What is Sikhism?
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Devi Ji in 1469 in Talwandi now Nanaksar in Pakistan. Guru Nanak was an enlightened soul one day he took a bath at the river and was in Gods court room. After 3-5 days he remerged spreading the message of oneness to the world.
Guru Nanak and his companion Bhai Mardana then travelled over many continents spreading the message of oneness for over 16 years and then settled down at Kartarpur Sahib in Punjab working in the fields whilst being the Guru. Towards the end of his physical life he passed on the Guruship to Guru Angad Dev Ji.
The Guruship was passed to a further 8 Gurus until the 10th master Guru Gobind Singh Ji who formalised the Khalsa Panth at Vaisakhi in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib where Amrit was given to the five beloved ones. The five beloved ones then gave Amrit to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and from that day many tens of thousands took Amrit where the men were renamed Singh (Lions) and women Kaur (Princesses).
In 1708 Guru Gobind Singh passed the Guruship to the final Guru “Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”
Guru Granth Sahib Ji contains teachings, history and guide as a living Guru. This is composed in written format and treated with as much respect as a living Guru.
At RGC we follow the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and practise what is the known as the 3 Golden Rules:
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Naam Japna – Remember and reciting name of the infinite one at all times
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Kirat Khana – Earn an honest living
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Vandkeh Shakna – Share what you have with others.
If you want to know more about Guru Nanak Dev Ji click here for short video. If you would like to learn more, we would recommend the YouTube channel Basics of Sikhi. To find out in detail about the Gurus there is and online course “Why Guru Course” which explains in detail of Sikhs, the Gurus and History. Which you can find at Basics of Sikhi here.
The Sikh place of worship is called a “Gurdwara” which translates into “Gurus’s Door.” All are invited to come in and pray irrespective of Caste or Creed, eat and be part of “Sangat” which is collective worship. At the Gurdwara you will find “Guru Granth Sahib Ji” as the main focus where we sing praises, read, and educate.
At the Gurdwara we have “Langar” which was founded by Guru Nanak Dev ji and now continues to feed millions across the world. This is a “Free Kitchen” where people can come down and sit and eat for free. This forms equality, community cohesion and selfless service.
Ramgarhia Gurdwara Coventry brings all of this together under Sikhism and the Sikh way of life. A Sikh is a way of being as a disciple of the Guru and it goes beyond the boundaries of religion.