The word “Sikh” means Student or Disciple.

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Sikhism was created to act as a bridge between Hinduism and Islam. This is a monotheistic religion. From the Sikh perspective Sikhi is a Monistic and Panentheistic religion. That means there is only one thing. All things are not separate but work together as one. Pantheism is the belief that God and the universe are equivalent (the same thing). A pantheist believes that everything that exists is a part of God or that God is a part of everything that exists. Most pantheists believe the universe is sacred and the earth and nature are divine. 

Most of the early Greek philosophers from Thales on to the Stoics believed in some sort of pantheism.

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The Khanda is one of most important symbols of Sikhism

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  It is made up of four different weapons:

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  Center- double edge sword or Khanda

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  On each side, left and right, a single edge sword or Kirpan.

• They represent the dual characteristics of Miri-Piri, indicating the integration of both spiritual authority (Piri) and temporal sovereignty (Miri) together and not treating them as two separate and distinct entities

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  and in the middle the circle (chakra)

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All of which have a symbolic meaning.

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Shri Guru Granth Sahib is not written by one human but by saints from all across societies and religions. It is a universal teacher for all religions giving the message of one God and respect to all humans of every religion.

 

Basic beliefs:
There is nothing that is beyond or outside the one God. So, therefore there is nothing being created or destroyed, as the creation and destruction are still only part of the one.
The goal of life is to focus on being at one with God. This is attainable by meditation, prayer, and being in the company of others who share a similar goal.

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God is considered to be infinite, Alpha and Omega, no beginning and no end. Sikhs worship God, and meditate on God’s name through intense (passionate) repetition.
Bad karma is taught to be caused by pride, anger, greed, attachment and lust. Sikhs also believe that a piece of god resides within everything in the world. Once an individual discovers the god within and stops searching else then can he reach salvation.

 

Khalasa:

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Khalasa is the military community of Sikhism. A Sikh must follow the 5 k's:

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• Having unshorn/uncut hair. This is called a Kesh. Whether male or female, a person is required to keep their Kesh covered. People usually cover their Kesh with a turban, or a scarf (Chunni).

• A wooden comb in their hair. This is called a Kanga. This symbolizes cleanliness which is an important part of Sikhism.

• A steel bracelet. This is for protection and physical reminder that a one is bound to the Guru. This is called a Kara. This is to show that god has no beginning and no end.

• Cotton underwear that has to be always worn. This is called a Kachera. It is a reminder to stay away from lust and attachment.

• A small sword. This is worn to defend one's faith and protect the weak. This is called Kirpan. It is only to be used in self-defense. Many of these are now welded shut.