Introduction

Sikhism came into being in the later half of the 15th century. Thus, compared to Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, it is the youngest and the most modern of the religions being practiced today. The place of birth of Sikhism is Punjab, but it addresses the whole creation. It is monotheistic in outlook, preaching the existence of One Supreme Reality (<). The basic creed, which maybe called Sikhi, is essentially timeless and universal in its scope. It consists of honesty, compassion, empathy, humility, social, social commitment and a Weltanschauung that centers on Will of Waheguru (Hukam). Sikhs don't actively seek converts like the Christians or Muslims. They hold the view that every person has the right to choose the path deemed best by each to commune with God. But they do reserve the right to actively oppose a credo that comes into direct conflict with the Will of God. And in exercising this right, they are prepared even to lay down their lives.

The word Sikh in Punjabi language means disciple, learner, and seeker of truth. Thus, a Sikh is the disciple of the Guru, seeking truth by always keep learning about His creation and the Will that drives it. Guru Granth Sahib, the embodiment of the teachings of Ten Masters and other men-of-God, is the only scripture of the Sikhs, hence enjoys the status of our canon. The concept of Amrit initiation, unveiled on the Vaisakhi of 1699 by the tenth and last corporeal Master, Guru Gobind Singh, also flows from the teachings of his predecessor Gurus. For greater detail, see the section on the Birth of Khalsa. Consequent to the creation of Khalsa, the Guruship was bestowed on Guru Granth and Guru Panth.

The Gurus provided guidance to the Sikhs for 239 years. They taught the basic values of Kirat Karni, Naam Japna, and Vand Chhakna. These three concepts in a nut-shell, describe how a Sikh balances the spiritual part of life with the material one.

One of the unique features of Sikhi is that the Gurus never claimed any special status for themselves. They clearly proclaimed that they were as human as their disciples, even going to the extent of saying that they were amongst the least endowed of beings. The only status they claimed for themselves was that of the servants of Waheguru :

"See me only as the slave of God.

Let this be known beyond the shadow of doubt."