The Evolution of the Indian Religious Belief - Research Paper Example

Sikhism The evolution of the Indian religious belief, i.e. Sikhism, is interconnected with Hindu and Islamic religious beliefs in general. To be specific, Sikhism accepted some basic elements from these religions and formed a different religion. The doctrinal and philosophical dimensions of this religion are interconnected with the teachings of their spiritual leader, named as Guru Nanak. This religion amalgamates the core aspects of different sects of spirituality and the same results in integration or the acceptance of differences. As this religion is not different from other world religions within its basic principles, the scope of ethical impact is immense. Thesis statement: The research on Sikhism proves that its evolution is interconnected with different religious beliefs in India; its doctrinal and philosophical dimensions prove that it is related to universal brotherhood and monotheism, and the acceptance of differences proves that the same exerts positive impact in and outside of this religious belief in general. Evaluation This section is broadly divided into: Sikhism: evolution, doctrinal dimensions, philosophical dimensions, and ethical impact in and outside of the religion. Sikhism: evolution As pointed out, the origin of this religion is interconnected with the spiritual leader, whose name is Guru Nanak. Besides, the evolution of this religion from an Indian religion to a global religion is indebted to migration, especially from India to different parts of the world. On the other side, Guru Nanak did not limit the growth of this religion within his own teachings. Instead, he started ‘guruship’ or the process of accepting different people as spiritual leaders during different time intervals. J. S. Grewal states that, “During the last fifteen years of his life Guru Nanak settled down at Kartarpur, a place founded by him then on the right bank of the river Ravi, represented by the present Dera Baba Nanak on the left bank” (39). After Guru Nanak, spiritual leadership was vested upon Guru Angad. The political advancement known as Khalsa, is another example for the evolution of this religion. So, one can see that open mindedness towards change and acceptance shown towards different religious beliefs is the reason behind the success of this religion. Doctrinal dimensions As pointed, Granth Sahib is generally considered as the doctrinal aspect of Sikhism because it contains the basic teachings of important gurus. Within this scenario, the fundamental aspects/ doctrinal dimensions of Sikhism include the teachings of their religious/spiritual leaders. First of all, the concept of ‘Nam’ is symbolic of monotheism because this religion asks the followers to believe in oneness of the God. To be specific, this religion proclaims that worshipper and the almighty is not different entities, but single. The next concept in this religion is ‘Sahab’, which denotes the word or the utterance. One can see the chanting of hymns is symbolic of the importance words in this religion. Besides, the word ‘Sahab’ is symbolic of the importance given to mediation. From a different angle of view, the followers provide ample importance to words or the utterances from their spiritual leaders. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh states that, “The goal of the Sikh moral code is to help people experience that divine spark within themselves” (66). Still, there must be common medium to transfer name (god’s name or realization) and word. The final concept is symbolic of this medium, i.e. Guru. One can see that guru acts as the mediator between the disciples and the almighty. Without the help from guru, a follower cannot realize the almighty. Still, the concept of Guru in this religion is entirely different from the concept of Guru or teacher in Hinduism. To be specific, guru is considered as similar to the God because guru helps the followers to realize the presence of god. Other key doctrinal dimensions of this religion include the belief in monotheism, Karma, Maya, religious tolerance, and negative attitude towards caste system. One can see that the followers of this religion accept the almighty as a single entity. Besides, the concept of Mul Mantra proclaims the importance of creating and maintaining cordiality between individuals and the elements in the visible world. Ram Ramakrishnan makes clear that, “In short, the Mul Mantra expresses the Sikh belief in the nature of being and reality and the relationship of the individual to the world” (219). According to this religion, one’s deeds (Karma) decide one’s destiny. If one is indulged in good deeds, one will not be forced to be reincarnated. Besides, the Hindu concept of Maya is accepted by the followers of this religion, but with slight difference. On the other side, religious tolerance helps the followers to be a well knit group aiming to bring forth tolerance in a multi-religious society. One can see that this religion is interconnected with the basic principles of Hinduism, but does