SIKHISM

The name of the religion means learner. It is often mispronounced 'seek' It should be pronounced 'se-ikh', with the final 'kh' sound like the 'kh'. Sikh religion is youngest of the world religions, it is barely five hundred years old. Its founder was Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, (1469-1538) who was born in the Punjab area of what is now Pakistan. He rejected idol worship, and the Hindu concept of caste. The Guru is one of the foundational concepts of Sikhism, and before his death, Guru Nanak appointed his successor. He was followed by nine more Gurus. Guru Gobind Singh the 10th guru formed Khalsa. Word "Khalsa" comes from a Persian word "Khalis" which literally means Pure. Khalsa is someone who is pure hearted. Here is the definition of Khalsa in the words of The Tenth Master:

"Day and night, he worships the Living Light. He does not entertain any thought of duality. Perfect Love and perfect conviction adorn his personality. How can he follow fasting (rituals) or, even by accident, pray to an idol or a grave? His pilgrimage will be Daan (giving), mercy, self-discipline of tolerance, and self-control. He sees only the One, One God everywhere. Only when The Perfect Light fully illuminates his heart, can you call him Khalsa. Otherwise, he is not Khalsa".

Every Sikh baptized as Khalsa vows to wear the Five "K's":

• Kesh(Uncut Hair) - A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair to indicate the perfection of God's creation and a turban, the crown of spirituality.
• Kangha(comb) - Kangha means comb, a comb is considered a symbol of cleanliness..
• Kachera (shorts) - specially made cotton underwear as a reminder of the commitment to purity.
• Karra (circular bracelet) - Karra literally means a link or bondage, worn on the wrist, signifying bondage to Truth and freedom from every other entanglement.
• Kirpan (small sword) - Kirpan comes from the word 'KIRPA' and 'AAN'. Kirpa means an act of kindness, a favour; and 'aan' means honour, respect, self-respect. Thus for Sikhs, Kirpan is the symbol of power and freedom of spirit. To call it a dagger or knife is rather insulting to this article of faith, which functions quite differently from the other two. The blade should be made of iron. Sikh should never use the Kirpan in anger or for a malicious attack. However, a Sikh may use it in self-defence or to protect a person in need.

Guru Gobind Singh baptized Sikhs into Khalsa organised them into a nation and organised them into powerful soldiers. They start keeping kirpans or swords & promised to be ready at all times to defend the religion and helpless people. He ordered that all men must take the name of Singh (means lion) and all women Kaur (means Princess). After the formation of the khalsa , the political and military power of the Sikhs grew tremendously. By the early 1800's, the Sikhs managed to carve out an independent kingdom in the Mughal Empire, which they retained until the British annexations in the 1850's. Still, the Sikh military brotherhood was the most powerful fighting force that the British used against the Mughal Empire in its closing days. Guru Gobind Singh passed Guruship to Sri Guru Granth Sahib before his death. Guru Granth Sahib is truely unique among the world's great scriptures. It is considered the Supreme Spiritual Authority and Head of the Sikh religion, rather than any living person. It is also the only scripture of it's kind which not only contains the works of it's own religious founders but also writings of people from other faiths. Sikhism rejects idol worship, so the Guru Granth Sahib is not worshipped as an idol, but rather emphasis is placed on respect for the writings which appear within. Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of devotional hymns and poetry which proclaims God, lays stress on meditation on the True Guru (God), and lays down moral and ethical rules for development of the soul, spiritual salvation and unity with God. Sikhism is one of the most deeply spiritual and profoundly mystical religions of the world, advocating a social harmony and egalitarianism.

Sikhs number about 22.5 million worldwide. Most live in the Punjab. Close to 500,000 live in North America, of whom about 150,000 live in Canada.

To be a Sikh is to be at the highest level of achievement an individual can have in his or her lifetime.