Sikh Philosophy - Underlying Values

Underlying Values

The Sikhs must believe in the following values:

  1. Equality: All humans are equal before God – No discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste, race, gender, creed, origin, color, education, status, wealth, et cetera. The principles of universal equality and brotherhood are important pillars of Sikhism.
  2. Personal right: Every person has a right to life but this right is restricted and has attached certain duties – simple living is essential. A Sikh is expected to rise early, meditate and pray, consume simple food, perform an honest day's work, carry out duties for his or her family, enjoy life and always be positive, be charitable and support the needy, et cetera.
  3. Actions count: Ultimately salvation depends on God's Grace (nadar/gurprasad) but truthful living is emphasized - Cultivation of virtues, selfless service (seva), remembrance of God – Naam Simran, Kirtan.
  4. Living a family life: Encouraged to live as a family unit to provide and nurture children for the perpetual benefit of creation. (as opposed to living as a wild hermit, which was, and remains, a common spiritual practice in India.)
  5. Sharing: It is encouraged to share and give to charity 10 percent of one’s net earnings.
  6. Accept God’s will: Develop your personality so that you recognise happy event and miserable events as one – the will of God causes them.
  7. The four fruits of life: Truth, contentment, contemplation and Naam, (in the name of God).

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