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Sikhism is a religion that originates primarily from what was then North West India and now part of Pakistan and India. The religion was founded by Guru Nanak Dev and was embodied by 9 consecutive Gurus after him; the 10Th Guru- Guru Gobind Singh, named the final Guru as Guru Granth Sahib: the Sikh Holy Scriptures. The Guru Granth Sahib can be viewed as a collection of the majority of the Guru's wisdom and teaching found in written form. They are direct writings of the Guru's and are not interpretations of teachings. Also they are written in the old language of Gurmukhi. Although, the found of the religion started Sikhism in 1507, the religion's official birth was in 1699 by the tenth guru.
Sikhs believe in one God who is formless and without gender. We believe in equality of every living things. We deduce that we are all children of God and that our actions define our spirit. We believe strongly in equality and brotherhood as we can be defined as the Khalsa Panth. Sikhs identify themselves with the three golden rules: Praise and Meditate God, Work Honestly, and to Share Wealth. We are to avoid the 5 evils (Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, and Pride) and combat them with the 5 Virtues (Contentment, Charity, Kindness, Optimism, and Humility). A Sikh's place to worship is called a Gurudwara (literally meaning the house of the teacher) and all are welcome through its doors regardless of caste, creed or religion. A few restrictions are applied: to cover ones head, to remove ones shoes, and meat, smoking and drinking are prohibited as is coming intoxicated.
The word Sikh literally means student and the word Guru means teacher. And this is how the religion is mainly organized.
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