
Sikhi (or Sikhism), is a religion that was founded during the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the Sikhs. Sikhs believe in one God who is not only all around us but the Creator and source of everything, whose light is within all of us regardless of gender, religion,
race, caste, or nationality.
The Sikh teachings stress on the importance of equality of all humans, service to humanity, honest living, meditating and singing the praises of the Lord; with the ultimate goal of life being to connect, experience and merge back into our Creator. The word Sikhs use to meditate upon God, is “Waheguru”, which translates simply to ‘Wonderful Lord’.
Sikhs now follow the teachings of the eternal Guru, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the unique and inspiring collection of spiritual writings complied and sealed by the Gurus themselves. These writings not only contain the Guru’s writings, but also the divine wisdom of saints traditionally from different religions and backgrounds. The whole of Guru Granth Sahib Ji is divided by a beautiful selection of musical styles, with the intention being to sing the hymns and awaken the soul.
Interesting Facts about Sikhi:
- It is the 5th largest religion with over 27 million Sikhs around the globe, of which 27,000 are in Australia
- “Sikh” in the Punjabi language means ‘disciple’
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the 2nd most travelled person by foot in history. He travelled for 27 years visiting over at least 2 continents spreading the message of Truth! This included places like Sri Lanka, Tibet, Mecca, and Rome!
- The Gurus were master musicians, composing new musical modes and inventing instruments such as the Taus (6th Guru - Guru Hargobind Ji)
- Guru Granth Sahib Ji contains words such as Lord, Mother, Father, Raam, Allah, One.
- All Sikh Gurdwaras provide free food all day, every day of the week for anybody and everybody! This way we can all sit down as equals and eat the food prepared and served by volunteers.