“Sikhism” – Published Faith Matters article in azCentral

Faith Matters – Sikhism

Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa

Special to The Republic

A remarkable saint-poet, Guru Nanak, rose from humble beginnings in Northern India in the 15th c. to become the person now known as the founder of Sikhism, the world’s 5th largest religion. His teachings were simple: 1) Praise God’s Holy Name, 2) Earn an honest living, and 3) Share what you have with those less fortunate. His medium was divinely inspired poetry, and his method was to sing his compositions in towns and villages, great and small. In all, he traveled over 17,000 miles, mostly on foot, over 24 years.

Men and women of all castes and social stations were attracted to this charismatic saint. They became known as shishya – students – a word that evolved into

Sikh – student of the Guru. They formed agrarian cooperative communities centered upon sharing Guru’s Nanak’s teachings. His original compositions were preserved and became the basis for the Sikh holy scriptures, Siri Guru Granth Sahib . Central to their practice was kirtan in the morning and the evening, singing the hymns written by Guru Nanak.

Shortly before his death in 1539, Guru Nanak appointed his most devoted disciple, Angad, to become his successor. In addition to adding his own compositions to the canon, he established the Guru ka Langar, which continues to this day. The serving of food is a long-standing tradition called Guru ka Langar (the Guru’s Kitchen) and originated with the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak, around 1521. It was further developed by his successor, Guru Angad. Attendees sit on the floor in long aisles and are each served the same food by the servers. Originally, the practice aimed to break down barriers caused by caste and gender separations so that all participants could feel that they were part of the

Sangat, the Company of the Holy.

There were eight more Gurus who followed Guru Angad, making Ten Sikh Gurus in all. Several added their own compositions to the sacred work as well as other practices that strengthened the community. The Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, laid down the guidelines for their unique physical identity, such as turban and beards for men and special articles of faith called the 5 Ks. Today, most men wearing turbans in the US are Sikhs.

Guru Gobind Singh also established the Siri Guru Granth Sahib as the living Guru; there would be no more physical Gurus. Therefore, in Gurdwaras , Sikh places of worship, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib , or simply the Guru, is enshrined in the front in the place of highest respect. Before entering the Gurdwara, congregants cover their heads and remove their shoes. They bow before the dais on which the Guru resides and place an offering in the collection box. Women sit on the right and men on the left. The congregation sings the sacred hymns with the Ragis – musicians – which bring a sense of peace and elevation to the soul. Meditative prayers close the service, followed by Guru ka Langar . For more information on Sikhism, see www.sikhnet.com.

SS Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa, SS stands for Sardarni Sahiba, my minister’s title: Secretary of Guru Nanak Dwara Sikh Gurdwara and Member of AZIFM Interfaith Council since inception.

Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa and Jodha Khalsa. Provided by Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa

BREAKOUT BOX: On November 7^th, 5-8 PM, Guru Nanak Dwara Gurdwara in central Phoenix will be the location of the Experience Interfaith event sponsored by the Arizona Interfaith Movement. In the spirit of the inclusion and understanding, it will include a Faith Fair, turban tying, Interfaith Discussion and finally Guru ka Langar. The evening will be a chance for attendees to gain a greater understanding of other faiths and the beauty and challenges of those who practice them. The event is free and information can be found at www.azifm.com.