| Indian independence, who came to California in 1908. They owned a ranch on the Holtville River near Sacramento where they practiced Gurbani Kirtan (singing songs from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib). Then in 1912 a lot was purchased at Stockton, California and the Sri Guru Granth Sahib installed in a gurdwara (place of worship). Money was raised for a temple, which for several decades was the only Sikh center in the United States. After World War II, and particularly after immigration barriers were lowered in 1965, Sikhs began migrating to the United States until by 1974 there were close to 100,000 Sikhs in this country. Centers can now be found in cities and towns across the United States. BASIC BELIEFS: Sikh Dharma teaches that there is one god who created all beings. He is the One upon whom we all depend for our next breath and hence for our life. He is Self existent, Immortal, Immanent, Transcendent, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient. God is experienced through "Nam," meditation on the primal creative sound current which gives life to all creation. According to Guru Nanak, a Sikh should constantly praise the One creator. The Siri Guru Granth Sahib, the living embodiment of the guru, is the supreme scriptural authority for all Sikhs. The Sikh tradition also has a number of other compositions which, while less important than the Siri Guru Grant Sahib, carry the authority of scripture (e.g., some of the traditional biographies of Guru Nanak, and some of the compositions of Guru Gobind Singh). The Sikh Rehit Mariydas is a written code of ethics and protocol propagated by the S.G.P.C. which all Sikhs are directed to obey. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: The Sikh lifestyle is centered on the idea of the spiritual family, which may be achieved in community life. Members are directed to rise before sunrise and chant God's name and meditate, work by the sweat of their brow, share with others, and live righteously (put the needs of others first). Sikhs are encouraged to learn Gurmukhi, the language in which the scriptures are written. Traditional Holidays of the Sikh Dharma are Baisakhi Day (in April the birthday of the Khalsa; the Martyrdom Days of Guru Tegh Bahadur (in November) and Guru Arjun Dev (in May); and the birthdays of all ten of the Sikh Gurus, especially Guru Nanak (ca. November 25) and Guru Gobind Singh (ca. December 22). (The difficulty of specifying dates results from the tradition of celebrating the Gurus' birthdays on full moons.) ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Sikh Council for North America is the major organization which attempts to provide communication and coordination for those Sikh congregations and temples located across the United States serving predominantly Indian American Sikhs. WORSHIP: Group worship is stressed but not required. Daily worship at a Gurdwara (literally, "gate of the guru" or temple) is recommended. The Sadhana (spiritual discipline) consists of reciting the "Banis" or Sikh prayers, meditation, and the chanting of God's Name for at least an hour. Minimally, Sikhs should maintain a copy of the Nit Nem or the daily prayers of the Sikh Dharma. Special facilities for worship are not required, although Sikhs traditionally worship together at a Gurdwara. DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: The Scriptures specifically prohibit the eating of fish and meat, and the consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicant or drug. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: Sikhs are generally cremated. Ministers are not required at the time of death, but are required for the cremation ritual. There are no restrictions with respect to autopsy. MEDICAL TREATMENT: Sikhs prefer natural methods of preventative medicine and healing (i.e., exercise, nourishing food, etc.). In severe cases allopathic procedures and/or surgery are acceptable. OTHER: Sikhs have traditionally been outstanding soldiers, beginning with their own community's battle with local suppressive forces, and later as members of the British and Indian armies. They stress patriotism, freedom, and commitment to one's country. All Sikhs are directed by the order of Guru Gobind Singh to keep all their hair uncut (including beards) and to keep their hair tied on top of the head in a turban. Uncut hair, known as kesh, is kept neat by a kangha, or comb. Sikhs also wear kachera, a special underwear originally designed to allow freedom of movement in battle; the kara, a steel bracelet which is a sign of an inseparable bond with God; and the kirpan, a dagger which represents the commitment of Sikhs to defend truth, righteousness, and those who cannot defend themselves (the tenets of the Sikh faith permit the symbolic carrying of a kirpan; e.g., in the form of a picture of a sword). GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: Junior Encyclopedia of Sikhissm. New Delhi, India: Vikas Pub. House, 1985. 181pp. Register of Sikhs in the United States and Canada. Redwood City, CA: The Sikh Foundation, 1972. 141pp. Sing, Ganda. The Sikhs and Their Religion. Redwood City, CA: The Sikh Foundation, 1974. 120pp. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Sikh Council of North America 95-30 14th St. Richmond Hill, NY 11419 |
|
| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Sikh Council of North America |
|
| ADDRESS: 95-30 118th St. Richmond Hill, NY 11419 OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN: Sikh Dharma LEADERSHIP: The S.G.P.C., located at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, is recognized as the chief administrative body of the Sikh religion. MEMBERSHIP: Not reported. HISTORICAL ORIGIN: The Sikh Dharma was founded in the 16th century as reform movement; it drew from the universal aspects of many religions, especially Hinduism and Islam. The founder was Guru Nanak (1469-1538),who was followed by a succession of nine other gurus,or teachers, who laid a firm foundation for the spiritual, social, and political community of Sikhs. Guru Arjun, the fifth Guru, compiled the writings and hymns of his predecessors into a volume of scriptures which was completed and put into its present form by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth master. This volume, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is now recognized as the only living embodiment of the spirit of Guru Nanak and is held in highest reverence by all Sikhs. The beginning of Sikh organization in the United States can be traced to the arrival of Jawala Singh and Wisakha Singh, two advocates of |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
