God inside us
Sikhs believe that God is inside every person, no matter how wicked they appear, and so everyone is capable of change.Just as fragrance is in the flower, and reflection is in the mirror, in just the same way, God is within you.
Living a good life in this world
Sikhs don't think it pleases God if people pay no attention to others and simply devote themselves slavishly to religion.
Sikhism doesn’t ask people to turn away from ordinary life to get closer to God. In fact it demands that they use ordinary life as a way to get closer to God.
A Sikh serves God by serving (seva) other people every day. By devoting their lives to service they get rid of their own ego and pride.
Many Sikhs carry out chores in the Gurdwara as their service to the community. These range from working in the kitchen to cleaning the floor. The Langar, or free food kitchen, is a community act of service.
Sikhs also regard caring for the poor or sick as an important duty of service.
The three duties
The three duties that a Sikh must carry out can be summed up in three words; Pray, Work, Give.
- Nam japna:
- Keeping God in mind at all times.
- Kirt Karna:
- Earning an honest living. Since God is truth, a Sikh seeks to live honestly. This doesn't just mean avoiding crime; Sikhs avoid gambling, begging, or working in the alcohol or tobacco industries.
- Vand Chhakna:
- (Literally, sharing one's earnings with others) Giving to charity and caring for others.
The five vices
Sikhs try to avoid the five vices that make people self-centred, and build barriers against God in their lives.
- Lust
- Covetousness and greed
- Attachment to things of this world
- Anger
- Pride
If a person can overcome these vices they are on the road to liberation.
|
