Have you heard of Sikhism? It is the fifth most practiced religion in the world. If there are two concepts that define it, they are solidarity and equality. This is demonstrated in the various temples they have around the world in which they feed the faithful. Do you want to know the details of this religion? We tell you everything here.
Sikhism
The origin of sijimo takes us to the region of Punjab, in the north india, more than 500 years ago. Contextualized in a period of tension between Hinduism and Islam. There the Guru Nanak defended that there were neither Hindus nor Muslims, that they were all equal. Those words and his actions made him the founder of the Sikh religion. A new religion was born against castes and in defense of equality.
Temple
La Region of Madrid houses two temples of the Sikh religion. One of them in Villaverde. There they receive everyone, believers and non-believers. The temple, his area of worship, it becomes a dining room in which dozens of people taste succulent dishes sitting on the floor. "Anyone who needs help can reach out and eat our specialties. The doors are always open ”explains Harender, a follower of this religion.
Each Sunday this temple receives around one hundred people. People of all kinds come here: Sikhs, non-believers, Muslims, tourists, guests, curious people or those who need help. Its humanitarian work goes beyond offering food. Too host visitors and they help find work to unemployed people. “We help them and, if they can't find a job in Madrid, we look for another place… and we buy them a ticket so they can go,” adds Harender.
The only condition they establish is that before tasting your menu deben prostrate before the holy book. “It is not a sign of humiliation or inferiority, but the surrender of the ego, the reason, which must be situated below the heart so that the truth will shine and live in us ”, says Lakhimi Chand Singh, also a follower of this religion.
Meals
Breakfasts, meals and dinners offered in the temple. And Harender always responds: "Come, eat and that's it" to the question how much do we have to pay? Everyone asks it daily. The expense managers are own people from the community. Also, this religion in times of crisis has noticed the increased influx of people. In addition, on important days, such as celebrations, community members volunteer to prepare the food putting the resources themselves.
After the meal is finished, the believers pray in harmony in the hall. Barefoot and kneeling under a turban begin the prayers.
Curiosities of Sikhism
This religion believe in one God and the teachings of the ten gurus of Sikhism. These are stored in the Guru-grant-sajib, his holy book. "It is not so important what the book itself says when it comes to translating and interpreting it, but the vibration it contains when you read it" says Lakhmi Chand.
15 hours by train and alehop, I am in North India, in Punjab: the spiritual home of one of the most peaceful and egalitarian religions, Sikhism.
And in the background, the Golden Temple, covered by almost a ton of gold. pic.twitter.com/J0qLeedh7L- Susana (@suniggurath) February 12, 2020
The idea of equality of the Sikhs, due to the opposition that this leads to the castes, makes all have the same last name. SINGH for men and KAUR for women. The objective of this is that nobody feels inferior than the other.
Also, they like stay out of society. That is, they do not like to make themselves known. They do not proselytize or try to convince people, the latter never. However, if that they extend their hand to those who need it. “If someone needs help, they can come to the temple, we will be delighted. The more people the better. Here we try to help everyone and if the food runs out, more is always prepared" Add.
The 5 symbols of the Sikhs
Once past the Amrit ceremony, the believers of Sikhism begin to call themselves members of the Khalsa. This event would be compared to baptism. Once the ceremony is complete, members must meet five symbols. These are also called the 5 Ks that symbolize discipline and spirituality. Representing through them the elements of clothing and physical appearance. These are:
Through the Khalsa they pledge to abstain from meat, tobacco, alcohol y after toxic substances. Besides all sexual relationship until marriage.
Everything that is out of our normality seems strange and even incorrect. However, as a conclusion we draw that this religion helps others. Also, his motto of the footing y solidarity They seem to us to be two fundamental concepts for a healthy society.
