Rituals

Sikhism is one in which pure rituals are looked down upon as being spiritually empty and void of meaning. A ritual infers that the act is repeated consistently, and is repeated not necessarily because of the religious growth one attains from it, but simply because they always have and always will. Sikhs prefer to observe ceremonies that bring them closer to God and to understanding of unity in the world. Therefore the practices observed by the Sikhs are not as ritualistic in the true sense of a prescribed action that must be completed, but rather ones of voluntary practice, to aid the individual in his journey towards freedom from samsara, and cannot truly be called rituals. Some of the Sikh ceremonies and observances are less spiritual than others, and help to retain interest in the church by youths or others. Although the religion is very serious, there are times of fun and many times of joy in in temple and regular ceremonies, and all offer a chance to learn from peers and expand ones mind.

1) Worship: Worship is a very interesting topic in Sikhism. Sikhs worship their God very differently than many other religions. Sikhs worship God, and nothing else. They also worship Him in a completely abstract form, without trying to visualize or personify Him. They accept that they cannot truly see God but rather feel and sense His presence. It is this connectedness, mental clarity, and understanding coming from deep meditation that they seek in worship. The primary form of worship is through meditation and inner prayer. A Sikhism information site said that Sikhs view these times of worship as simply more focused devotion that usual, not ‘the time to worship.’ On the contrary they are continuously worshipping God; every god conscious breath and moment is as holy as the next.

The Gurdwara was established as a place for Sikhs to mingle, and share thoughts and affection for God and life. It was a learning place and a place for anybody, of any faith to learn about the Sikh perspective. Sikhs can pray any time and anywhere, but it is said that God praises this public form of worship as a social bonding experience, helping every devotee learn and progress through their journey. Any Sikh can lead the prayers, and read to those assembled since there is no real figure of authority, no priest. This is based on their view that everybody, of every race and gender are created equal. A Granthi organizes the readings and maintains the Gurdwara, frequently acting as the reader as well.

The Sikhs view and treat their Guru Granth Sahib as a living thing. It is a Guru that holds huge wisdom and helps guide them towards harmony between the divine and the physical. Some Sikhs, though not all, practice reciting specific daily prayers in the morning and throughout the day. There is a book of important daily prayers that some use to help them get in touch with God called the rahit nama. Many other Sikhs meditate at various times throughout the day, specifically on God’s name (his essence and being), called nam japna.

2) Festivals/Ceremonies: There are some festivals and ceremonies in Sikhism, though it seems like a small amount relative many Western faiths. Sikhs hold certain ceremonies throughout the year and during important events. They celebrate the naming of a child with Naam Karan, a ceremony that involves the Granti reading a random hymn from the scriptures. The first letter of the hymn is then used as the child’s name. The purpose of this could be to make it that every name originates God, and has a divine meaning. During births, deaths, and marriages there is a ceremony called Akhand Paath. This is the nonstop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, something that takes great discipline to pay attention to. This could be considered a form of meditation, mental practice of focusing on God.

Sikhs also celebrate the birth or death of a guru on Gurpurb. This has a special meaning in Sikhism because the Gurus go on to be reborn, and there is a progression from life to death and back to life. Usually, only the most important Gurus are celebrated, although occasionally all 10 are. During these festivals, the Sikhs celebrate the great wisdom passed on by the Guru, and his contribution to the religion. These ceremonies relate to several in other faiths, such as the birth of Jesus in Christianity, and many others in both Judaism, and Hinduism.

There are a few other celebrations centered on the foundation of Sikhism, the memory of past martyrs, and military practice. These celebrations help add community to the religion that is far more personal than many others. Western faiths are commonly practiced together, or at least with somebody else, such as bible reading by a priest in church or saying prayers with your family before dinner. Sikhism is focused mainly on interpersonal relationships with God and spiritual journey. These celebrations along with the public worship in the temple are the essence of the Sikh community. They might be less about the actual event that occurred and more about activity, and bringing connection amongst the people. They also help to attract interest in the faith, especially from young people and children who might think it is all very serious and not very much fun.