Akram Youth Real Religion, Relative Religion | December 2015 | | Page 14

Glimpses of W orld Religions
Sikhism

T

he word ‘sikh’ in the Punjabi language
means ‘disciple’, Sikhs are the
disciples of god who follow the
writings and teachings of the ten sikh Gurus.
Founder: Guru Nanak dev ji.
Place of origin: India (Punjab).
Holy scripture: Sri Guru Granth sahib
Place of worship: Gurudwara.
Major festivals: Baisakhi, Gurupurab
(Birthday of Guru Nanak ji)
Fundamental Belief: Sikhism does not have
priests, Sikhs only have custodians of the
Guru Granth sahib, and all people of all
religions are welcome to the Gurudwara. A
free community kitchen can be found at
every Gurudwara which serves meals to all
people of all faiths. Guru Nanak first started
this institution which outlines the basic sikh
principles of service, humility and equality.
Pilgrimages: Golden temple-Amritsar (India),
Nanakana sahib (Pakistan)
Afterlife belief: Sikhs believe that good or
bad actions, in this life, determine the life
form into which a soul takes rebirth.

14 | December 2015

Jainism

J

ainism is an Indian religion that
emphasizes complete non-violence and
asceticism. The faith is named for the
Jinas (spiritual conquerors who have
achieved liberation and absolutism).
Included among these are the 24 spiritual
leaders called tirthankaras.
Place of Origin: Inida
Deity: 24 Tirthankar, (spiritual conquerors)
Holy scriptures: Jain Aagams
Place of worship: Jain temple (Derasar)
Major festivals: Paryushan mahaparva,
Diwali, Mahavir jayanti
Fundamental Belief: Jains believe the goal of
life is to reach liberaton by a life of
purification, discipline, and non-violence as
taught by the tirthankaras. Jainism doctrines
emphasize a peaceful and disciplined life.
These principles include non-violence, in all
parts of life (verbal, physical and mental).
Pilgrimages: Samet Sikhar, Shetrunjay
Mahatirth, Pavapuri (India)
Afterlife Belief: Unless the soul gets rid of its
karmas, it will never be free. When a living
being dies it can be reborn into one of four
destinies according to his karmas. These four
destinies or Gatis are as follows:
(1) Human beings. (2) Heavenly beings. (3)
Tiryancha (animal) beings. (4) Infernal
beings.