Sikhism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sikhism - Essay Example Some Sikhs believe their religion to be a purified Hinduism, but most consider it to be a direct revelation from God, with no connection to any other religion (Robinson, 2005). Whatever be its’ origins, Sikhism has emerged as a religion in its’ own right, with its’ unique history, beliefs, prayers, practices and concept of God. The word ‘Sikh’ in Punjabi is defined as ‘disciple’ and connotes a disciple of God. ‘Guru’ is a Sanskrit word for teacher. In Sikhism, the Gurus are considered to be Enlightened Masters. The Reht Maryada, the official Sikh Code of Conduct, defines a Sikh as any man or woman who believes in One Immortal Being, the ten Gurus, the Guru Granth Sahib- the holy book of the Sikhs, the teachings of the Gurus and the baptism introduced by the tenth Guru and does not owe allegiance to any other religion. The history of Sikhism is mirrored in the life of its’ Gurus. The first Guru was Guru Nanak Dev (1469 – 1539), who founded the Sikh religion. He was born into a Hindu family. He attained enlightenment at the age of thirty, while bathing in the river Bain and proclaimed the immortal words, â€Å"There is no Hindu, no Muslim.† He traveled extensively through the Indian subcontinent and the Persian Gulf, spreading his message of one, tr ue God through the medium of hymns and stories that would reach the common people. He was followed by Guru Angad Dev (1504 – 1552), who popularized the Gurmukhi script among the Sikhs and advocated a casteless society. He was succeeded by Guru Amar Das (1479 – 1574), who institutionalized the free Sikh communal kitchen, or langar, opposed the subjugation of women through the purdah and sati and supported widow remarriage. Through trained apostles, called Masands, he spread Sikhism throughout the country. The Fourth Master was Guru Ram Das (1534 – 1581), who founded the holy city of