“Without contentment, we are never fulfilled. Like vapid dreams, our goals and efforts are in vain.”
Guru Nanak

Beliefs

The Sikh faith was revealed through the teachings of the ten Gurus, the first of whom was Guru Nanak Dev Ji, born in 1469 CE in the Punjab. In 1708 the 10th and the last Guru in human form, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, vested spiritual authority in the Holy Sikh scriptures known as the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and temporal authority in the community of initiated Sikhs, the Khalsa Panth. Sikhs strictly believe that there is one God. While being absolute and beyond human comprehension, God can be realised and experienced through contemplation and service. The object of a Sikh’s life is to develop God consciousness and ultimately to receive God’s grace. A Sikh’s way of life is guided by the principles of remembering God at all times (Naam Simran), earning a living by honest means (Kirat Karna), and sharing with the poor and needy (Wand Shakna). Sikhs try to avoid the five vices that make people self-centred and build barriers against God in their lives: lust, covetousness, attachment to things of this world, anger and pride.

Customs and practices

The 10th Guru, Gobind Singh Ji, reaffirmed the abolishment of distinctions of caste, colour, race and religion. He made it obligatory for initiated Sikhs to share Amrit (holy water), to adopt the same religious name of Singh (lion) for men and Kaur (princess) for women, and to wear five articles of faith, commonly known as the five Ks: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a small wooden comb), Kara (an iron/steel bangle), Kirpan (a short sword for defence) and Kachhera (special shorts). Although not mentioned in the five articles of faith, the Daastar (turban) is an essential accompaniment, which is worn to maintain the sanctity of Kesh and is treated with utmost respect. The Guru instructed Sikhs to abstain from tobacco, drugs and intoxicants. The Guru also instructed Sikhs to contribute a minimum one 10th of their wealth, mind and body for charitable causes.