Sikhism
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Sikhism is a religion founded in India around 1500 CE. Originally made in India, it is now one of the larger religions in the world, currently ranked fifth in terms of membership (about 26 million). Sikhs are very distinctive because they are forbidden to ever cut their hair, and instead keep it wrapped up in turbans.[1] Khalsa Sikhs are also required to keep certain items with them at all times, including a comb, Undergarment (this is interpreted by most Sikhs as simply wearing underwear, which was once considered a very hygienic thing to do as opposed to the norm), and some form of knife.[2] As opposed to Christianity, there are only 5 "deadly sins," or "cardinal vices": lust, anger, greed, worldly attachment, and pride.[3]
Unlike Muslims, Sikhs do not practice circumcision. They also espouse a system of absolute equality between genders, religions, and races. They even go so far as to all take the name Singh, as many Indian names were linked to caste. Their commandments more or less boil down to "be a good person and do good for other people" and not "Do as God says or he'll smite the shenanigans out of you" or "Despite you being a totally base and vile person who deserves to burn in Hell, a really awesome guy says you're worth it and died for you and so you'd better thank him every time you turn around." So, you know, good for them.
Sikhs do not believe in heaven or hell (although they do believe in a form of reincarnation[4]), and believe that paradise can be found on earth by doing good deeds and helping others. Sikhs are not supposed to believe in any meaningless rituals (fasting, idol worship, going on pilgrimages etc.) and believe that any ritual or practice which cannot be explained rationally should be discarded. Sikhs do not proselytize, but anyone who willingly converts to Sikhism is to be accepted, regardless of race, gender or nationality. Sikhs are forbidden to consume alcohol or other intoxicants, and there is a debate among Sikhs with regards to eating meat. Some believe that a vegetarian diet is best, as it does not harm innocent creatures, while others have no problems eating meat.
As noted above, Sikhism includes among its articles of faith the requirement that baptized Sikhs carry a weapon at all times. This usually takes the form of a ceremonial dagger called a kirpan[wp] (which may or may not actually be usable as a weapon), though some have been known to wear swords or other weapons. This is considered important enough that in India itself as well as several European countries Sikhs' knives are often exempted under certain circumstances from laws against the public carrying of weapons.
If you ever find yourself hungry in a strange land, seek out a Sikh temple. All Sikh temples are required to serve meals to anyone who is hungry, regardless of their faith. Usually they will serve only vegetarian foods and drinks in an attempt to appeal to most people (as almost everyone eats veggies but not all eat meat) however you may find some that do offer meat in rare places.
[edit] Footnotes
- ↑ This led to many Sikhs being harassed or killed since the September 11th attacks in the US, as people continue to mistake them for radical Muslims. The turban has also been falsely attributed to Hindus as well. It's especially stupid given that Sikhs have spent a goodly portion of their history fighting against Muslims.
- ↑ Bans on even dull, ceremonial knives have started causing large problems for Sikhs who wish to fly.
- ↑ http://www.sikhs.org/philos.htm
- ↑ About Sikhism