Field Research on Sikhism

Field Research on Sikhism

Introduction

Sikhism is a monotheistic organized religion that has its population of around 20 million in the world, in which majority lives in the province of India, Punjab. Sikhism was originated in sixteen century in the district of Punjab. It was founded by the teachings of Guru Nanak and other nine Sikh gurus who followed the sayings of originator. The religion of Sikhism believes that keeps God in your mind and heart all the times, live your life by the crown of hard work and honesty, pay equality to everyone, be openhanded and serve others by helping them out. The place of the worship, where Sikhs perform their religious duties is called Gurdwara. The holy scripture of the Sikhs is Guru Granth Sahib, to whom they consider the living teachings of Guru. They believe, the tenth Guru has announced that after his death, the holy guidance would be provided by the contained teachings in the book. This is the reason that Guru Granth Sahib now has the rank of a Guru. The community, who has been started into the Sikh faith, was Khalsa. Khalsa is the combined body of Karus and Singhs, who is the final activist Guru or leader of Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh declared that if Sikhs cannot find the answer in the scripture of the Guru Granth Sahib, they are supposed to settle on issues as communities, which are based on the teachings and principles of their holy scriptures.

Discussion

It was the time, when I visited India for some research project on the religious history of Sikhism. I decided to reach on the destination of Gurdwara, because that it is the place from where my research can be done. I went there and met one of the Sikh, who seemed to me deep acknowledged with his religion. He started from the history of Sikhism, what does it mean and how it came into existence. He explains; Guru is a Sanskrit word, which means a teacher, honored or religious person. It means holy guidance to mankind which is provided by the ten enlightened Gurus. The privilege of Sikh Guru is given to the ten gurus who established the religious movement with Guru Nanak in the year of 1469 and reach to its end with Guru Gobind Singh in the year 1708. Subsequently, the scripture of Sikhs is referred to Guru Granth Sahib. It is said by Guru Nanak that the godly courage was passed from one master Guru to another Guru (Singh, 1993).

Contribution of Gurus

Guru Nanak (1469-1539) was the founder of the Sikh religion and one of the greatest religious innovators. Guru Arjan (1563-1606) was the first Sikh martyr who gave up his life for the Sikh people and was the fifth Sikh Guru. The foundation of Amritsar, the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) was laid by Guru Arjan. He also designed few features in Gurdwara, like four doors, on which he says that he has the faith in all people of different casts or creeds ...