not tolerate caste system. Philosophical dimensions First of all, Sikhism provides ample importance to its doctrines, especially the inscriptions in Guru Granth Sahib. To be specific, Guru Nanak is the mastermind behind the inscriptions in this religious text, written in Gurumukhi language. Besides, most of the inscriptions in this religious text and other related texts consist of hymns. One can see that the basic ideas of Guru Nanak are compiled by another guru, named as Guru Arjun Dev. So this religious text is the core philosophy of Sikhism in general. Still, hymns composed by another guru, named as Guru Govind Singh is considered as the integral part of Sikh philosophy. On the other side, translated versions of literary works related to Hinduism are amalgamated to the core philosophy of Sikhism. One can see that this religion put forth certain philosophical aspects related to the follower’s belief. The basic concept is that belief in afterlife does not help a follower to enjoy peace and attain salvation. Jon Mayled states that, “One of the main aims of Sikhism is that there should be a united human society living together in peace and equality and following the teachings of God” (2). In addition, utmost importance is given to positive action (Karma) that helps a human being to be successful in real life. The follower must dedicate his/her life for selfless service for the wellbeing of humanity. One can see that this philosophical aspect results in tolerance and service mindedness, disregarding differences in religious belief. The philosophy of this religious belief is related to certain underlying values like equality, rights, actions, family, sharing, and truths. One can see that equality helps the followers to feel that they are equal in front of the almighty. Nirbhai Singh opines that, “Sikhism lays more emphasis on dynamism, non-dualism, and social involvement” (3). The basic rights in this religion are interconnected with certain duties. This helps the followers to realize that duty mindedness helps one to claim certain rights. The followers are accountable for their actions because self-realization is related to their own actions. Unlike Hinduism, the followers are encouraged to remain within the realm of their private circles. Besides, charity or sharing is considered as an important duty of the followers. Still, the core philosophical dimension of this religion does not deny the importance of truth in human life. Ethical impact in and outside of the religion The most important ethical impact of this religious belief is that is does not deny the existence of other religions in the mainstream society. H.C. Mruthyunjaya states that, “Like other religions of Indian origin, Sikhism also advocates the concept of God, the supreme power and ensures that the God-fearing attitude in people would automatically ensure a good lot of ethical practices in people” (377). To be specific, the gurus were aware that the success of their religious belief is indebted to the acceptance of different elements of belief from other religions. They accepted the concept of monotheism from Islam, and they accepted the concept of Karma from Hinduism. Besides, the importance given to ethics helps the followers to feel the power of cohesiveness, discarding differences. One can see that the main teachings of this religion help the individual follower to be truthful and dedicated to service. In addition, this religion does not hinder the followers from mingling with others. So, the followers strictly follow the doctrinal and philosophical aspects of their religion and this create positive impact within the religion. On the other side, amalgamation of different religious concepts helps others (say, people who follow other religions) to have positive attitude towards this religion. Summing, the evolution of Sikhism from a marginalized minority group (during the initial states) to a well knit religious group, is indebted to the amalgamation of different ideas, beliefs and tolerance to other religious sects. The doctrinal and philosophical dimensions of this religion are indebted to the concept of ‘Guru’ or the spiritual leadership and the acceptance of universal brotherhood, disregarding all sort of differences. Besides, this religion helps the followers to realize the importance of cohesion in community life and results in the positive impact of the same within and outside this religion. Works Cited Grewal, J. S. The Sikhs of the Punjab. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998. Print. Mruthyunjaya, H.C. Business Ethics and Value Systems. Sonepat: PHI Learning, 2013. Print. Mayled, Jon. Sikhism. N.p.: Heinemann, 2002. Print. Ramakrishnan, Ram. Many Paths, One Destination: Love, Peace, Compassion, Tolerance, and Understanding Through World Religions. Arizona: Wheatmark, 2010. Print. Singh, Nirbhai. Philosophy of Sikhism. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers & Distri, 1990. Print. Singh, Nikky-Guninder Kaur. Sikhism. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2004. Print. Read More