Doctrines and Beliefs

1) Eschatology: Sikhs believe in a divine spirit or part of them that can be passed along through different physical bodies. This soul is caught in samsara, the act of birth, death, and rebirth, which is escaped only through good karma and internal self-improvement. Ones actions in one life dictate the spiritual density of their birth in the next, until finally, mukti is achieved. Mukti is used to describe the time when an individual’s soul or what is known as the Brahman in Hinduism achieves mukti, a concept similar to the Hindu nirvana. A soul that has achieved mukti is in the realm of truth and present with God. This belief is similar to that of Hinduism but with the distinct difference of specification. Hindus classify nirvana as an ambiguous goal. It is not specific as in Sikhism, where one is aiming for unity and clarification with God through meditation and understanding. This specific belief unites the faith in the pursuit of a specific goal.

2) The Three Golden Rules: Sikhs believe in three golden rules that will help them achieve mukti. These actions are ones that promote the faith through philanthropic awareness and respect for other humans as divine and equal to all. First, Nam Japo is the repetition of the name of God. It is a form of meditation on the essence of God and the meaning and connection of all things. Kirat Karo is about being honest in ones earnings and life in general. One is to not cheat, lie, or deceive in the pursuit of prosperity, but rather labor for humble earnings honestly. Vand Chakko states that Sikhs should share with those in need. They are to donate 10% of their money, and time to philanthropy to help better themselves through the betterment of humanity. These are moral standards that apply to many many religions around the world, and help devotees stay connected and concerned with God and faith primarily.

3) Cosmology: The Guru Granth Sahib dictates that the universe, and everything it pertains is created directly by God. He is that which generates the perpetual cycle of creation and destruction. Everything we see and discover stemmed from his will. Sikhs are not opposed to science. It is a means of discovering and learning about the universe, wondering at the amazing creations of God. Sikhs do not act as to know the true nature of the universe, just that it is a beautiful creation, conception, and mirror of god and his will. I think this is very interesting because many other religions have conflicts with science because they are so sure of the way things are and they are so sure of the truth of the universe, but Sikhs accept that there are things outside of their ability to understand and they revel in scientific advances that display His power and will.