What does this mean in practice?
In order to achieve muktiThe freeing of the soul from rebirth/salvation/liberation., Sikhs attempt to live a life that leads to gaining good meritA beneficial influence built up through wholesome and skillful actions (karma), capable of affecting a person's future experience in this life and the next.. They may do this in the following ways.
- Following the teachings of the GuruCan mean God, teacher or guide. Usually means a teacher of religion. In Sikhism, it also refers to the ten human messengers of God.. The Gurus set out a lifestyle for Sikhs to follow so that they keep their focus on God and on serving others.
- Attempting to keep God in their heart and mind at all times.
- By living an honest life and doing acts of service and charity. Service to others is known as sewaSelfless service to the community. and the belief is that a life lived in this way will lead to good karmicThe adjective of karma. Actions or the law of cause and effect. consequences.
When the body is filled with ego and selfishness, the cycle of birth and death does not end.
What questions might non-Sikhs have about Sikh beliefs on life after death?
- What is the evidence for reincarnationThe religious belief that existence is a cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth, and that the soul survives physical death and is reborn in a new body.?
- Is a belief in reincarnation compatible with modern scientific views?
- How do Sikh ideas about reincarnation compare with ideas of reincarnation in other religions?