Traditions/Beliefs

Some of the basic beliefs of sikhism are:

• There is only one God, the sole creator, sustainer and destroyer. Sikhs do not believe in duality, but unity in diversity. God cannot take on the human form. Daily prayer and devotion to God and His Creation is required.

• The rejection of the divisive Caste system. Sikhs reject any distinction made for class, race, creed or sex. Sikhs believe in full equality for all people.

• The Sikh goal is to end the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, and unite the separated individual soul with the Universal Soul (God). The way to attain this goal is through applying the teachings of the Gurus to all situations, continuous meditation on the Holy Name, selfless service, control of mind and correct regulation of desires and impulses.

• In Sikhism there are 4 cardinal sins (Kurahts). Sikhs should not; cut their hair, commit adultery, use tobacco or other drugs and not eat ritually slaughtered meat, such as halal meat.

• Sikhism identifies 5 vices, which a Sikh must regulate and control. These are: Kaam (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (worldly attachment) and Ahankar (egotism).

• Blind rituals such as idol worship, yoga, superstitions, pilgrimages and fasting are prohibited.

• The recognition that the Sikh sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, is the eternal Guru and that there will be no more human Gurus.

• To protect and help those in need through charity and community service.