The Sikh
Gurus practiced what they preached for well over 200 years and the
Sikh beliefs are born out of their examples and sacred writings. Due
to this, Sikhs have a strong base when it comes to beliefs. Some of
the major Sikh beliefs are:
1) One
God
God is the Creator of the Universe
God
isn't born and will never die
God
is present everywhere
2)
Equality
All
human beings are equal
People
of all religions and races are welcome in Sikh Gurdwaras
Women
have equal status with men in religious services and
ceremonies
3) Birth
and Death
After
a person dies, his soul is born again in another body, human
or animal
One's
next life depends on his deeds in the past life
The
human life is supreme and it is through this life that we can
achieve oneness with God
Finding
God takes us out of this life cycle
4)
Non-Violence
Sikhs
are a peace loving people and stand for Truth and Justice
Guru
Gobind Singh Ji
said, "It is right to use force as a
last resort when all other peaceful means fail."
The four
basic principles for living a good life and leaving the life cycle
are:
1) Naam
Japna or Simran (Meditation)
One
of the basic principles for living a good life
Simran
helps you get closer to God
Simran
brings a peace of mind
2) Kirat
Karni (Work)
The
second basic principle for living a good life
Sikhs
should only accept what they have earned by honesty and hard
work
Sikhs
shouldn't take away what rightfully belongs to others
Guru
Nanak Dev Ji
said, "Taking away other's right is as sinful as
pork to a Muslim and beef to
a Hindu."
3) Wand Chakna (Charity Donations)
Sikhs should give to the poor and needy in the form of charity
Sikhs should share with others
4) Sewa
(Service to Humanity and God)
Sewa
is a major part of Sikhism and many people do it at the Gurdwara
A
great example of Sewa is the story of Bhai Kanahya, who in a
battle gave water to both Sikhs and Mughals
Bhai
Kanahya was asked by Guru Gobind Singh Ji why he was doing it
and Bhai Kanahya said,
"I do not
see a friend or foe, I only see your face everywhere."
Bhai
Kanahya was blessed and started the first Red Cross
