Jonathan Channer

ID#797782
UNHR 224
Sikh Temple Report
May 13, 2003

The Learned Way

Reverence and friendliness are the two things characterizing the Riverside

Gurudwar (Sikh Temple). Upon entering the gurudwar, one may see a definite eastern

(predominantly Indian) influence in the type of building. Orient rugs sprawl across the

walkways, and more than half of the peoples’ dress (particularly the women) further adds

to the eastern flavor. Division and an absence of chairs may be found inside the main

sanctuary area. The men and women are separated to their own sides. There is a stand

up in front similar to the marriage stand in the Hindu temple, but much bigger. Beautiful

carvings decorate the stand, and the holy book sits in the middle. The musicians/chanters

and the podium are next to the stand. The temple has obviously gone through some

evolution to its present state. A picture in the entry of the first gurudwar can be seen

covered in gold with total eastern influence. The Riverside gurudwar has kept the

important elements, but has had to make some western compromises such as building

style, the electricity, ceiling fans and so forth. However, things such as the dress, holy

book and the chanters have remained intact.

There are many mythical narratives that incorporate into the Sikh experience. In

order to understand these things, some background information must be given. Sikh

means student. The “students” learn from the teacher, which is the holy book. However,

this holy book is special, for it is considered as a living person. This person is not just

any person; it is the Guru of Sikhism himself. The Guru is treated with so much respect,

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he even has a bed! The Sikhs are monotheistic, yet incorporate the Hindu reincarnation

ideology. This relatively new religion draws heavily from the Muslim and Hindu

religions (yet claims to have arisen on its own). Their leader/Guru is said to have killed

five willing servants and have brought them to life. This brings us to our next myth. The

Sikhs believe clean, pure air as a life force. In the sanctuary, someone is up in the stand

with a whisk and is constantly whipping it back and forth to purify the air around the holy

book.

The Sikhs have several observable rituals and symbols. The first can be

categorized under the 5 K’s. This involves things such as not cutting the hair and beard,

wearing a bracelet made of iron that serves as both a life force and a reminder to do good,

holy underwear to remind of sexual purity, and having a Kirpan, which is a knife which is

used only in self defense. Secondly, upon entering the main worship hall, the people

walk to the front, and bow several times to the holy book, and then take their seats.

When leaving the sanctuary, they bow at the door once again. Third, there is great

respect given when one is in a gurudwar. The shoes must be removed, and a covering

must be placed on the head, whether it be a turban or bandana. Fourth, the people sit on

the ground in order to foster a relaxed learning environment and show respect to mother

earth. In essence, when one is sitting on the ground, it is like sitting in the lap of a

mother, thus providing the best way to listen and learn. Finally, the way to obtain the text

of the day is a great ritual. The Guru is awakened from his bed and brought out. The

Sikh priests let him open himself up at random, and that page will be the text of the day.

The worshippers receive great contributions through the Sikh religion. First, it

gives homeland traditions and rituals, which we have seen in this class (i.e.

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Confucianism) builds strong bonds between an individual and his people, environment,

and world. Secondly, the holy book/Guru gives a problem and instruction on the solution

to the problem. These problems range in great variety, and deal with life’s issues.

Sikhism fulfills the human need of learning and direction. The holy book

provides a way for people to deal with problems. It also gives its followers the belief of

constant learning. When someone is (or thinks) they are learning it stimulates a feeling

of accomplishment, and sometimes purpose. By setting lifetime learning as an objective,

one may constantly stimulate the feelings of accomplishment and purpose, which are two

things that play greatly into happiness.

The traditions of Sikhism are being passed onto the next generations in very

obvious ways. The children are heavily involved with the worship service, and

encouraged to participate in it. They do things such as passing out the dough, playing the

instruments, and leading the chants. The gurudwar is a place to bring the children and

involve them, and in turn the children learn the traditions and rituals.

The Sikh spiritual pathway is one through learning. By learning about life

throughout their life, Sikhs find fulfillment in both their spiritual and daily lives. The

people are a peaceable and their pathway makes logical sense, especially for those of us

in a learning induced environment.

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