Category: General Sikhi Topics

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The Sikh perspective on caste and identity

Gurmat strictly rejects and condemns any form of caste-based discrimination. If an individual uses their surname to assert caste superiority over others, this is against the principles of Sikhi. ਜਾਣਹੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥Recognize the Lord’s Light within all,

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The Sikh perspective on organ donation

Sikhi emphasizes selflessness, compassion, and the importance of noble deeds. Among such acts, organ donation stands out as a profound way to help others. Sikhi encourages generosity and service to humanity, making organ donation a natural extension of these values. Sikhs generally recognize brain death as

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The Sikh Perspective on Relationships and Emotional Intimacy

Sikhi provides clear guidance on maintaining purity in relationships and emphasizes self-discipline in interactions with the opposite gender. Gurbani’s teachings highlight the importance of seeing others with a lens of respect and dignity, establishing clear boundaries that prevent both physical and emotional intimacy outside of marriage.

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What is Bairaag, and why does it bring overwhelming emotions?

When listening to Keertan, if you find yourself overwhelmed with emotion and unable to control your tears, know that this is Bairaag. It is a natural and uncontrollable state where one’s heart longs for the Guru so intensely that even a moment without Him feels unbearable.

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The martyrdom of Bhai Subeg Singh Ji and Bhai Shahbaaz Singh Ji at the hands of Islamic tyrants

March 25 marks the Shaheedi Divas (martyrdom day) of Shaheed Bhai Subeg Singh Ji and Shaheed Bhai Shahbaaz Singh Ji. Every day in Ardas, we remember and honor those great Sikhs who were tortured on spiked wheels (ਚਰਕੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਚੜੇ) for refusing to give up their

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What is relationship of the appended Raagmala with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji?

A complete reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji begins with Sri Japji Sahib, excluding the first eighteen pages, which consist of the title page, table of contents, and index. It is universally accepted by all Sikhs that these eighteen pages are not part of

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The Question of Free Will: A Gurbani-Based Perspective

In Sikhi, the question of free will is not a mere philosophical curiosity but a lived reality that shapes how we navigate existence. Do we, as Sikhs, possess free will? Gurbani offers a profound answer: we have free will – the freedom to intend – but

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The Blade of Sacrifice: Sikhi, Jhatka, and Ancient Rites of Offering

The practice of sacrificial killing – offering a life to appease, honor, or commune with the divine – spans millennia and continents, threading through the religious histories of humanity. From the Abrahamic traditions of the ancient Near East to the Vedic rituals of South Asia, and

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Why It’s Important to Teach Gurmukhi to Our Kids

Sometimes we have some new students who are just beginning to learn Gurmukhi and are in the Oora Aira class asking us this question. In the west we have been very late in teaching Gurmukhi to our Bachay. We see that most students who come from

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Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Rejects Krishna’s Worship

Krishna is never praised in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. An argument is often made by Hindutva supporters, which is that Gurbani supposedly engages in the praise and worship of Hindu deities such as Krishna, and therefore the One Primal Lord can be worshipped “through” any

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