Sikh philosophy
गुरमत
Sikh philosophy (Gurmat)
Gurmat
In simple words
Sikhism teaches that there is one God who created everything and is present in everything. Sikhs aim to remember God, work honestly, share with others and serve selflessly, living as householders rather than renouncing the world.
Overview
Sikh philosophy, called Gurmat ("the Guru's teaching"), is the thought of a distinct religious tradition founded by Guru Nanak; it is not a school of Hindu philosophy, though it arose in dialogue with Hindu and Islamic traditions. It affirms one God, the formless Creator (nirankar), who is both beyond creation and present within it. Creation unfolds according to hukam, the divine order or will. The human problem is haumai, ego or self-centredness, which keeps a person turned away from God; liberation (mukti) is attained through the Guru's grace, remembrance of the divine Name (naam simran), and living in harmony with hukam, and it is compatible with — indeed expressed in — householder life. Sikh ethics stress honest work, sharing with others, selfless service (seva) and the equality of all people. The Guru Granth Sahib, which includes hymns by the Sikh Gurus and by Hindu and Muslim saints, is the living Guru.
Scholar’s note
Key terms include gurmukh (one oriented to the Guru) and manmukh (one oriented to self), and nadar (grace). The Mul Mantar opens the Guru Granth Sahib and summarises core theology. The Khalsa was instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.Core questions
- ?What is God, and how is God present in creation?
- ?What is hukam, the divine order?
- ?What is ego (haumai), and how is it overcome?
- ?How can spiritual life be lived within family and work?
Core concepts
Primary texts
Major thinkers
Where it disagrees
With Purva Mimamsa · ritual and caste
The Gurus criticised ritual observances and caste distinctions as having no value without inner devotion and right conduct.
With Advaita Vedanta · renunciation
Where classical Advaita associates the pursuit of liberation with renunciation (sannyasa), the Gurus taught that liberation does not require leaving household life.