Sikhism

Sikhism (/ˈsɪkɨzəm/; Sikkhī, Punjabi pronunciation: [ˈsɪkːʰiː]), or Sikhi (from Sikh, meaning a disciple, or a learner), is a monotheistic religion founded in South Asia in the 15th century. It is based on the spiritual preachings of Guru Nanak (the first Guru), and the ten successive Sikh gurus. With over 25 million adherents worldwide, Sikhism is a major religious group in the world.A Sikh is a disciple of the Guru. Sikh philosophy asserts the absolute need for a 'True Guru' (an enlightened master) in order for an individual to progress on the spiritual path and attain divine knowledge. After the death of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib became the literal embodiment of the eternal, impersonal Guru, where the scripture's word serves as the spiritual guide for Sikhs.Sikhism considers spiritual life and secular life to be intertwined. Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru established the system of the Langar, or communal kitchen, in order to demonstrate the need to share and have equality between all people. Sikhs also believe that ""all religious traditions are equally valid and capable of enlightening their followers"". In addition to sharing with others Guru Nanak inspired people to earn an honest living without exploitation and also the need for remembrance of the divine name (God). Guru Nanak described living an ""active, creative, and practical life"" of ""truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity"" as being higher than a purely contemplative life. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, established the political/temporal (Miri) and spiritual (Piri) realms to be mutually coexistent.Sikh gurus drew part of their inspiration from the Bhakti movement in medieval India. Sikhism developed while the region was being ruled by the Mughal Empire. Two of the Sikh gurus – Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur, after they refused to convert to Islam, were tortured and executed by the Mughal rulers. The Islamic era persecution of Sikhs triggered the founding of Saint Soldier of Khalsa, as a movement for freedom of religion. Sikhs are expected to embody the qualities of a ""Sant-Sipāhī""—a saint-soldier. Sikhs are expected to have control over the so-called ""Five Thieves"" dispel these by means of the so-called ""Five Virtues"".