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Every religion provides a code of conduct for its followers, and Sikhism is no
exception to this rule. There is no formal list of commandments and prohibitions
in the Sikh Scriptures. But they have been tabilized in the “Rehat Maryada.” The
Gurus by their words and deeds guided their followers to a holy and purposeful
life. Guru Nanak declared:” Without virtuous living , there can be no devotional
worship.” (AG, 4) He elaborates this idea through the homily of the love of a
bride for her groom. The good wife adorns herself with patience, contentment and
sweet speech in order to win the love of her husband. Then gives up anger,
covetousness and pride, so that she may enjoy bliss with her lord. Hence,
morality is the basis of spiritual life. Holiness and altruistic action go
together. The perfect man will always try to help others.
The sources of Sikh Ethics are the Guru Granth Sahib, the Dasam Granth,
compositions of Bhai Gurdas, Janam-sakhis, Rahit-namas and The Sikh Rahat
Maryada as issued by the Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar. The
Sikh principles of conduct and dynamic participation in secular matters are
based on the stories and poems (hymns) contained in this literature.
Concept of
Virtue
It is difficult
to define virtue or morality. Dictionary definitions cannot possibly cover its
entire dimensions, but they all agree on “Righteous action and honorable
conduct” In the Sikh credo, virtue in its essence is love. That universal love
which finds expression in the brotherhood of man and in respecting the common
man. This love is the source of selfless service and charitable work. It drives
Out ego, which is the root of conceit and exploitation. In its real sense,
virtue means the love of God and His creation. Guru Gobind Singh declared:” Only
those who love God unite with God.” So basically, any action which takes one
nearer to God is virtuous. Guru Nanak says: “All meditations, disciplines,
happiness, repute and respect O Musan, I will sacrifice again and again, for a
moment of love.” (AG, 1364) Putting it in different words, all that is pleasing
to God is virtuous and holy. According to the Gurus, fasting, mortification,
asceticism, poverty are not virtues, for they affect the body adversely, as do
an over-regard for eating, drinking, dressing and amusement. The Guru lays down
a simple rule, namely, “Shun those things which cause pain or harm to the body
or produce evil thought in the mind.” This rule is basic to the Sikh way of
life.
Sikhism believes in divine justice and the morality of the world order. Evil
will ultimately fail, though it may often seem to succeed for a while. God alone
is the Perfect Judge; He cannot be deceived by hypocritical acts or any cunning
of man. He reads all hearts and knows every person’s innermost motivation.
Goodness is to be rewarded and wickedness punished. Ultimately Truth alone will
prevail.
Sikhism does not regard altruistic acts or good conduct as ends in themselves.
These are a means to achieve the goal. Man’s divine spark is dimmed only by his
ignorance or indifference to the force and suddenness of the temptations that
constantly beset him; it is this inbuilt weakness that leads to his surrender to
such forces and pressures. It is only by association with good and virtuous
people that he will feel encouraged to “gird up his loins” and face the
challenge of life.
Another important touchstone or yard-stick for man is the quest for “The Truth.”
The Gurus considered Truthful living to be better than only a belief in “The
Truth.” Many people swear by truth, knowing very well that they are following
the path of falsehood or cant. Such double-conduct is found not only in
political leaders, but also in men of apparent goodness and piety. The Gurus
insisted on overcoming these negative forces before one attempted purity of
conduct. The Guru says:
“Shun vice and run after virtue; those who commit sins wilt have to repent;
Those who cannot distinguish between right and wrong will, sink
in mud repeatedly
Shun greed, give up calumny and falsehood, then you may come to “The Truth.”
(AG, 598)
A common human weakness is to criticize the vices of others, without trying to
eradicate them in one’s self. One should endeavor to correct himself, before he
criticizes others. Generally he finds excuses and compulsions for his own
defects and lapses: This means that he is not true to himself. Progress follows
where one can see oneself objectively.
3lkhlsm itself enjoins positive action and moral conduct. It must originate from
good motivation and tend to further the right objective. We do many traditional
things, little realizing that they have no meaning or value.
Concept of Sin
The general
concept of sin is that it is “action in willful disobedience of the Will of God
or the Commandments of the Scriptures.” According to Dr. S. Radhakrishanan, “Sin
is not the violation of a law or a convention, but of the central source of all
finiteness through ignorance or an assertion of the independence of that ego,
which seeks its own private gain at the expense of others.” Amongst Christians
there is the concept of ‘Original Sin.’ This refers to the disobedience of God’s
order by Adam and Eve in eating the fruit of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden.
