18 fascinating facts about Sikhism I bet you didn’t know-2

18 fascinating facts about Sikhism I bet you didn’t know-2

Standing for justice

The ninth among them, Guru Tegh Bahadur, observed Mughal state authorities forcefully converting its Hindu constituents. Although this oppression targeted a religious community to which he did not belong and whose beliefs he did not share, Guru Tegh Bahadur stood up firmly for their right to practice religion freely — and the state responded by publicly executing Guru Tegh Bahadur.

A real Sikh never believes in superstitions

Sikhism instructs not to believe in good moments, or bad moments, good days or bad days, good numbers or bad numbers. According to Sikhism, all days of the week and all numbers are the same, no one day or a number is better than the other.

Simple ways of pleasing God

Sikhism instructs not to fast, perform animal sacrifice, go on pilgrimages, conduct self torture, or any other similar tasks. The only way to please God and be one with Him is to love Him. One need not perform any rituals or believe in superstitions to receive God’s love.

Sikh women have equal status

In fourteenth century, before the time Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Indian women were severely degraded and oppressed by their society. Her function was only to perpetuate the race, do household work, and serve the male members of society. Female infanticide was common, and the practice of sati was encouraged, sometimes even forced. Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Guru of Sikhs, raised his voice and denounced the Sati system.

Sikhism revolutionized the society

The steps Sikh Gurus took to advocate the equality of women revolutionized the tradition of Indian society. As women began to partake in social, religious, and political affairs, their contribution and worth as equal partners of men became more obvious. The Gurus taught that men and women are equal in the eyes of God, so are equal in rights on the Earth.

Food in Sikhism

Sikhism encourages healthy living by consuming simple and natural food only. Over-eating and eating unhealthy food should be avoided. The concept is not to hurt anything or anyone and live in harmony by sharing with others. Killing animals for taste has been called unrighteous in Guru Granth Sahib.

The symbol of Sikhism

The universal symbol of Sikhism is the khanda, the double-edged sword flanked by two daggers (representing worldly and spiritual powers, bound by the oneness of God).

Greetings in Sikhism

The traditional greeting used by Sikhs is "Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh" which means "The Khalsa belongs to God, Victory belongs to God". Another traditional greeting is "Sat Sri Akal" which means "Immortal God is Truth".

Singh and Kaur

The names Singh and Kaur are the last names of Sikh males and females, respectively. Singh means lion, Kaur means lioness or princess. The Gurus confirmed the equality of women in society by starting a system where women did not have to change their last names post marriage. Sikh history also has women fighting alongside men in battles. Thus, Gurus ensured equality for women.

Om Namah Shivay