Fundamentals Of Sikhism



Fundamentals of Sikhism 2nd Edition, 230 Pages. Softcover
UK �6.00 CANADA $12.00


Especially written for Western Sikh youth desiring to know the basic facts about Sikhism. The second edition contains expanded sectionson Sikh History, both Gurus' Period and Post Guru Period, and is illustrated with 36 historical photopaintings.




Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

"Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh" is the Khalsa greeting which all Sikhs use when they meet or greet another fellow Sikh. It means the Khalsa, the Pure One, is of Waheguru, the Wonderful Lord. The Khalsa attributes all of their success, gains a nd attainments to God Himself, as all that happens is the will of God. This greeting also reminds us that we are of God and must remain the Pure Ones, and all purity and holiness that are within us, are through the Grace of Waheguru. So when we greet othe rs "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh" we are uttering the whole philosophy of Sikhism given in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. That philosophy is we are all created by the One God and we should all behave like His children. If we shed our ego and surr ender to His will we can begin to become Pure Ones and attain our Father, God.

What is a Sikh?

A Sikh is a disciple of God. A Sikh is identified amongst other asians by the turban that he or she wears on their head, although many Sikh women who do not wear a turban are lost amongst other asian women as they wear a chunni(head-scarf). The turban is worn to keep the hair covered and clean from any dust or dirt, although the chunni can slip from the head or be blown off in the wind. Another distinct feature of the Sikhs is the Kara, a steel or iron bracelet and also one of the "Five K's". All Sikhs wear a Kara, which was originally worn as a piece of armour all the way up the arm. It also signifies God, as it is a circle and has no beginning and no end. It is also worn to remind us of God and to stop us from doing any bad deeds, the Kara is the only form of bracelet a Sikh should wear and gold or silver ones are classsed as jewelery.
A Sikh follows the Rehat Maryada and once baptised with Amrit becomes a Khalsa. On becoming a Khalsa they have given their head to God. A Khalsa wears the "Panj Kakkars"(Five K's) whick are: