The beliefs of the Sikhs are based on teachings by Guru Nanak Dev and the subsequent Gurus and others primarily in the Guru Granth Sahib, but also other sources are available. The Sikhs believe in equality for all beings: no matter age, caste, sex, religion, race etc. Everybody is welcome to work with spiritual development and anybody can – with the right effort – attain liberation. God The Sikhs believe in one transcendent and immanent God (Mann, p. 79) who is without form and the same for all religions. Guru Granth Sahib starts by the following description of Vahiguru – God – by Guru Nanak Dev: “One universal creator God. The Name is Truth. Creative being personified. No fear. No hatred. Image of the undying, beyond birth, self-existent. By Guru’s grace – Chant and meditate: True in the primal beginning. True throughout the ages. True here and now. O Nanak, forever and ever true.” Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1 The description is relatively quite straight forward. Other translations have another emphasis. By putting this verse at the beginning of the scriptures the Gurus have emphasised the importance of having the right perception of God. The very first word literally means One God. The first sentence in the above quote is the interpretation of the translator, Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa. Liberation The goal is to attain liberation – becoming one with God – which is only possible from human life. Liberation is attained through relationship with God on the one hand (spiritual) and the world and other human beings on the other (temporal). The spiritual path is important for various reasons. For example it helps you overcome egoism and hence be more truly unselfish. I will return to this point later under the Five cardinal vices. Furthermore spiritual development helps you to “see with your third eye” referring to insight and wisdom. The temporal participation in life is an important part as well. Nine out of the ten Gurus were married and had children. Only the eight Guru – Guru Harkrishan – didn’t since he died in the young age of eight. Sikhs should accept the world and participate in it instead of escaping from it. Liberation is achieved within the context of the family and domestic responsibilities and not through renunciation or isolation. Basic deeds Guru Nanak Dev told the Sikhs to follow the following three simple rules: Naam Japna – Recite the Holy Name and hymns. The importance of devotion to and remembrance of God. Vand Chhakna – Sharing with others in need. The importance of social responsibility and charity. Kirat Karna – Honest labour and work. The importance of contributing to the society instead of begging or earn a living by dishonest means. These can be seen as a first – but important – step to liberation. They are quite easy to grasp and should hence have a broad appeal even to someone without prerequisite knowledge of religions etc. As the Sikh’s knowledge and interest grows he can learn about the more abstract views. Five cardinal vices In achieving liberation one must also overcome the fundamental flaw of self-centeredness – Haumai. Only this way one can be truly unselfish. Haumai is characterised by the five cardinal vices: - Kam – lust - Krodh – anger - Lobh – greed - Moh – worldly attachment - Hankar – pride These cardinal vices prevent the individual from really being unselfish and are a threat to his judgement. In Buddhist terminology you could consider these as the reasons for craving. By overcoming these and wisdom from spirituality the individual can truly be just in his judgement and thereby work for the best for the society. Continue to Conclusion