Sikhism

Sikhism is a religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent around the end of the 15th century. It is one of the youngest of the major world religions and the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with about 25-30 million Sikhs as of the early 21st century.

Beliefs and Practices

Sikhism is based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak, the first Guru, and the ten successive Sikh gurus. The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib, include faith and meditation on the name of the one creator, unity of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for the benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder's life.

History

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. The Guru Granth Sahib was first compiled by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan, from the writings of the first five Sikh gurus and other saints who preached the same philosophy of Sikhism.

Gurus

There are ten recognized living gurus in Sikhism, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh. The eleventh and eternal Guru of the Sikhs is the integrated Guru Granth Sahib, which is a scripture of the Sikhs.

Scripture

The primary scripture of Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems and hymns which preach the message of love, truth, contentment, humility, and other moral and ethical virtues.

Community

The Sikh community, or Khalsa, is a fellowship of Sikh believers that was initiated by Guru Gobind Singh on 30 March 1699. The Khalsa oversees the affairs of the Sikh community and enforces the code of conduct, known as the Sikh Rehat Maryada.

See Also

• Guru Nanak
• Guru Granth Sahib
• Khalsa
• Punjab

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