Adieu, the final farewell, an exploration of death!
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The fifth-largest religion, Sikhism, is followed by just 0.3% of the world’s population, some 26m people.
It is a philosophy that was founded in the Punjab in the late 15th century. It derived from the teachings of Guru Nanak and nine succeeding gurus. The eleventh guru, Guru Granth Sahib, is the ‘eternally living’ guru.
The religion stresses that its followers should lead an active, creative, and practical life, pursuing truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity. They should know God’s Will and carry it out. There are five articles of faith, the five Ks or Kakkars – kesh, to not cut hair; kanga, a small comb; kara, the wearing of a steel bracelet, kirpan, a religious knife; kachera underwear somewhat similar to boxer shorts. These make the Sikh stand out in public, though it is perhaps the turban that does that more significantly.
They believe in one Universal God, although they use many names, the most common is Waheguru, meaning wondrous enlightener or teacher. Sikh scripture focuses on prayer and meditation, a rejection of the Five Thieves – attachment, ego, greed, lust and rage – and to focus on the one creator, on the equality of humankind and to live honestly and engage in selfless service. Guru Nanak said ‘Truth is the highest virtue, but higher still is truthful living.’
Sikhs believe in reincarnation.
Approaching death the family may gather and recite the Hymn of Peace, Sukhmani. The person who is dying will try to respond by declaring the name of God, Waheguru.
After death, the body is washed and dressed in clean clothes. In India it is the tradition to have floral arrangements of orange and white chrysanthemums, these are arranged around the deceased by the family. Organ transplants are encouraged.
The Sikh funeral is held three days after death. It is Antam Sanskaar or final ceremony. It usually takes place at the gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship. At the gurdwara the body is placed in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of the eleventh Guru. A family member or a granthi, a Sikh minister, leads the service.
Those assembled first read the Ardas, a community prayer, followed by two further daily prayers, Japji and Kirtan Sohila. Scriptures are read, lengthy eulogies are discouraged.
Mourners wear white banas, and cover their head, it is also expected that they will wash their hands and remove their shoes. There is a custom not to have a haircut or cut nails.
Mourners should greet the oldest member of the family first. Calmness is expected during the service, this shows respect for God and an acceptance of his will. Crying is not an acceptable reaction, because the deceased’s rebirth brings their soul nearer to God. In general, public displays of emotion are discouraged. Though those at the funeral might chant Waheguru to express their devotion to him. They might also chant akal which means undying.
There is traditionally a meal served after the funeral. There is no customary period of mourning.
After the funeral there begins a reading of the scripture called the Akhand Paath, or uninterrupted reading, this can be read across three days, or continued for up to ten days.
It is believed that cremation helps the soul to leave the body. Only close relatives attend the cremation. More hymns are sung and speeches are made about the deceased. The ashes are usually later scattered in a flowing water source. If the ashes or body is buried, no headstone or monument is permitted.
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Sikh: Forward to Judaism – Famous Cemeteries - Back to Buddhism
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