Hinduism and Sikhism - Differences

Differences

Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus rejected many tenets of Brahmanical Hinduism, such as:

  • Sikhism is a monotheistic religion; Sikhs believe there is only one God, who has infinite qualities and names. Hinduism is a diverse system of thought with beliefs spanning monotheism, polytheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism and historically atheism (see Hindu views on monotheism)
  • The Janeo (Hindu sacred thread), or 'confirmation' ritual of Hinduism.
  • The caste system–Untouchability - Hindu's believe in the caste system which is linked to ones past Karma,(in modern India, caste discrimination is outlawed). Sikhism believes ones previous lives Karma do not matter, but what does in this life determines ones status.
  • Sikhs do not believe that going on pilgrimages or bathing at holy rivers will give you mukti (salvation) but only meditation on the naam (name) of Waheguru will.
— Page 747, Line 18 - One may read all the books of the Vedas, the Simritees and the Shaastras, but they alone will not bring liberation.

The majority accept that the two belief systems have been separate from the beginning of Sikhism. Sikhs believe that the Gurus were receiving the beliefs and practices from God as the Gurus constantly stated that they were not part of the Hindu or Muslim religions. One belief in Sikhism that is commonly cited in support of this is the belief in equality between men and women, regardless of background or race.

Khushwant Singh has written that despite innovations, "this new community, the Khalsa Panth, remained an integral part of the Hindu social and religious system"; however, Hew Mcleod believes that claims of this nature "can, in large measure, be dismissed".

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