Introduction

With a population of over 50 million worldwide, and about 1 million in North America, Sikhs can be found in almost all countries of the world. Sikhs are 'disciples' of their Gurus (teachers), starting with Guru Nanak (1469-1539) and ending with Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Nanak preached truthful living and tolerance. He denounced discrimination against women and those of lower socioeconomic status, as well as ritualism.

His philosophy was centered around belief in one God, who is formless, omnipresent, and attainable through righteous living. Guru Nanak's nine successors crystallized his philosophy.

The tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708), gave the Sikhs their current distinctive appearance. They have unshorn hair, beards and turbans and carry a kirpan, or short dagger, intended to make them easily recognizable as staunch defenders of the weak and oppressed. At his death, Guru Gobind Singh passed the guruship to Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scriptures, to be the continuing source of guidance.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib not only contains the writings of the Sikh Gurus, but also those of spiritual men of other faiths, a feature unique amongst religious scriptures. The message taught is that all faiths are to be treated with respect and can be paths to enlightenment.