What are the basic tenets of Sikhism?

• Naam Japna- Meditate on the lord (Be aware of the Divine in our hearts and the whole creation with every breath we take.)
• Kirt Karni- Live Life Honestly and Truthful Living (Earn our living honestly and share whatever we have with others.)
• Wande ke Chakhna- Share one’s earnings (Be constantly awake for opportunities to serve and elevate others.)

What is the Sadhsangat?

The Sahsangat is a Holy Congregation or the Congregation of the Divine.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, to a Sikh, is the living, breathing, talking spiritual guide or Guru. It is a compilation of divine wisdom which was compiled by the Gurus themselves. The First version was known as th Adi Granth and was compiled by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1504 AD. This was later completed in 1708 AD by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Sri Guru Granth Sahib JI is scripted in Gurmukhi but contains verses in many languages such as Persian, Urdu, Punjabi etc. signifying that Language is not a barrier to seeking salvation and understanding.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Consists of Gurbani from 6 Sikh Gurus, 15 Bhagats,11 Bhats and 3 others (Some of the Bhagats we also of Mulim and Hindu origin such as Bhagat Fareed Ji, Bhagat Namdev Ji and Bhagat Kabir Ji) The scriptures are set to different Raags or Musical notes and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji utilizes a total of 31 Raags. The Raags are to be set at different times of the day and aim to connect us to the underlying celestial music, through meditation.

What is an Akandhpath?

Akandhpath is a single continuous reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, typically lasting 48 hours. This reading of Gurbani is done without interruption with reciters, and listeners alike, taking turns reading and internalizing the Guru’s message.

Whats is a Gurpurab?

The term Gurpurab first appeared in the time of the gurus. It is a compound of the word purb (or parva in Sanskrit), meaning a festival or celebration, with the word guru. It occurs in at least five places in the writings of Bhai Gurdas (1551–1636), written in the time of Guru Arjan. A Gurpurab in Sikh tradition is a celebration of an anniversary related to the lives of the Sikh gurus or key events in Sikh History. Observance of these anniversaries is an important feature of the Sikh way of life as it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices, achievements and message of the Guru’s. A Gurpurab is often celebrated with an Akandhpath or simply a programme for the singing of hymns and learning from the lives of the Gurus.

Langar is the Sikh concept of a Free Kitchen, initiated by Guru Nanak, and is present in every Gurdwara aross the world. Food is prepared by Sewadars, or volunteers. Langar is consumed in ‘Pangat’ with all sitting on the floor together. This signifies the Equality of Man, regardless of race, religion, creed, social status, sex.

The concept of Sewa

Sewa or ‘Selfless Service’ is a very fundamental concept of Sikhism. Sewa is to be done without any expectation of any form of return or reward. Sewa can be performed anywhere and at any time. True Sewa induces humility and helps one shed ego. It is viewed as a duty of every Sikh to

• “Vich Dunia sev kamaiye, ta dargaeh basen paiyei” SGGS
• “Where there is I, there is no You.
• Where there is you, there is no I” SGGS

The mind, like a soiled vessel, first needs to be cleansed with Humility if one is to prepare it for things spiritual. Otherwise, all effort goes to waste. And this cleansing of the mind, the preparation, is done with the "soap" of humility.

Types of Sewa: Body, Mind and Money – Tan, Mun & Dhan

• Body (Physical – Tan)– Cleaning and maintaining temple, preparation and cooking of langgar, washing utensils, cleaning the footwear of congregation
• Mind (Mental - Mun) - Lies in contributing ones talents—creative, communicative, managerial, etc.—to the welfare of the community and mankind in general. It also lies in sharing the pain of others.
• Material (Money – Dhan) – Philanthropy, sharing material possession, “donation”

Guidelines for doing Sewa

• Without desire (nishkam)
• Guileless (nishkapat)
• In humility (nimarta)
• With purity of intention (hirda suddh)
• With sincerity (chit lae)
• And in utter selflessness (vichon ap gavae)

What is a Hukamnama?

'Guru Granth Ji Maneo, Pargat Guraa Ki Deh.'
'Guru Granth Sahib is the spiritual embodiment of the Gurus.'
'Jo Prabh Ko Milbo Chahe, Khoj Shabad Meh Leh.'
'Those who seek union with God should search through the divine wisdom contained in Guru Granth Sahib.'

The word Hukumnama literally means, 'royal decree'. The Hukamnama is said to be a Sikh’s conversation with the Guru. The usual method of taking is a Hukumnama is by performing an Ardas in front of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and subsequently reading a random verse from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Sikhs have been taking spiritual guidance and advice from the Guru Granth Sahibs Ji's through the Hukamnama and find the answers to their doubts and problems in the process.

The Hukamnama is taken in every Gurdwara and household a minimum of 2 times daily – during the morning opening of the Guru Granth Sahib known as Prakash and the second time during Sukhasan in the evening during the closing of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

What is the concept of Ek Onkar?

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji starts with Ek Onkar. It is a numeral, which is not open to interpretation. Guru Nanak Dev Ji spread a simple yet divine message of "Ek Onkar": We are all one with the One Creator of all Creation. This was a very revolutionary concept especially at that time when India was being torn apart by castes, sectarianism, religious factions, and fanaticism. He respected all religions and expressed the reality that there is one God and many paths, and that our true identity is infinite: "Sat Nam".

What is a Gurdwara?

Gurdwara or ‘Gateway to God’ is commonly referred to as a Sikh Place of Worship or a Sikh Temple. Traditionally a Gurdwara was the first community building or the primary installation in a new Sikh township and this served as a place of temporary refuge of shelter and more importantly as a place for the gathering of the Sadhsangat, ‘the holy ones’. Many traditional Gurdwaras also had large reservoirs of water known as Sarovars, which served as a source of water in times of need.

All Gurdwaras are distinguishable by the Sikh Saffron coloured Flag, known as the Nishan Sahib. Gurdwaras are all also equipped with a Langar Hall and a Darbar Hall (A dedicated area with the Prakash of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib). Gurdwaras also serve as a Social Safety Net, place for peer counseling and assist in the spiritual development of Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.

Gurdwaras take an active role in the community and the society around the Gurdwara with many activities such as Language Classes, Blood Donation drives, Celebration of Festivals and Free Medical Check Ups.