The origins of Sikhism lie in the teachings of Guru Nanak and his successors. The essence of Sikh teaching is summed up by Guru Nanak in these words: "Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living". Sikh teaching emphasizes the principle of equality of all humans and rejects discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, and gender. Sikh principles encourage living life as a householder.
The central teaching in Sikhism is the belief
in the concept of the oneness of God. Sikhism considers spiritual life and
secular life to be intertwined. Sikhs also believe that "all religious
traditions are equally valid and capable of enlightening their followers.
Sikhism is a Panentheistic or meaning
"all-in-God" and a revealed religion. In Sikhism, the concept of "God" is Vāhigurū—is
shapeless, timeless, and sightless. The beginning of the first composition of
Sikh scripture is the figure "1"- signifying the universality of
"God". It states that "God" is omnipresent
and infinite with power over everything. Sikhs believe that before creation, all that existed was
"God" and "God's" hukam (will or order). When God
willed, the entire cosmos was created. From these beginnings, God nurtured
"enticement and attachment" to māyā, or the human perception
of reality
Sikhism death and grief rituals.
In
Sikhism a funeral ceremony is called "Antam Sanskaar," or celebration
of the completion of life. Rather than lamenting the passing of an individual,
Sikhism teaches resignation to the will of the creator, emphasizing that death
is a natural process, and an opportunity for reunion of the soul with its
maker.
In
Sikhism, death is considered a natural process - an event that has absolute
certainty and only happens as a direct result of God's Will or Hukam. To a
Sikh, birth and death are closely associated because they are both part of the
cycle of human life of "coming and going". This is seen as transient
stage towards liberation, a complete unity with God. Sikhs thus believe in
reincarnation.
In Sikhism, after a
death occurs, funeral arrangements are made by the family which includes
conducting a Sadharan Paath, or a complete reading the Guru Granth Sahib. The
Sadharan paath is carried out over a period of ten days following the funeral
ceremony after which formal mourning concludes.
The
public display of grief at the funeral (Antam Sanskar), such as wailing or
crying out loud is discouraged and is kept to a minimum. Cremation is the
preferred method of disposal, although if this is not possible any other
methods such as burial or submergence at sea are acceptable forms of body
disposal.
On the
day of the cremation service, the body is taken to the Gurdwara or home where
Hymns (Shabads) from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh Scriptures) are recited by
the congregation. The goal of hymns is to provide feelings of consolation and
courage to the family. Kirtan may also be performed by Ragis while the
relatives of the deceased recite "Waheguru" sitting near the coffin.
At the conclusion of the service, an Ardas is recited and the coffin proceeds
to be taken to the cremation site.
Prior to
cremation, a few more Shabads may be sung and final speeches made about the
deceased. Then the Kirtan Sohila (night time prayer) is recited and the Ardas
("Antim Ardas" or "Final Prayer") is offered. Thereafter,
the eldest son or a close relative will begin the cremation process by either
lighting a fire or pressing a button. The Sikhism funeral service usually lasts
between 30 and 60 minutes. After the body is cremated, the ashes are collected
and disposed by immersement in the nearest river. In some instances, an
optional service may follow the cremation service. This service is held at the
Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, and is referred to as the Sahaj Paath Bhog
Ceremony.
Sikhism
holy places in the world.
Darbar
Sahib (The
Royal Court of the Divine) - also known as the Golden Temple, the city of
Amritsar in Punjab.
The Five
Holy Takhts - These
Five Gurdwar as known as the Five Takhts (Thrones) have a very special
significance for the Sikh community. They are considered the seats of Sikh
religious authority. Many important decisions concerning the religious and
social life of the Sikh community were made here.
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