A Comparison of Sikhism and Hinduism

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A Comparison of Sikhism and Hinduism

What is religion? There is much debate to the exact definition of religion but according to the book Introduction to World Religions, “It is commonly used to refer to those beliefs, behaviors, and social institutions that have something to do with speculations on any, and all of the following: the origin, end and significance of the universe; what happens after death; the existence and wishes of powerful, non-human beings such as spirits, ancestors, angels, demons, and gods; and the manner in which all of this shapes human behavior”(Partridge,10). Sikhism first came about hundreds and hundreds of years ago in a community where religious beliefs were split between Hinduism and Islam. There are several things that contribute to the creation of this religion and many comparisons to be made between itself and Hinduism.

Sikhism was founded in 1450 CE in the Punjab region of India. “Sikh” is actually means Disciple in their language (“Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People”, 1). This seems very fitting being that the religion is carried on by 10 gurus to whom follow the word of god. Unlike the origin of Hinduism where there is no one founder, there is a founder of Sikhism named Guru Nanek Deb Ji. He spread his word of peace and love and chastised rituals of Muslims and Hindus. Guru Nanek never forced his views on those of other religions (“History of Sikhism”, 1). Guru Granth Sahib is how people today can learn the teaching of Sikhism. Sikhism rejects the caste system and practice equality of life. There are no religious laws unlike Hinduism, just three rules to which a Sikh should live their lives. There are no priests in Sikhism, followers were to be househol...

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...eving in angels or demons and having multiple gods they believe that there is a divine god to whom one should always be aware of. These values shape the behaviors of Sikhs. All of these things constitute what religion is based off of. Though there are many differences and similarities between Sikhism and Hinduism ultimately they both strive to seek salvation whether it is with one god or to several gods.

Work Cited

"History of Sikhism." ReligionFacts. @Religious Facts, 20 Feb. 2005.

Web. 23 Mar. 2014.

Partridge, Christopher H. Ed. Christopher Shackle. Sewa Singh Kalsi. Introduction to World Religions.

Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2005. 216-41. Print.

"Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People." Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People. @Sikhs.org, 2011.

Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

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