Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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in all living beings; most developed form in humans. The imperfect human being suffers because of attachment to lust (kaama), anger (krodh), covetousness (lobha), attachment to worldly objects (moha), pride (ahankaara) and self-centredness (manmukha) through ignorance. One has to obey the Guru and act according to the teachings (become gurumukha), to be released from the present state of imperfection. In the absence of a true Guru, scripture (Grantha Sahib) is the real Guru; Sikhs worship it as representatives of God.
Sikhism practises religious discipline in the form of repetition of God's name, devotional songs, a dedicated virtuous life, selfless service to the people and company of Guru Mukha, for the path of final release. It emphasises cultivation of the virtues of humility, love, contentment, truth, righteousness, mercy, compassion and purity, and preaches love to all without any distinction of caste or creed.
Though Sikhism in its essence is opposed to extrinsciality and rituals, over time rituals have been accepted, such as baptism, pilgrimage to Guru Gobind Singh's birthplace, and daily rituals. Guru Gobind Singh has laid down daily rituals such as: rising early, bathing in cold water, morning and evening prayers and meditation on God's name.
Gurudwara
The Sikh place of worship is the Gurudwara ('the doorway of the Guru'), a centre for worship, religious education, social activities and welfare services. Readings from the 'Granth Sahib', hymns and praises to God, meditation on God's name and reverence of the 'Granth Sahib' and Guru are the specific features of the Sikh worship. Some Sikhs may have a special room at home where the 'Granth Sahib' is displayed. It is customary to have a langar (communal meal) at Gurudwara where meat dishes, alcohol and smoking are prohibited.
Sikhism has no priests or monks and any adult can perform religious ceremonies.
On special occasions, continuous liturgical readings of the complete 'Granth Sahib' (akhand paath), a reading for the whole week (saptah paath) and the reading of extracts (sahaj paath) are relayed to the congregation. Sikh worship ends with the distribution of an edible gift
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