On Wednesday 17th July we were welcomed to Guru Nanak Dev ji Gurdwara by Hardev Singh, who is the Pardaan (Main Volunteer) at the Gurdwara. As we entered, we covered our heads and removed our shoes before heading to the Langar Hall (communal canteen) where we had refreshments and a brief talk about the concept on Langar at Gurdwaras.
We then went up to the Darbaar Sahib (Royal Court), where we saw Guru Granth Sahib ji placed on a Royal Throne. Guru Granth Sahib ji is the 11th Sikh Guru, the eternal Guru who resides as Shabat (The word of God- Vaheguru). There were 10 physical Gurus, the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji gave Guruship to Guru Granth Sahib ji.
Guru Granth Sahib ji is a living being for Sikhs, that are woken with Ardaas from their place of rest (Sachkandh) and carried on the head of a Sikh in ceremony to the Throne in Darbaar where they stay throughout the day. Sikhs read Gurbani from Guru Granth Sahib ji and sing Kirtan using Gurbani. This is a form of worship and meditation to God, Sikhs learn from the Guru of truth - Sat Guru.
We were also shown the Khanda, the Sikh symbol and shown the shashtar which make this up. Kiran, Chakar, Khanda.
We learnt that Sikhs worship 1 supreme being who resides in everyone and in everything. Sikhs connect to this 1 (EK) via meditation and righteous living via our 10th gate, Dasam Dawaar which is on the top of our head.
We also learnt that Sikhs live by the 3 basic principles:
1. Kirth Karo - Earn honest living
2. Naam japo - Meditate in the "1" Vaheguru (God)
3. Vandh Chako - Share what we have
Following the presentation, we had a great Q&A and went for Langar in the Langar Hall. Langar is a free vegetarian meal available to anyone. Everyone sits in a line on the floor and eat the same food, ensuring equity within humanity.
We would like to thank Hardev Singh for his wonderful presentation and introduction to Sikhi * and a big thank you the Gurdwara Volunteers for hosting us and letting experience such a great visit.
*Sikhi is how Sikhs refer to their faith and is the preferred terminology, Sikhism is a western description that is still used on occasion.