A way of life and philosophy founded by Guru Nanak more than 500 years ago, the Sikh religion has a following around the world of more than 20 million people.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The core tenet of Sikhism is a devotion and remembrance of God, alongside truthful living, equality of mankind and social justice, while denouncing superstitions and blind rituals.
Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus, enshrined in the Sikh holy book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Sikhism does not have priests, only custodians of the holy book, which can be read in the Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) or in the home.
Philosophy and beliefs
- There is only One God. He is the same God for all people of all religions.
- The soul goes through cycles of births and deaths before it reaches the human form. The goal of our life is to lead an exemplary existence and merge with God.
- This path does not require renunciation of the world or celibacy, but living the life of a householder, earning a honest living and avoiding worldly temptations and sins.
- Sikhism condemns blind rituals such as fasting, pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship, etc.
- Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. It teaches the full equality of men and women, who can participate in any religious function or perform any ceremony.
A place to reflect for the community
THE place of worship for members of the Sikh community is known as a gurdwara.
Translated as “the gateway through which the Guru can be reached”, the gurdwara is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Each gurdwara has a main hall (Darbar Sahib) where the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib, is placed on an elevated space (takhat) in a central position.
Any place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and treated with respect can be referred to as a Gurdwara, whether it is a single room in a house or a dedicated structure.
A gurdwara has a main hall (darbar) and a community kitchen (langar), while some also have other facilities such as a nursery, classroom or a library. There are no idols, statues, or religious pictures.
This advertising feature is supported by the following businesses:
- Gurdwara Singh Sabha Society Griffith
- Chugha Family Farms
- Dom's Motors
- Warburn Estate
- Griffith Newsagency
- Irrigation Specialists
- Blooms the Chemist
- Ray White Griffith
The Griffith Sikh community opened its temple, Gurdwara Singh Sabha, on June 18, 2015 after many years of fundraising and construction.
(June is a month of particular importance to the Sikh community, having been a time of significant events. It is no coincidence the Shaheedi Memorial Tournament is held over the June long weekend.)
At the opening, hundreds of members of the Sikh and wider community accompanied the Guru Granth Sahib as it was first placed in the temple on the Kidman Way.
The Sikh flag, the Nishan Sahib, an orange triangular banner that flies outside all gurdwaras, was also hoisted for the first time.
Related
