GURDUARA
Gurduara means “door to the Guru”. A Gurduara is much more than a religious building - it is a spiritual sanctuary, a community center, and a place of equality and service, where anyone, regardless of faith or background, is welcome.
Gurduara is a place of worship and learning for Sikhs, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the eternal Guru) is enshrined and respected.
SIKH (ਸਿੱਖ)
A Sikh is a person who believes in and practices the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. The word Sikh originates from the Sanskrit word śiṣya, meaning "disciple" or "learner". Word “Sikh” is used for both male and female gender.
SIKHI (ਸਿੱਖੀ)
Sikhi is a way of life or a path of being a Sikh - the ongoing journey of learning and living in line with the Guru’s teaching, Sikhi reflects the unity of spiritual and worldly life emphasized in the teachings of the Gurus.
GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI
Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the sacred scripture of the Sikh religion. Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the central religious scripture of Sikhi and is revered as the eternal Guru by Sikhs worldwide.
Gurduara means “door to the Guru”. A Gurduara is much more than a religious building - it is a spiritual sanctuary, a community center, and a place of equality and service, where anyone, regardless of faith or background, is welcome.
Gurduara is a place of worship and learning for Sikhs, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the eternal Guru) is enshrined and respected.
SIKH (ਸਿੱਖ)
A Sikh is a person who believes in and practices the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. The word Sikh originates from the Sanskrit word śiṣya, meaning "disciple" or "learner". Word “Sikh” is used for both male and female gender.
SIKHI (ਸਿੱਖੀ)
Sikhi is a way of life or a path of being a Sikh - the ongoing journey of learning and living in line with the Guru’s teaching, Sikhi reflects the unity of spiritual and worldly life emphasized in the teachings of the Gurus.
GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI
Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the sacred scripture of the Sikh religion. Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the central religious scripture of Sikhi and is revered as the eternal Guru by Sikhs worldwide.
CORE BELIEFS
Ik Onkar: There is One Universal Creator. One is the source of all existence, known through truth, love, and the Guru’s guidance. All creation and universe is a manifestation of the one force.
Daily prayers: Sikh recites Guru’s Bani (writings by Gurus) to stay spiritually connected to Waheguru (the Divine), remember the Guru’s teachings, to live a life of discipline, truth, and devotion.
Eternal Guru: Sikh accepts the Guru Granth Sahib ji as eternal Guru not just a scripture, it is the living, eternal Guru, revered and followed by all Sikhs.
Equality: Equality is not just as an idea, but is a lived, spiritual, and social reality for Sikhs. The Sikh Gurus strongly rejected caste, gender, religious, ethnicity and economic discriminations, teaching that all human beings are equal in the eyes of Waheguru (the One Universal Creator).
Sangat and Pangat: Congregational worship and eating together (Langar) are powerful practices designed to eliminate discrimination, promote unity, and live the principle of equality.
Sewa: Sewa is a one of the foundational practice in Sikhi, meaning selfless service - helping others without any desire for reward, recognition, or personal gain. In Sikh faith, Seva is not optional; it is considered a spiritual duty and a powerful way to connect with Waheguru (the Divine) by serving creation as the form of the Creator.
Simran: Remembrance of Waheguru (the Divine) and learning to bring your mind to peace.
Living Ethically: Earning honestly, avoiding ego (Haumai), and rejecting rituals and superstition.
Avan-Jana (ਆਵਣ ਜਾਨਾ): The Cycle of Birth and Death. The term "Avan-Jana" literally means, "Coming and Going". Spiritually, it refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) that souls experience due to ego, worldly attachments, and separation from Waheguru (the Divine).
PRAYING
Gurbani: Gurbani means “the Guru’s words”—the divine hymns revealed by the Sikh Gurus and a few enlightened saints, known as Bhagats. These sacred verses convey profound spiritual truths, offer moral and ethical guidance, and express deep devotion and praise for Waheguru (the Divine).
Katha Vichar: Katha Vichar refers to the spiritual discourse and reflection on Sikh scriptures and teachings. During Katha, knowledgeable individuals or Granthis interpret and explain the meanings of Gurbani - the sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib and other Sikh texts.This practice helps the Sangat (congregation) gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual, ethical, and practical guidance offered in Sikhism. The Vichar(reflection) component encourages thoughtful engagement with the teachings, helping individuals apply the Guru’s message in their daily lives and strengthen their spiritual connection with Waheguru (the Divine).
Keertan: Gurbani Keertan is the singing of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the central scripture of Sikhi. It is a sacred spiritual practice designed to uplift the soul, connect deeply with Waheguru (the Divine) and bring peace and clarity to the mind and soul.
Gurbani: Gurbani means “the Guru’s words”—the divine hymns revealed by the Sikh Gurus and a few enlightened saints, known as Bhagats. These sacred verses convey profound spiritual truths, offer moral and ethical guidance, and express deep devotion and praise for Waheguru (the Divine).
Katha Vichar: Katha Vichar refers to the spiritual discourse and reflection on Sikh scriptures and teachings. During Katha, knowledgeable individuals or Granthis interpret and explain the meanings of Gurbani - the sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib and other Sikh texts.This practice helps the Sangat (congregation) gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual, ethical, and practical guidance offered in Sikhism. The Vichar(reflection) component encourages thoughtful engagement with the teachings, helping individuals apply the Guru’s message in their daily lives and strengthen their spiritual connection with Waheguru (the Divine).
Keertan: Gurbani Keertan is the singing of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the central scripture of Sikhi. It is a sacred spiritual practice designed to uplift the soul, connect deeply with Waheguru (the Divine) and bring peace and clarity to the mind and soul.