A snapshot of Sikh religion

The United States' half-million (estimates vary) Sikhs are feeling more nervous. After the senseless attack killing six at a Milwaukee Sikh temple, attention is being called to this one of many minority religions in the United States and worldwide. It all started with a unique young farm boy.

Born in a simple village in the Punjab region of India in 1469, young Guru Nanak grew up herding cattle, thinking, and meditating. This unusually spiritual boy's family was Hindu but his father worked for Muslim authorities, thus increasing his exposure to different religions. Nanak played with Muslim and Hindu children, talked with Hindu and Muslim holy men, and often pondered their similarities and differences. In school he learned the literature of these traditions, as well as Persian and Arabic.

Perhaps this eclectic upbringing is why at 13, Nanak shocked his family by refusing to take part in an important Hindu ceremony for boys coming of age. He continued to study both faiths. Finally as a young married man he went into the river to bathe and disappeared; he was feared drowned. He emerged saying he'd been in communion with God. Thus the Sikh religion was born with its first of 10 "gurus," or teachers, through the year 1708. Collectively their teachings form the Sikh religion, brought to the U.S. around the 19th century.

Like Muslims and Christians, Sikhs believe in one true and merciful god, whom they believe is the same for all monotheistic religions. Sikh simply means "disciple" in the Punjab language; there are no priests or mullahs, although there are Khalsas - men and women who have learned the teachings and strictly follow the code of conduct. Part of the code is uncut hair, covered by the familiar thickly wrapped turbans for men.

The gurus' primary teachings are:

n Rebirth: The soul goes through cycles of births and deaths before it reaches the human form.

n Purpose: To lead an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. Sikhs must remember God at all times and practice a virtuous and truthful life, balancing spiritual and temporal obligations.

n Practicality: The true path to salvation does not require renunciation of the world or celibacy, but roles in a household, earning an honest living, and avoiding worldly temptations. Sikh community centers typically include food kitchens and other charitable services for the poor.

n Minimal rituals: Sikhism condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, and idol worship.

n Equality: Sikhs reject the caste system and believe that people of different races, religions, and gender are all equal in the eyes of God. Women fully participate in religious functions, perform ceremonies, and lead congregations.

With a following worldwide of roughly 27 million, most Sikhs live in India, especially the Punjab province - "the breadbasket of India." Sikhs also hold several prominent positions in Indian government, specifically in its finance branch. Even so, Sikhs make up only about two percent of India's population.

For more information see Realsikhism.com and Sikhs.org.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholehjo@hotmail.com.

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