Culture and heritage
Six basic beliefs of Sikhism (Sikhi)
Ik Onkar · Equality · Faith · Love · Character · Naam Simran
If you are new to Sikhi, or want to explain it simply to a friend or a child, these six beliefs are a good place to start. Sikhi is also known in English as Sikhism. Each one is simple to say, and takes a lifetime to live.
1. There is one Creator
Guru Granth Sahib opens with Ik Onkar: there is one Creator. Sikhi describes this One as beyond birth and death, without fear and without hate, boundless and formless, all-knowing and present everywhere, in every heart and in all of creation. Because the same Creator is in everyone, the way we treat other people is part of how we honour the Creator.
2. All people are equal
Every person belongs to the same Creator, like children of one loving parent. So Sikhi gives no place to rank by birth, caste, gender, colour, status or wealth. This is not only an idea. In the langar, everyone sits together and eats the same food, whoever they are, and in the sangat everyone sits on the same floor before Guru Granth Sahib.
3. Faith in the Guru
A Sikh is a learner, a disciple, and Sikhi is the path of that disciple. Faith means trusting the Guru completely and following the Guru’s teachings in daily life. For Sikhs, the Guru is Guru Granth Sahib, the living Word, and its teachings guide every part of life.
4. Love of God
Sikhi is a path of love. But love of the Creator has room for only one at the centre, so the self-centredness of the ego, haumai, has to give way first. As ego fades, love grows: for the Creator, and for all of creation.
5. Building good character
A clean mind and good conduct are the foundation of the Sikh life. Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that truth is great, but living truthfully is greater still. Sikhi names five inner thieves that steal a person’s peace and must be overcome:
- Kaam: lust
- Krodh: anger
- Lobh: greed
- Moh: attachment
- Ahankar: pride
In their place, Sikhi asks for truth, contentment, compassion, humility and love. Character is not built in one day; it is built in small choices, every day.
6. Naam Simran: remembering the Name
Naam Simran is keeping the Creator in mind, through meditation, prayer and kirtan, and carrying that remembrance through the day. Sikhi teaches that we become what we think about: a mind that remembers the Creator slowly becomes kinder, steadier and more truthful. The Guru honours those who remember, and those who help others remember too.
Living the six beliefs
Put together, these beliefs describe a life that is devoted and practical at the same time: one Creator in every heart, everyone treated as equal, trust in the Guru, love in place of ego, good character, and constant remembrance. For more on how they shape daily life, read the main principles of Sikhi and sewa, selfless service.
What they mean to our club
The Panjabi Sports and Social Club welcomes everyone, of every faith and none. The same values of equality, honesty and service sit behind the club’s blood donation camp, its care of Meadowgate Park and every event where neighbours come together.
Read also: The sword in Sikhism (Sikhi)
Come and be part of it
Volunteer at the next clean-up, blood drive or community event. Everybody is welcome.
Volunteer with usThe main principles of Sikhi · Read about sewa · Guru Ram Das Ji · Panjab: the land of five rivers