Learn about SIKHS: Main Tenets of Sikhi

At its heart, Sikhism is about living truthfully, serving others, and seeing the divine in everyone and everything.

Praying a the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, in Punjab, India (photo by Jasper Johal ©)

Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, Sikhism rejects religious dogma and hierarchy in favor of a simple yet powerful message: God is one, and all human beings are equal (McLeod, Sikhism, 1997).

Sikhs follow three core principles taught by Guru Nanak: Naam Japna (remembering and meditating on God’s name), Kirat Karni (earning an honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with those in need). These aren’t just religious duties—they’re a way of life.

Whether through prayer, work, or community service, Sikhs are called to walk the path of humility, compassion, and justice (Cole & Sambhi, The Sikhs, 1995).

Equality is a cornerstone. Sikhism was one of the first major faiths to reject the caste system and to insist that women have equal spiritual and social rights. In Sikh temples, or gurdwaras, everyone sits and eats together in the langar, a free communal meal that embodies this belief in unity.

The Sikh ideal is to be a saint-soldier—spiritually devoted, yet always ready to defend the vulnerable and stand against injustice. This balance between inner devotion and outward action defines Sikh ethics (Singh, The Sikhs, 2006).

Though only about 30 million Sikhs live worldwide, their values—service, dignity, and equality—resonate far beyond. In a divided world, Sikhism offers a clear and compassionate call: see the divine in every face, and live accordingly.

Sources:

  • McLeod, W.H. Sikhism. Penguin, 1997.

  • Cole, W. Owen, and Piara Singh Sambhi. The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Sussex Academic Press, 1995.

  • Singh, Khushwant. The Sikhs. Rupa Publications, 2006.