The Sikh belief is that God is indescribable, inestimable, indubitable, infallible, intangible, imperishable, immutable, immortal, immaculate, immanent, unconquerable, unique, formless, fearless, deathless, timeless, ageless, compassionate, omnipresent and creator of all. “There is only the One Supreme Lord; there is no other at all. Spirit, soul and body, all belong to Him; whatever pleases His Will, comes to pass” (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, 45).
I get that, we say the same thing about God in Christianity but we still maintain that he is intelligent and does act, he bares all the characteristics of what we might call “personhood.” I Tried asking a sikh this and don’t think he understood me well, so I would really like to get an answer if possible. Is there anything you are unclear about as to personhood?
I’m not sure I’m understanding the concept of personhood. Certainly Sikhi believes in a personal God, but the Christian concept and ideas I’m not too sure I understand.
Do you understand the idea of being able to think? Have intelligence? To self recognise oneself as apart from others? These would be the traits by which Christians and most others would recognise as a “person.” But in use of this word to God it is not suggesting the divine is human, but rather an intelligent entity, who thinks, who feels, who acts, who recognises himself as distinct from his creation and etc.I’m not sure I’m understanding the concept of personhood. Certainly Sikhi believes in a personal God, but the Christian concept and ideas I’m not too sure I understand.
If you care to explain, I’ll be sure to respond when I return from the gurdwara later tonight.
That relates to Islam. Sikhism is a totally different faith. That’d be similar to asking a Jew how the Catholic and Orthodox churches differ.
My apologies.
This goes to show you I know nothing about Sikhism!Hi I teach about Sikhism to grade 12 students. I’m impressed by the religion and by its adherents.
Not an expert myself. I used to work with a Sikh gentleman so I know a little. Notice how I dodged your question about turbansMy apologies.
No, there is no obligation to attend a gurdwara (Sikh temple), or to attend at a specific time if you choose to go. Gurdwaras are kept open 24/7 usually and so it is possible to have people attend at any time they feel. There is usually a big service on Sunday, but it must be stressed that this day has no particular significance over any other day. The emphasis is on keeping ‘satsangat’ or holy company- being around other god-loving people, learning, sharing and praising God.
There’s varying levels of cultural Sikhism ranging from those who may keep some or all of the 5 Ks and who still attend gurdwara on special occasions to those who practice none of them but still identify as Sikhs. Things like bhangra music and the Punjabi language are big elements in this, as is food and clothing.
The ideal is to keep a vegetarian diet, although the actual practice of this is varied. In the UK according to a survey done of British Sikhs, roughly 50% eat meat and 40% are vegetarian and the rest vegan. For those who eat meat, there is something of an issue of avoiding halal or other ritually slaughtered meat, which is considered as cruel. Rather the preference is for non-ritually slaughtered meat if it is eaten.
Are you asking about the Five Ks? All Sikhs including women will wear certain items, which I will list:
I honestly don’t know if such a concept exists in Sikhi. I will find out and get back to you!
There are three lots of prayers which a Sikh is supposed to perform each day. The prayers are listed in a special book called the Nit-nem which literally means ‘daily recitation’.
=^.^=Not an expert myself. I used to work with a Sikh gentleman so I know a little. Notice how I dodged your question about turbans
Why is ritually slaughtered meat (halal or kosher) considered cruel since ritual slaughter is meant to be the opposite of cruel toward the animal?
Thank you! Are these the only times you pray? Is it allowed to pray for others, for needs/desires, and in thanksgiving as well?