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All Sikh men take the religious name Singh (lion) and all Sikh women Kaur (princess), in order to promote equality and nullify caste. Sikhism, however, does have a number of sects such as Namadhari, Akalis, Nirankaris, Nanak-panthis and Khalsa. Many Sikhs expect to be initiated at some stage in their life, and the Sikhs belonging to Khalsa observe the five Ks' kesh (uncut hair), kangha (to keep hair clean), kara (symbol of spiritual allegiance) and kirpan (ceremonial sword for self-defence and to protect the weak and oppressed).
Sikhs celebrate many festivals, the major among them are Vaisakhi (April), Diwali (Oct/Nov), Guru Nanak's birthday (November) the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Nov/Dec), and Guru Gobind's birthday (Dec/Jan).
Jainism and Sikhism The spiritual core of Sikhism, that rebirth and sufferings can be ended by conquering the mind or soul and controlling the five evils of lust, anger, covetousness, attachment and pride, are similar to Jain teachings of self-conquest and control over the passions, but that salvation is attained through God's grace is contrary to Jain belief.
Like Jainism, Sikhism believes in the equality of souls, reverence for Gurus, the scripture and its ethical teachings. However, unlike Sikhism, Jainism believes in the teachings of the omniscient tirthankaras, the organised ascetic orders, renunciation, austerities, a logically argued karma theory, a theory of knowledge, stages of spiritual progress leading to the attainment of godhood, and love and friendship to all living beings.
Sikhism believes in God as the creator of the Universe and that the individual merges with God after salvation. Jainism professes that the Universe is eternal, is not created by any supreme being, and that the soul retains its own identity even after salvation, and the teachings and wisdom of the omniscients are found in the vast literature preserved by the Jains.
Other religions of the East China has three major spiritual traditions: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Confucius emphasised the traditional values of civilised behaviour, modesty, restraint and respect for ancestors and rituals. Taoism stresses the importance of being 'natural' and spontaneous, living at one with the Tao, the underlying principle of reality, and focussing on rituals, elixirs and gods. In addition to Buddhism, Christianity and Islam are also practised in China.
Japan's indigenous religion is Shinto, the 'way of the gods', with its deities, rites, shrines and priests and no concept of a human or divine creator, rather its central concern is with this world, and its visible form of expression is in the ritual visiting of shrines. It is largely concerned with the community. In addition to Shinto, many Japanese are also practising Buddhists.
Western Faiths The major Western faiths originated in the Middle East. The ancient faith of the Zoroastrians, which was influential in the development of religions in the Middle East, developed in Iran. The religions of the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims are closely interrelated. Jesus of Nazareth was a Jew, and the sacred scriptures of the Jews were
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