Sikhism has no such belief. Man is essentially of divine essence. However, on
account of his self-assertion or ego, he ignores his divine source and then
pretends to act in sheer ignorance. He then thinks that he is distinct from God
and builds around himself, like the spider’s web, a shell of the ego (haumai)
which makes him forget the God in himself. Man’s building up of this separate
identity and his own self-conceit cause him to do things which then set in
motion a chain-reaction.
Man’s ego takes many forms. The most obvious is selfishness or pride due to
position, power, money or knowledge. It promotes a sense of superiority within
him and also a sense of a disregard for others. This alienates him from his
fellow-men and leads to sin and exploitation. Egoistic actions are like chains
round the neck of the individual. Egoism is the root of man’s evil thought and
action. The Guru says:
“The Lord has produced a play on the role of egoism.
There is one mansion and five thieves who do evil within.” (AG, 1096)
The five thieves mentioned above are the five major vices in Sikhism, namely,
Lust (Kam), Anger (Krodh), Greed (Lobh), Worldly attachment (Moh) and Pride (Ahankar).
Some of the others sins mentioned by the and Sikh theologians are atheism,
inertia, deceits, slander and ingratitude . Guru Gobind Singh further laid down
four prohibitions, which are regarded as “major sins” for the Khalsa.
Additionally some minor sins” are mentioned in the Rahat-namas.
Is it possible to undo or escape the consequences of one’s sins? Some methods of
atonement are provided by some religions by way of confession, sacrifice,
austerities or fine. Generally speaking, the minor sins are said to be forgives
by holy works, prayers and voluntary community-service. There is no particular
penance provided by the Sikh Scriptures. Remembrance of the Holy Word or God’s
Name washes away the pollution of sin. Similarly association with saintly beings
removes the stain of sin:
“Listen, my friends, to the benefits of attending in the company of saints:
Filth is removed millions of sorrows vanish and the mind becomes
pure!” (AG, 809)
INDIVIDUAL ETHICS
DUTIFULNESS
For which the
world is the field of action. The Gurus called it Dharamsal—a place for the
performance of one’s duties and righteous deeds. Duties imply obligations—to
oneself, to the family, to society, to one’s country and humanity at large. Some
duties are mentioned in the Scriptures and some are laid down by the State. Man
has to obey both, because if he infringes them, he will reap the consequences
thereof.
Man’s duties as
an individual: Firstly, he must look after his body and his health. He must
avoid that food and drink which will impair his physical or mental well-being.
Moderation is the principle which should guide one’s choice in this field.
Secondly, man must develop his mind through education and training and be able
to earn his living. He must support his family (and his near relatives). Married
life is. the normal state for an a individual, unless they are either physically
or mentally retarded. One must earn his living by fair and honest means. The
amassing of wealth by the exploitation of labor is forbidden in Sikhism,
Thirdly, one must serve others as far as possible, share one’s food and also
support projects of public welfare. Voluntary service to the poor and sick are
recommended by the Gurus. There are also certain dues required of an individual
as the member of an organization. For example Khalsa Sikh has to maintain the
Five K’s and follow the Khalsa discipline.
Man’s duties to
others: The basic principle is that one must so conduct oneself that he sets an
example which others can follow. In any event they should behave to others as
they expect others to behave towards them. The duties to others may also depend
upon the holding of a particular office. As a member of the human family others
must be treated with consideration. Neither slander others nor cause mischief
nor harm to them. He should be kind not only to his neighbors, but to one and
all. He should be ready and willing to help those who are less fortunate than
himself and participate in projects of social concern like orphanages, widow’s
homes and institutions for the care of the sick and the handicapped. There is
also a duty to one’s superiors like parents, teachers and the Head of the
community or the State. One must respect national leaders, obey one’s parents
and teachers. Seek the advice of the family elders in cases of need. Teachers
should be respected for they give knowledge through precept and example.
Similarly, one must show courtesy and consideration to the aged and the
handicapped.
The duties to equals or peers include politeness and cordiality in one’s
dealings with them. Frankness and fairness will play a large part in oiling-the
smooth flow of social life. The duties to one’s subordinate include trying to
understand their problems~ and being able to sympathize with them in their times
of crisis or distress. It is one’s duty to help any who seek one’s help, even
those who on account of shyness may no ask for aid.
PRUDENCE
Certain
religions exclude social morality and the betterment of the environment from the
sphere of duty. Sikhism believes in molding one’s environment for moral goals.
