IKONKAR
One Universal Creator God. The Name Is Truth. Creative Being Personified. No Fear. No Hatred. Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru's GraceSIKHISM
Guru Nanak The Founder Of SikhismThe Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century C.E. in the Punjab region of what are today India and Pakistan. According to Sikh beliefs, the same revelatory spirit inhabited Guru Nanak and his nine successors. Today, this spirit can be found in the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, the foundational scripture of the Sikh tradition. The Guru Granth Sahib’s hymns describe and praise God, and provide moral guidance for all Sikhs. Sikhs reject ideas of divine incarnations, and hold that liberation results from being absorbed into God. Sikhs also reject the social doctrine of caste, and adhere to practices of equality in worship and life. They believe in one supreme being (monotheism).
THE SIKH IDENTITY
Five Articles of faith
kesh
Kesh : Uncut Hair, Kesh has been regarded as a symbol both of holiness and strength. One's hair is part of God's creation. Keeping hair uncut indicates that one is willing to accept God's gift as God intended it.
Kanga
Kanga: A Wooden Comb, This symbolizes a clean mind and body since it keeps the uncut hair neat and tidy. It represents the importance of looking after the body which God has created because it is one's vehicle for enlightenment .
Kirpan
Kirpan : A ceremonial sword, This is a symbol of spirituality and the constant struggle of good and morality over the forces of evil and injustice, both on a individual as well as social level. Wearing it is meant to inspire a Sikh in their daily life
Kara
Kara: A steel bracelet, rather than gold or silver, because it is not an ornament. It acts as a reminder that a Sikh should not do anything of which the Guru would not approve. It is a symbol of restraint and gentility
Kachera
Kachera: A special underwear, This is a pair of breeches that must not come below the knee. It was a particularly useful garment for Sikh warriors of the 18th and 19th centuries, being very suitable for warfare when riding a horse. It is a symbol of chastity
Khanda
Khanda: Symbol Of Sikhism, The Khanda represents knowledge of divinity and the creative power of God. The circle around the Khanda is the Chakar, which symbolizes the perfection of God who is eternal. The crossed swords, or Kirpans, called Piri and Miri, symbolize spiritual and temporal (earthly) power in balance.
An important part of Sikh's identity are the Five K's or Panj Kakaar - Which are the five articles of faith that display and show the wearer's conviction to the Master. in addition to the five articles of faith the Khanda is the most recognizable emblem of Sikh Faith. All these articles are aconstant reminder of the the adorner's love for the high principles set by their leader Commande -in-chief, faith in the khalsa, and deep conviction to Satguru – the “timeless true Guru.”
