Gurudwaras of World
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches
Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com on auspicious day of Khalsa Sajna Divas , Vaisakhi April 14th 2012. Worldgurudwaras.com will strive to be most comprehensive directory of Historical Gurudwaras and Non Historical Gurudwaras around the world.
The etymology of the term 'gurdwara' is from the words 'Gur (ਗੁਰ)' (a reference to the Sikh Gurus) and 'Dwara (ਦੁਆਰਾ)' (gateway in Gurmukhi), together meaning 'the gateway through which the Guru could be reached'. Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras.
It is a work in progress and We strongly urge the Sikh Cyber Community to contribute to this project by submitting contact information, details, images of Gurudwaras around the world to make this a comprehensive directory.
Sikhism FAQs
Sikhism FAQs:Is Sikhism suited to the conditions of modern society?
Q9. Is Sikhism suited to the conditions of modern society? |
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The principle of "the survival of the fittest", is applicable
as much to religions as to communities or people. Those faiths which cannot
meet the challenge of their time or the new conditions in society are
likely to suffer eclipse.
Sikhism however is suited to the needs of modern life. It believes in
the individual and his right to develop his personality to the maximum
extent possible. According to Guru Nanak, every man has power or merit;
he is a part of the divine. He is not a useless weakling, a mere product
of the chain-reaction of Karma. The Sikh is essentially a man of action,
with an overwhelming sense of self-reliance. He should invoke the Guru's
Blessing at every step in his life and ask for His Divine Favour or Grace.
Sikhism is both modern and rational. It does not foster blind faith. Guru Nanak exposed the futility of meaningless ritual and formalism. He questioned the superstitious practices of his time and he brought about a revolution in the thinking of his people.
Sikhism rejects all distinctions of caste and creed. It stands for the 'Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man'. It believes in a casteless, egalitarian society which guarantees equal rights to women. At a time when woman was regarded inferior to man, Guru Nanek placed woman on a high pedestal: "Why call her inferior, who gives birth to kings?"
An important aspect of modern society is the belief in democracy. The
welfare of man is best secured by his elected representatives. This principle
is the guiding rule of the Khalsa, which entrusts all decisions to elected
Five Sikhs.
Sikhism also believes in the concept of a socialistic pattern society.
Man's responsibility to society lies in taking his contribution to social
welfare as a sacred duty. The gulf between the more fortunate and the
less fortunate has to be bridge. The Guru instituted the Temple of Bread
(Langar) to break the caste system. This is a good example of true democracy
in daily life.
Sikhism is thus distinct from other religions and has something new
to offer to man.
