Sikhism And The Belief Of God And Worship

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• There is one God: God made everything. God is called Satguru – "True Guru" and Waheguru - "Wonderful Guru". Sikh basic beliefs are summed up in the words of the Mool Mantar, the first hymn written by Guru Nanak and part of Japji Sahib, the first Bani that appears in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

• When Sikhs speak of the Guru they are referring to God, the Great Teacher. God, the unknowable, becomes the teacher who reveals God to those who follow. God created everything, so all life is good, but attachment to material things leads to reincarnation and the sufferings of birth and death. The goal of Sikhism is to end the cycle of rebirth and be united with God.

• Service and devotion: or Sewa and Simran

Sikhs emphasize two primary aspects of daily life: service and devotion to God. Service means honest work and service to the community - Sewa, in which all are equal regardless of caste, creed, race or gender. Devotion is cultivated by singing devotional hymns and by meditation on the holy name of God - Simran and Naam Japna

• There is only One God who is purely spiritual and does not take human form.

• All creation is part of God and is an expression of God’s Divine Spirit Naam and His Will Hukam.

• All human beings have an immortal soul (atma) which is part of God and is on a journey to reunite with Him (Mukti).

• All human beings are equal regardless of race, religion, gender, age or social class.

o All people are equal:

o You must all live together.

o You must be kind are share what you have. (Wand kay Shako)

o All people can talk to God.

• Lasting happiness can only be found when the soul reunites with God

• Service to others (sewa), while remembering God at all times (simran), are essential if the soul is to reunite with God

• Live a life of a house-holder and live a truthful life earning a honest living while remembering God (Kirat Karni)

Sikhs must not drink alcohol, smoke or gamble. They have one wife or husband. They must pray every morning. They must read the holy book everyday. The Ten Gurus (teachers) of the Sikh told the people what God wanted; how they should live their lives; and how peace and tranquility could be obtained. Sikhs must wear the 5Ks – Uncut Hair Kesh, Small Comb Kanga, Bangle Kara, Special Shorts Kacha and Sword Kirpan.

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