Sikhism
Sikhism
Sikh means "seeker of truth".The youngest of the world religions, Sikhism is barely 500 years old. 
Its founder, Guru Nanak, was born in 1469 and developed Sikhism as a reaction to Hindu and Muslim faiths. He was the first of Sikhism's 10 Gurus, a lineage of holy teachers that continued until the end of the 17th century. The Gurus are understood to be the mediators of divine grace. Sikhism does not have priests, and all people of all religions are welcome to the Gurdwara, which is a Sikh temple. A free community kitchen serves meals to all people and can be found at every Gurdwara. Guru Nanak first started the community kitchen that outlines the basic Sikh principles of service, humility and equality.
Population:
World - 18 million
United States - 100,000
Tenets:
- There is only one God. He is the same God for all people of all religions.
- The soul goes through cycles of births and deaths before it reaches the human form. The goal of life is to lead an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. Sikhs remember God at all times and practice living a virtuous and truthful life while maintaining a balance between their spiritual and temporal obligations.
- The true path to achieving salvation and merging with God does not require renunciation of the world or celibacy, but living the life of a householder, earning an honest living and avoiding worldly temptations and sins.
- Sikhism does not believe in fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship, etc.
- Sikhism preaches that men and women of different races and religions are all equal in the eyes of God. Women can participate in any religious function, perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.
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