The Gurus paid a lot of attention to social reform, particularly in abolishing
cruel practices like unsociability, infanticide and suttee.’ Prudence lies in
considering what is right or wrong for society or the social group as a whole.
Man has the faculty of discrimination and he also has the capacity to
distinguish between good and bad. There are choices or options open to man in
many cases and then he must exercise his intellect to find out what is in favor
of human sociability and the public good. Sometimes the choice may be difficult,
as for example, traditional practice versus moral compliance. In such a case the
choice should fall on the ethical option or the one which promotes the quality
of life. The Gurus protested against the tyranny of their Rulers and the
corruption of bureaucracy, as well as caste prejudices and rivalries. They
exposed the priestly class for their greed and hypocrisy.
It is man’s duty to monitor his own environment and raise his voice against
inequality and injustice. He must use his power of reason for the betterment of
society and the improvement of his surroundings. Prudence would even seem to
recommend force, for a good purpose or a moral issue. Similarly, the social
practices which promote inequality among men, the segregation of sexes,
superstition and pollution, were condemned by the Gurus, They took steps to
remove these promoters of inequality and myth. The begging mendicants pretending
to holiness were dubbed as social parasites. The Gurus emphasized the use of
reason in demolishing social ills and abuses.
Professional
duties pertain to the relationship which a professional person has with his
client, for example the duty of a doctor to his patient, of a lawyer to his
client, of a merchant to his customer, or a landlord to his tenant. Besides
there are also the duties of elected representatives or of holders of honorary
position like the President of a mutual-benefit Society or the Secretary
Trustee, of a temple or a charitable organization.
The general duty of a professional is to discharge his functions efficiently,
and with a sense of responsibility and sincerity. He must safeguard the
interests of his client and give him the necessary truthful guidance and
direction. A doctor’s duty to his patient is very delicate, for he is dealing
with a human being in trouble, therefore he must give him his undivided
attention and greatest professional devotion. He cannot afford to be indifferent
or negligent. Similarly it is the duty of a lawyer or attorney to offer sound
advice, to his client. He must not prolong the case to make more money or do any
thing to obstruct the course of justice. Many litigants get dissatisfied with
their legal counsel, because the latter have adopted unfair means to gain
advantage from them. Honesty and fair play are the tests of professional
competence.
With regard to elected or fiduciary positions, the duties are even more onerous
and sensitive. There is an element of morality in such appointments, The
representative is duty bound to pay attention to the wishes of the electorate or
the people he is supposed to serve. As a trustee, he must safe-guard the
interest of the entire group which elected him. He must look after the assets
and property of any Trust, as if these were his own. Though law regulates the
nature and functions of office-bearers it is important that people in power
perform their functions, impartially and with care and integrity. Office bearers
must act consciously in the interest of their beneficiaries and man’s duty to
speak out against the malpractice
JUSTICE
Justice as a
virtue implies respect for the rights of others. It also stands for fairness and
impartiality. The neglect or violation of the rights of others is a moral lapse.
The Guru condemned the usurpation of another’s right as unreligious like the
eating of pork by a Muslim or beef by a Hindu. Delay and the denial of justice,
is generally due to greed and selfishness. Justice must be done with a good
heart, and not by shedding crocodile tears. Justice lies in apportioning
correctly, what is the due of others, even if they have not the courage to ask
for it.
In a wider sense, justice means the non-exploitation of others. Unfortunately in
our modern competitive society, exploitation is sometimes condoned on - the
grounds of the survival of the fittest. Trampling on the rights of others is
justified as an ingredient of ambition and go-getting. It is generally agreed
that many get rich as quickly as they can, even when this cannot be done without
employing dishonest and underhand means. Making a quick buck is an art which
involves cunning and trickery. Moreover, in our present-day society, the rich or
the strong often get away with it. The Gurus censured the Rulers for looting the
peasants and compared it to ‘Devouring men at night.’ Moreover, justice in its
real sense connotes equity and not legalistic. It forbids preferential treatment
to any person, religious or social group. Justice in its essence manifests
selflessness or the conquest of the ego, and is one of the means for self
realization.
TOLERANCE
People belonging
to different regions and faiths have different customs, habits and manners. it
is therefore necessary that the individual should not be upset by them. He must
accept non-conformity and diversity as an inescapable fact of life. However,
this does not imply that he should change his stand because of others. He must
remain firm in his own convictions and make no compromise on principles; he must
control any feeling of prejudice or violence when he sees people whose manners
or customs are not to his liking. Racialism is a prevalent disease among the
most civilized societies today; it is in fact a form of superiority writ large.
