Among the many religions in the world today, Sikhism, sometimes called Sikhi or Sikh Dharma, is one of the larger religious populations.
However, for those who are not themselves Sikh, there is sometimes confusion as to their beliefs, as compared to other religions originating in the same region.
Sikhs are a monotheistic religion that believes in a single God called Waheguru, who permeates every aspect of life, and exists as a formless but omnipresent entity.
For more information about an outside perspective on Sikh beliefs regarding God, keep reading.
Sikh God Beliefs
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that believes in a single God who watches over all creation. However, unlike many monotheistic religions, Sikhism does not view their God as having a specific aspect.
Sikhism believes in a God without physical form, present in everything and beyond comprehension or description in human terms.
Because God is omnipresent and without form, Sikhs believe God is experienced through connection to the world around them, and to others.
How Do Sikhs View Their Relationship To God?
According to Sikh religious practices, God – or Waheguru – is a formless entity. According to Sikh religious tenets, the following are true:
- There is only one God
- God has no set gender or form
- All are equal in the eyes of God
- All have equal access to God
- There are many paths to God
How Do Sikhs Connect To God?
The Sikh way of life involves service to others.
A key component of Sikhism is the belief that only by connecting to and caring for each other can one connect to the Divine.
According to Sikhism, religious observances can be important, but daily life is also part of connecting to God, because God is part of everything. Sikhs believe that God cannot and should not be separated from the rest of life.
Sikhism does not demand a focus on religion above all else, because everything else is also a part of experiencing God.
This connection can further be developed by following the three core tenets of Sikhism.
What Are The Three Core Tenets Of Sikhism?
The three core tenets of Sikhism are as follows:
- Keep the Creator in mind at all times
- Live truthfully
- Serve others and share your gifts with them.
Keeping The Creator In Mind
Sikhs do this by being open-minded and aware of the universe around them.
This also includes prayer, and religious observances, as well as studying the Scriptures.
The goal is to see the Divine in all things.
Live Truthfully
Sikhs believe it is important to practice an honest lifestyle. This includes honest labor to earn one’s food and necessities, but it is more than that.
The Sikh tenet of truthfully living involves avoiding crimes, and also ‘easy money’ such as gambling or begging.
Many followers of Sikhism also avoid working in the tobacco or alcohol industry, because these are unhealthy vices.
Serve Others and Share Your Gifts With Them
Sikhism promotes charitable behavior in all forms, as well as service to others. Followers of Sikhism are encouraged to perform such acts as:
- Sharing money or necessities with those less fortunate.
- Offering regular community service.
- Practicing random acts of kindness
- Donating to charitable causes
- Use of their talents to enrich the lives of those around them.
- Pray for the well-being of all mankind.
What Does Sikhism Believe Inhibits A Connection To God?
Sikhism believes that a connection to the Divine is hampered by focus on oneself, to the point that it damages one’s connection to others.
Sikhism holds that there are 5 vices that will inhibit one’s ability to connect to God
Here are the five vices:
- Lust
- Greed
- Pride
- Anger
- Attachments to the Physical
How Can The 5 Vices Be Countered in Sikhism?
To avoid or remove the influence of the 5 vices, Sikhism promotes certain virtues:
- Love
- Self-Control
- Humility
- Patience and Compassion
- Wisdom
- Courage
- Contentment
Is Sikhism The Same as Hinduism Or Islam?
While there are some similarities in practices on occasion, and the three religions share similar influences, Sikhs are adamant about stating that they are NOT practitioners of Islam or Hinduism.
What Does It Mean To Be A Sikh?
The word Sikh is translated as ‘Seeker of Truth’. The core tenet of Sikhism is the desire to seek the truth of the world, and of God’s divine nature.
The ultimate goal of Sikhism is an understanding of God’s nature, which will result in transcendence.
