No 16

(Sikhism)
Sikhism is considered by its followers to be a progressive religion well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago in India; the Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the world’s 5th largest religion. The founder of the Sikh religion was Guru Nanak who was born in 1469. He preached a message of love and understanding and criticized the blind rituals of the Hindus and Muslims. Guru Nanak passed on the leadership of this new religion to nine successive Gurus. The final living Guru, Guru Gobind Singh died in 1708. They are the ones who wear turbans and carry a ceremonial dagger at all times.

Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book called Guru Granth Sahib. The goal of human life, according to Sikhism is to break the cycle of births and deaths and merge with God. This can be accomplished by following the teachings of the Gurus, meditating on the Holy Name and performing acts of service and charity. Sikhism recognizes sin and the five cardinal vices are; Kam (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (worldly attachment) and Ahankar (pride). If one can overcome these, they will achieve salvation. There is rejection of all forms of blind rituals such as fasting, religious vegetarianism, pilgrimages, superstitions, yoga, as well as any form of idol worship. The Sikh Holy Book (Guru Granth Sahib) is the perpetual Guru; there is no place in Sikhism for a living Guru today.

Sikhism is a religion of works with no forgiveness of sin and therefore no hope of eternal life; there is no resemblance whatsoever with Christianity and the God of the Bible. Jesus himself said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”