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Sikh Religion
The Sikh religion known as Sikhism is a monotheistic religion and believes in the pursuit of salvation through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God. God is in fact considered as the Universe. Sikhism is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and was founded in the fifteenth century Punjab and is the fifth largest religion today. There have been ten successive Sikh Gurus to date.
There are over 23,000,000 Sikhs across the world. Most live in Punjab in India and millions in what is known as Pakistani Punjab. The essence of Sikh teaching is contained in these words.
Nanak’s teachings are not founded on a final destination of heaven or hell, but on a spiritual union with God which results in salvation. The chief reasons one does not attain salvation are social conflicts and worldly pursuits which cause men and women to have an endless cycle of birth or reincarnation. Sikhs believe there are five evils, ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust. Sikhs believe that they should balance work, worship, charity and should defend the rights of all creatures as well as fellow human beings. They stress the concept of sharing by distribution of food, giving charitable donations and working for the good of the community and others
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