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Sikhism
Sikhism
has its roots in 1469 with the birth of Guru Nanak Dev
(Guru Nanak). It was developed over 10 generations of
Gurus (Teachers) from 1469 to 1708. Of significance
is that the religion was established not by an individual,
but by 10 gurus or mentors and recognised as a single
spiritual light (jyoti).
The
Sikh religion believes in one Supreme Being and rejects
idol worship. God is seen as Absolute yet personal,
Eternal All-Pervading Divine Spirit. He is without fear
and without hate for anyone. He loves his creation.
He creates man for the realisation of his true purpose
in the cosmos and return from where he is issued forth.
To
Sikhs, prayer in a congregation is important and what
really matters is the sincerity of the heart and it
must be practised in daily life. Karma and Transmigration
of Souls are accepted by Sikhs.
Sikhs
believe in following five cardinal virtues and avoiding
five vices. The five virtues are, self-restraint, tolerance,
contentment, devotion to duty and modesty. The five
vices are lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego.
Sikhs
use five physical symbols all beginning with the sound
of “K” to clearly distinguish themselves
as members of the Khalsa brotherhood (the Brotherhood
of the pure):
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Keshas: unshorn
hair to maintain God given form |
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Kangha: a comb
to maintain neatness of the hair |
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Kara: a steel bangle to
remind of the restraints of initiation |
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Kachha: a pair of underpants
to maintain chastity |
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Kirpan: a sword to defend
the weak and the oppressed |
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The scripture
shows the way to the Lord. Sikhs have direct communion
with God, with no intermediary. In congregation, they
face towards the altar. If there is no altar, the congregation
gathers facing towards the person leading the service,
with palms of their hands joined. Religious activities
are not confined to the temple. Religious habits are
formed in day-to-day life. Meditation, honest labour,
sharing and service are meritorious and become regular
habits.
Sikhs were brought to Singapore in
1881 when they were recruited in Punjab for the Police
Force of the Straits Settlements Government. Other
Sikhs came on their own accord around 1885. The early
Sikhs were employed as policemen or watchmen. Some
were dairy farmers of bullock-carters. Today, there
are many prominent Sikhs in the fields of law, medicine,
accountancy and other professions.
The Central Sikh Temple (Gurdwara)
was sited at 175 Queen Street in 1912. It was reconstructed
in 1921 but due to urban redevelopment, the government
acquired the site and the Temple was relocated. The
government provided a new site for the Central Sikh
Gurdwara at Towner Road and this was officially opened
on 16 November 1986. |
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