Sihkism: An Overview
...and nine gurus. This systems teachings and ideas have been known as the Gurmat. Gurmat means teachings of the gurus. Sikhism comes from the word Sikh, which means "learner" or "believer". Followers of Sikhism are known as Sikhs. There are over 23 millions Sikhs making it the fifth largest religion in the world. Most Sikhs live in India and Pakistan.
Sikhism is monotheistic which means its main belief is in one God. Their God has many names. The most important is Waheguru. Waheguru means "The Wonderful Lord" in the Punjabi language. Some other names used for God are Ek Onkar, Onkar, Satguru, Satnaam, Akal-Purkh, Rabh, Hari, Raam and Pritam. Sikhism's teachings and beliefs are closely tied to the culture and history of the Punjab. Sikhs are meant to follow the teachings of the ten gurus and their holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib was written by numerous people from different backgrounds. Sikhs seek deliverance through regimented, personal prayer on the message and name of God.
Sikhs believe God is the same for all religions even though he has many names and qualities. They believe that He created everything on earth and he is everywhere in everything. The think He was never born and can never die, he will exist forever. Sikhs also believe that everything has soul and after death the soul is passed onto another body until it is finally freed. Where your soul goes is determined by the way you live your life. If you live your life is a way that is seen as good is the Sikh faith then your soul will have happiness in its next life. Sikhs believe that since God is in everything a human soul can be reincarnated as another life form such as trees and animals. When a person finally achieves spiritual perfection they are rewarded with salvation which consists of reuniting with God and leaving the material world.
Sikhs teach...
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