The golden principle of tolerance den ands ‘live and let live.’ Tolerance puts a
human and charitable construction on the apparently peculiar conduct of others.
The tolerant person does not feel angry or upset. He keeps his cool in times of
excitement or anger. Even if he feels mentally disturbed he will not show his
impatience or annoyance. Just as a sensible person tolerates the foolish
behavior of a child, in the same way, the tolerant person will be able to stand
ignorance or lack of politeness in others. Why should one expect that others
will always behave to us as one wants them to behave? Tolerance accepts dissent
and even opposition. This quality is particularly needed by Rulers and religious
teachers, because without it, they are likely to allow or condone many follies
and atrocities against those who differ from them.
TEMPERANCE
Self-control is
necessary in desires, words and actions. It is generally agreed that man’s mind
runs after lower things as a matter of course. The Guru says: “The mind seeks
evil things, but through the Guru’s Word, it can be controlled.” Such control is
not to be violent or mortifying like the practices of Hath-Yoga, but mental
control through a process of harmony and moderation. Thus man’s faculties are
rightly canalized and gently guided. This method is natural—Sahaj—and not forced
or punitive. Guru Amar Das has advised in his “Anand” how to regulate the human
organs of action for high and noble tasks. The eyes, the ears, the tongue, the
hands and feet are to be used for good purposes to act at the right moment.
Temperance is like a fence which prevents one from straying into the wilderness.
It is the golden mean between self-indulgence and rigid regimentation.
Temperance is just the right way for the householder. He should enjoy the normal
comforts and amenities of life, but at the same time, he must keep his passion
and desire under control. This self regulation would result in a balanced and
harmonious existence.
SIKH VIRTUES
The virtues
recommended by the Scriptures are many, but five of them, corresponding to the
Five vices are regarded as major virtues. These five are Chastity, Patience,
Contentment, Detachment and Humility.
1. Chastity
Chastity or
continence, is emphasized in Sikhism, because in the human body lies the divine
presence and as such, the body has to be kept clean and perfect. Those things
which harm the body or cause sickness and disease have to be scrupulously
avoided. Sex is to be limited to one’s wife. Pre-marital or extra-marital sex is
forbidden to a Sikh. He should consider females older to him as his mother,
equal to him as a sister, and younger than him as a daughter. He should never
entertain evil thoughts in the company of women. Marriage is a sacrament and the
purpose thereof is companionship and help on the spiritual path, rather than
sexual enjoyment. The marriage ideal is summed up in the maxim: ‘one soul in two
bodies.’ Fidelity to one’s married partner is the essence of continence.
Monogamy is the rule in Sikhism.
In order to avoid evil thoughts, one should keep away from obscene
books, nasty plays and films, and sexy music. Drinking of alcoholic beverages
and wines or the wearing of scanty or flashy dresses and dancing of men and
women together is prohibited for the Sikhs. The Guru says: “0 Lust! You consign
people to hell and to the cycle of transmigration, You cheat all minds,
influence the three worlds and destroy all contemplation and culture; Your
pleasure is momentary, you make one fickle and poor and punish the high and the
low; I have overcome your fear by associating with saintly persons and taking
shelter with God!” (AG, 1358)
Even in married life, sex is to be mutually regulated. Those who are spiritually
inclined, consider the sublimation of sex into divine love as a great virtue.
2. Patience
Patience implies
forbearance in the face of provocation. Some say that it is natural to be angry,
but one should think twice before giving vent to anger. Patience gives moral
courage to bear the unexpected, such as sudden hardships and sorrows. Guru
Amardas says:
“There is no
greater penance than patience, no greater happiness
than contentment, no greater evil than greed, no greatest virtue than
mercy, and no more potent weapon than forgiveness.”
It may be noted
that saints and great men are tested through the fire of suffering, though they
have not done any thing to deserve that suffering. The challenge of life are
intended to evaluate the mettle of man. Even the performance of duty may involve
the facing of difficulties and personal injury, but that is no excuse for
shirking one’s duty. One must pray for God’s help and grace to overcome the
difficulties.
There are people, who are in a position to injure or even to crush their
opponents with the power they possess, but they control resentment and anger,
because they firmly believe that if another loses his head, they should not lose
theirs. Moreover patience keeps their mental faculties in balance. Their minds
are tranquil. They do not cry or rail bitterly against their enemies or at God
for their misfortunes or deprivation. They maintain their peace of mind and keep
calm when faced by threats or tragedy:
“Patience is the
sustenance of angelic beings!” (AG, 83)
3.
