Sikhism and Hinduism – Beliefs
Sikhism and Hinduism are both two major religions in South Asia and are historically related. While many people mistakenly assume that both of these faiths are basically the same, there are significant differences between them. This article will explain how Sikhism differs from Hinduism in terms of the beliefs each religion holds.
Both faiths place great emphasis on Karma and Dharma, but differ significantly on how these concepts are expressed and understood. Hindus believe that Karma is the cosmic law of cause and effect, meaning that one’s actions will have consequences for them in this life or the next. Dharma, in Hinduism, is the divine law, or code of righteousness, which serves as a guide as to how one should pursue such virtuous action. In Sikhism, Karma and Dharma are seen as intertwined; with Karma being conceived as the action one takes in this world, and Dharma being the code of righteousness one should pursue in order to attain liberation from any kind of cycle of rebirth.
Sikhism and Hinduism both share the notion of Ahimsa, which is the practice of non-violence. However, the two faiths differ in terms of the scope of this concept’s application. Hinduism adheres to the principle of complete non-violence and the honoring of all life. In Sikhism, Ahimsa applies only to that which is necessary and justified, such as in self-defense. In other words, rather than completely banning violence, Sikhism sees violence as sometimes justified when used in what is determined to be a protective or just cause.
The ultimate goal of each religion is also a point of divergence. In Hinduism, the ultimate human aim is Moksha or liberation from the cycle of life and death. In Sikhism, the ultimate aim is to achieve oneness with God through a process called Chardikala, which means an attitude of contentment and victoriously remaining in a positive state in the face of any sort of difficulty.
Sikhism and Hinduism – Deities
Sikhism and Hinduism differ in terms of the deities each faith honors. Hindus venerate and worship many deities, including Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. This comprises the Trimurti, or three main forms of the divine and all of the other Hindu gods and goddesses. Sikhism does not recognize a single, omnipresent God and instead believes in one all-encompassing god who is without form or attributes and is referred to as ‘Ik Oankar’ or the One God. Furthermore, Sikhs do not recognize or acknowledge any of the Hindu deities.
Unlike Hinduism, which respects the plurality of divine powers, Sikhism rejects such a notion and instead relies on the concept of oneness and creating unity among all of humanity, regardless of any difference in belief. In Sikhism, devotion is entirely directed towards one creator, who is seen as the source and sustainer of all life.
Another difference between Hinduism and Sikhism is the nature of the relationship between a devotee and God. In Hinduism, many people view God as something far removed and out of reach. In contrast, Sikhism teaches that a believer can build a personal relationship with God, one in which the individual can reach a higher level of consciousness through intense devotion and commitment to God.
Sikhism and Hinduism – Practices
The practice of prayer or ‘puja’ is another area of distinct difference between Sikhism and Hinduism. In Hinduism, prayer is often directed towards figures such as deities, where offerings are made and elaborate ceremonies are conducted. In Sikhism, however, there is no figure of worship, and instead prayer involves singing hymns from the sacred scripture and reflecting on one’s relationship with God, in addition to reflecting on the lessons learned from Guru Nanak.
Additionally, the presence of a priestly class is another major contrast between Sikhism and Hinduism. Whereas the Hindu religion has a defined hierarchical and priestly class with defined roles, such as the Brahmin, Sikhism does not have any kind of set priestly hierarchy, nor does it have a class of priests responsible for presiding over religious ceremonies. Rather, Sikhs turn to the Granth Sahib, a holy book which acts as a living Guru, containing the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus.
The frequency of practising each religion’s rituals is another element of difference. In Sikhism, rituals and religious ceremonies need to be observed every day, or at least regularly, as part of the path to God-realization. On the other hand, in Hinduism, rituals are typically only practised during specific times or in specific circumstances.
Sikhism and Hinduism – Symbology
The symbol on both Sikh and Hindu ritual items underlines the differences between the two religions. Hinduism has an array of symbolic images, such as the swastika, which has both positive and negative connotations. In Sikhism, the symbol of the Khanda is used to represent the unity of God and the divine spiritual power within all of us. Furthermore, the Khanda is a signifier of the spirit of truth, the courage which comes from faith and victory over evil.
The Sikh turban is another noticeable point of divergence between the two faiths. In Hinduism, headgear is typically only worn by very specific people, such as Brahmin priests or members of the royal family. In Sikhism, however, wearing a turban is compulsory for all men of the faith and is seen as a sign of respect, honor and commitment to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
Sikhsim and Hinduism – Festivals
The festivals celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus also differ, with Sikhism’s festivals typically being more sober and reflective, while Hindu festivals traditionally involve a lot of music, color, and food. An example of this is Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights and a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Whilst Sikhs do celebrate Diwali as well, it is done differently to the Hindu version, often focusing on the coinciding birth of the Sikh Gurus rather than the mythological story around it.
An example of a Sikh festival is Baisakhi, a holiday for the celebration of the Sikh new year. It was initially a festival to mark the beginning of the harvest season, but has since become synonymous with the start of the Khalsa Panth, the Sikh religion’s governing body. This festival is celebrated with much singing, dancing and prayer.
Sikhism and Hinduism – Marriage
In terms of marriage, both Hinduism and Sikhism believe in the notion of eternal marriage, however, the views of each religion are distinct. In Hinduism, marriage is seen as a sacrament, with the vow of marriage ideally being a lifelong commitment and a major milestone in one’s life. Sikhism also believes in marriage as a spiritual union and it is not allowed to be terminated or dissolved.
In Sikhism, the idea is that marriage is a partnership based on commitment, unconditional love, trust and faith. In Hinduism, the union between husband and wife is seen as a path towards spiritual liberation and the upholding of Dharma.
Sikhism and Hinduism – Attitudes to Gender
Both Hinduism and Sikhism place importance on the roles of men and women in society, although the focus and perspectives are very different. In Hinduism, the idea is that man and women both have essential roles to fulfill to ensure the cosmic balance of life. Women are often seen as the custodians of Dharma, whereas men focus on the pursuit of Moksha. On the other hand, Sikhism emphasizes the idea of absolute equality between men and women, rejecting the notion of gender hierarchy completely.
Unlike in Hinduism, where the traditional roles of men and women are still strongly adhered to, Sikhism holds the view that women should have equal access to education and spiritual growth as men, and should be given the same opportunities. This is reinforced in the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who discouraged gender specific behavior, and instead encouraged people to be better human beings.
Sikhism and Hinduism – Summary
In conclusion, it is clear that while Sikhism and Hinduism share common ground, there are many doctrines, beliefs, practices and attitudes within each which differ. These differences pertain to the core principles the faiths are based upon, such as Karma and Dharma, the understanding of God, the rituals and festivals, and the ideals surrounding marriage and gender. Ultimately, while Sikhism and Hinduism are both major religions in South Asia, they are distinct and unique in many ways, and all who wish to understand and practice each faith, should take time to explore the various elements of divergence between them.
