Worship
Sikhs are taught to remember God鈥檚 name. Therefore, worship is part of their daily life and routine. They worship in the gurdwaraSikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'. and the home by reciting prayers and meditating on the name of God.
Meditating on God鈥檚 name 鈥 Naam Japna
One of the three foundations of SikhismThe foundations (or pillars) of Sikhism are Nam Japna (remembering the name of Waheguru), Kirat Karna (earning an honest living) and Wand Chakna (generosity and self-sacrifice). is Naam JapnaRepeating and remembering God's name., which is meditating on God鈥檚 name.
Sikhs believe that it is important to keep WaheguruSikhs believe in one God called Waheguru which means 鈥榃onderful Lord鈥 or 鈥榃onderful Teacher鈥. in their mind at all times. Nam Japna can be performed either silently (by repeating 鈥榃aheguru鈥 in the head) or aloud. Sikhs believe Naam Japna helps them to become less selfish (manmukhSelf-centred.) and more God-centred (gurmukhGod-centred, living by the Gurus' teachings.).
Repeating the Naam, the Name of the Lord, the mortal is exalted and glorified. Repeating the Naam, sin is banished from the body. Repeating the Naam, all festivals are celebrated. Repeating the Naam, one is cleansed at the sixty-eight sacred shrines.
Prayer in the gurdwara
In the gurdwara, Sikhs pray in the main prayer hall (diwan hallThe main hall in a Sikh gurdwara where worship takes place.). Before entering the prayer hall, they take off their shoes, wash their hands and cover their heads. They then walk towards the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru. (the Eternal GuruThe Guru Granth Sahib, known as the Eternal Guru because God would be present through its teachings.), bow in front of it and touch the floor to show respect. They may also give a donation, which is placed in the golakThe collection box for donations from the Sikh sangat (congregation)聽. In the hall, Sikhs sit on the floor to show respect to the Eternal Guru.
Prayer in the home
Most Sikhs do not have a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib in their home. However, they will likely have:
- the Dasam GranthThe Dasam Granth is a collection of various manuscripts, including compositions by Guru Gobind Singh., a compilation of Guru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Sikh Guru. He established the Khalsa and completed the Guru Granth Sahib, the most important Sikh holy book. poems
- the Japji SahibA composition by Guru Nanak, found at the beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib, and recited by devout Sikhs every morning., a compilation of prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib
- a prayer book known as a GutkaA collection of daily prayers / hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib for Sikhs to use at home., which is treated with great respect by being clothed in a rumallaBeautiful cloths or coverings which cover the Guru Granth Sahib when it is not being read. when not in use
At home, Sikhs meditate on God鈥檚 name by repeating the Japji Sahib and the SwayyasVerses in a Bani (section of the holy text).. They may also use a set of prayer beads known as a malaA string of beads used by some Sikhs and Buddhists as an aid to prayer., which has 108 knots tied into it. They will repeat 鈥榃aheguru鈥 as they pass the beads through their fingers. Sikhs remember that God is with them throughout the day 鈥 from when they bathe in the morning to when they say evening prayers before bed.
Akand Path
The Akhand Path (Akand Path)Unbroken 48-hour reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib. is the non-stop continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end. This reading is completed over 48 hours by many people. It lasts through the day and night until all 1,430 pages of the holy scripture have been read.
There are many reasons to complete the Akand Path, including to honour important festivals or occasions such as marriage. The Akand Path is one way for Sikhs to perform sewaSelfless service to the community..