off the top of my head. A rather fascinating religion, actually...one of my favorite eastern ones

Anyways, later...

[ISFP]

thank you, Knight. just a personal note, some of what you've described sound Hindu in nature (reincarnation, understanding of God's nature) and some sounds a bit like the Bahai faith (e.g. God manifesting himself/his message in many forms over the ages).

look forward to reading other threads in the Sikhism forum.

[KnightoftheRose]

Originally Posted by ISFP

thank you, Knight. just a personal note, some of what you've described sound Hindu in nature (reincarnation, understanding of God's nature) and some sounds a bit like the Bahai faith (e.g. God manifesting himself/his message in many forms over the ages).

look forward to reading other threads in the Sikhism forum.

Well, Sikhism *was* developed as a cross between Islam and Hinduism, so your observation is quite correct.

[pohaikawahine]

I don't know much about Sikhism, but a few days ago there was a very large march in Sacramento, California by those that follow Sikhism - they marched for peace and tolerance and understanding. It made me smile and I was thankful for their presence. Aloha nui, pohaikawahine