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:What was God's purpose in creating man?
Q24. What was God's purpose in creating man? |
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It may never be possible to understand fully God's purpose in creating man, but prophets have told us something about man's goal. It is generally accepted that God's purpose is for man to realize his divine inheritance while living in this mortal frame.
God made man in His own image. He put His divine spark in man which is called "The Soul". The soul enters bodily forms according to individual's actions. The wall of ego separates the soul from God. This leads to the cycle of birth and death. Metempsychosis can only be ended through meditation or the acquisition of divine grace.
God is not a cruel monster out for sport with mortals. On the contrary,
He is like a benevolent father. He gave man a good start in this life
by providing him with all the needs for his upkeep at the time of birth.
Just as the body is sustained by food and drink, in the same way the soul
is nourished by virtue and devotion. When the soul progresses with the
performance of good deeds and the remembrance of The Name, it becomes
more worthy of a merger to Divinity.
Man is a focal point in the universe. He is the apex of creation, the
final stage. Human life is the starting point for God-realization. You
cannot own salvation as an animal or stone. Only human life, offers this
grand opportunity for spiritual attainment.
Man is made of spirit and matter: shiv and shakti. The spirit is subtle, while the body is gross. The body has to be cared for, because it houses the soul. A house-holder's life is the best life because it offers scope for acts of charity and social service. Escapism or asceticism is not advocated by Sikh religion.
Life may be compared to a game of chess or cards. Where the individual does not frame the rules or control the game. The cards are given to him; it is up to him to play the cards well or badly, wisely or foolishly. God watches over him and will reward him according to his efforts.
In the ultimate analysis, human life is a rich gift, not something to
be flittered away in frivolity. If one fails here, one has to go through
the cycle of birth and death. It is man's option(what he can) to save
himself from this chain of transmigration.