Contentment
Contentment is
an attitude of mind which accepts victory or defeat in the same way. A contended
man is active; he tries his best to go forward, but he does not despair if he
cannot achieve what he wants. Contentment has no place for fear, fatalism,
inertia or sloth. Guru Nanak tells us of a contented person in the following
lines:
“They (the contented ones) do not tread the path of evil, but do good and
practice righteousness;
They loosen worldly attachments and eat and drink in moderation.” (AG, 467)
The contented man is free from envy, jealousy and greed. He is frugal and
thrifty. He may have his ambitions, but he knows that every one does not get
every thing. The Guru says:
“No one feels satisfied without contentment.” (AG, 275)
Contentment does not mean a compromise with poverty and privation. In the modern
world, the common man has opportunities for self-advancement and affluence. He
must develop his own potentialities and work hard to move forward; at the same
time, he should not become proud through his achievement or feel frustrated in
case of failure. God is the ultimate arbiter of man’s destiny, and He will not
leave ‘an iota of a man’s effort uncompensated.’ Unfortunately, in this modem
competitive world, one seems to keep multiplying one’s needs and commitments, in
order to keep up with the Jones, thus only adding to one’s tensions and
difficulties. The contented man knows the limits of his own needs and so does
not feel frustrated if he is unable to get what his neighbor or friend has, in
spite of his best efforts.
Truly conceited people realize the distinctions between means and ends. Wealth
and position are the means and not the ends of life. If one has a large amount
of wealth, then some must be devoted to the benefit of the community and for
altruistic purposes. The hoarding of wealth and the prestige of office are not
to be used as means for self aggrandizement or inflation of the ego.
4. Detachment
Detachment
implies an ever increasing non-attachment to all things of a material nature. It
does not imply renunciation or asceticism or indifference to the world in which
we live. It implies devotion to duty and the performance of the chores of daily
life. The Sikh serves the family and the community, but he does not get deeply
involved in their problems. His attitude is that of a nurse attending a patient.
She ministers to their care and comfort, but maintains her distance. Similarly,
a Sikh has to live the life of a family man* at the same time, he ought to adopt
an attitude as that of a trustee in reference to his near and dear ones. Bhai
Gurdas explains this attitude thus:
“The Sikh is the
living yogi, for he lives unattached in the midst of Maya.” (Var, 29-15)
Guru Nanak has
given the example of the lotus in the pond which is unaffected by the mud or the
movement of the water. In the same way, the ‘detached’ individual keeps him self
away from worldly things. They live in the world, but are not involved in
worldliness. They keep their heads high and look to a more spiritual goal.
Here is a story which reveals how detachment is possible in normal life. A Ruler
once asked a saint to tell him how he could practice detachment. The holy man
told the king that he had just one week more to live, that his death would occur
after that. period. The king believed the holy man, and fearing death, led a
good life, doing his duty, avoiding evil things and constantly thinking of his
coming death. After the week when he did not die as forecast, the holy man
returned to the King’s palace and asked him how he has passed the seven days.
The king replied that he had spent that period like a traveler in an inn. He had
done his duties as usual, but his mind was not involved in the routine. He had
avoided doing any thing wrong, fearing that God would call him to account after
his end. He had also prayed as much as he could during this period. The holy man
told the king that this was what was meant “practicing detachment in life.”
5. Humility
The individual
alone, must overcome his own ego and pride. This is most easily done on the path
of humility, regarding oneself as the lowest of the low and considering all
others as being superior. The humble man, will serve others without material
motive or the expectation of reward. He does this through his love of God and
man. God is present in every living soul, and therefore to injure the feelings
of another person is to hurt the God in him. Those who are vain and the haughty
have an inflated ego and as such do not mind exploiting their fellow-men. Even
some holy men are not free from pride and prejudice. Guru Tegh Bahadur warned
pious people of that pride, which is subtle and unobtrusive.
Modesty is generally appreciated as a virtue. A tree laden with fruit bends
downward. Humility is not depreciation of oneself, but rather a recognition of
one’s own faults and of how much one falls short of the ideal. It was a practice
among the Sikhs before Guru Gobind Singh, to greet each other by touching the
other’s feel This was an expression of the Sikh’s humility. In the Sikh
religion, the opportunity to touch the feet of saintly beings or even the dust
of the feet of the congregation, is regarded as a great blessing. The Gurus in
their compositions have called themselves ‘unworthy and without merit.’ This
reflects their own sense of humility. Guru Ramdas says:
“O my Master. I am silly, save me, 0 my Lord-God!
Thy slave’s praise in thine own glory!” (AG, 166) |