Is Sikhism A Tradition Out of Hinduism

www.SikhingTruth.
com
Is Sikhism a Spiritual
Tradition Out of
Hinduism?
www.SikhingTruth.com
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1 Contents Page
1 Contents Page.............................................................................................................. 2
2 Similarities Between Hinduism and Sikhism........................................................ 3
3 Differences Between Hinduism and Sikhism ....................................................... 4
3.1 Contributions of Sikhism to Progress Humanity.......................................... 4
3.1.1 Oneness of Humanity............................................................................... 4
3.1.2 Unity of God .............................................................................................. 4
3.1.3 Gender Equality........................................................................................ 4
3.1.4 Rejection of Caste ................................................................................... 6
3.1.5 A Better Defined Dharma........................................................................ 6
3.1.6 Sikhism is Not Averse to Wealth Creation ........................................... 6
3.1.7 The World’s Only Multi Faith Scripture................................................ 7
3.1.8 The World’s First Interfaith Institutions .............................................. 7
3.2 Teachings of Hinduism .................................................................................... 7
3.2.1 Oneness of Humanity and Caste Discrimination ................................. 7
3.2.2 Unity of God .............................................................................................. 9
3.2.3 Gender Equality........................................................................................ 9
3.2.4 Dharma Unity .......................................................................................... 11
3.2.5 Sikhism is Not Averse to Wealth Creation ......................................... 12
4 Common Misconceptions Made by Hindus Regarding Sikhism ........................ 13
4.1 Start of Discussions ........................................................................................ 13
4.1.1 SikhingTruth response:.......................................................................... 13
4.2 Why Did All the Gurus Have Hindi Names? ................................................ 14
4.3 Why is Guru Granth Sahib Named in Hindi?............................................... 14
4.3.1 SikhingTruth response ........................................................................... 14
4.4 Why do Sikhs Celebrate Diwali, Holi and Raksha Bandhan ? .................. 14
4.5 Why do Sikhs Defend India? .......................................................................... 16
4.6 Why do Punjabi Hindus Regard Sikhism as an Extension of Hinduism?. 16
4.7 Sikhism Designed as a Military Wing of Hinduism..................................... 17
4.8 Final statement .............................................................................................. 18
5 Conclusions.............................................................................................................. 18
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2 Similarities Between Hinduism and Sikhism

Sikhs and Hindus have many similarities including language, dress, festivals and food.
Both communities also go to each others Temples and worship together. So there is no
denying the fact that both communities are closer than any other religious groups in the
World.
In this regard Max Arthur Macauliffe has written:

"Sikhs and Hindus have defended each other since the beginning of time, and boast the
strongest relationship of any two major religions in world history"
Other similarities include:

1) Belief in one supreme God
2) Karma and Reincarnation (8.4million life cycles)
3) 5 thieves to control (lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride)
4) The concept of Maya
5) Tolerance of other religions
6) God realisation and science of the soul – third eye
There are also many Hindus including Punjabi and Sindhi communities who believe and
have faith in the Gurus teachings and keep the Guru Granth Sahib Ji in their homes.
However does this mean that Sikhism has come out of Hinduism? Let’s look at this in a
typical question and answer format.
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3 Differences Between Hinduism and Sikhism

Sikhism has brought a number of new ideas to humanity which do not exist in Hinduism.
These include the following:
3.1 Contributions of Sikhism to Progress Humanity

3.1.1 Oneness of Humanity
Sikhism supports the idea of the oneness of humanity which cuts across religions, races,
castes, nationalities etc.
“There is only one breath; all are made of the same clay; the light within all is the
same.” Page 96
“The clay is one, but it has taken many forms; I recognize the One Lord within them all.”
Page 480
“You are our mother and father; we are Your children.” Page 268
"He bestowed His Grace on Adam, the father of mankind" page 1161
3.1.2 Unity of God

Sikhism supports the idea of the unity of God e.g. Raam, Allah and Waheguru are the
same supreme entity
“The Muslim God Allah and the Hindu God Paarbrahm are one and the same.” Page
897
“O Allah, O Raam, I live by Your Name.” Page 1349
“Kabeer is the child of God, Allah, Raam. All the Gurus and prophets are mine.” Page
1349
“The humble servants of the Lord are absorbed in the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. The
pain of birth and the fear of death are eradicated.” Page 13
3.1.3 Gender Equality

Sikhism supports gender equality which is not the case in many parts of Hindu scripture.
The light of God sits equally within both men and women
“In the earth and in the sky, I do not see any second. Among all the women and the men,
His Light is shining. ||3|| In the lamps of the sun and the moon, I see His Light. Dwelling
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among all is my ever-youthful Beloved. ||4|| In His Mercy, He attuned my consciousness

to the Lord.” Page 223
Both men and women are described as beautiful soul brides of God
“Her Husband Lord is Beautiful; His Body is forever fresh and new. The True One does
not die, and shall not go. He continually enjoys His happy soul-bride; He casts His
Gracious Glance of Truth upon her, and she abides in His Will. ||4|| The bride braids her
hair with Truth; her clothes are decorated with His Love. Like the essence of
sandalwood, He permeates her consciousness, and the Temple of the Tenth Gate is
opened. The lamp of the Shabad is lit, and the Name of the Lord is her necklace. ||5|| She
is the most beautiful among women; upon her forehead she wears the Jewel of the Lord's
Love. Her glory and her wisdom are magnificent; her love for the Infinite Lord is True.
Other than her Beloved Lord, she knows no man. She enshrines love for the True Guru.
||6||” Page 54
The cessation of suffering is available to both men and women
“The Transcendent Lord has given me His support. The house of pain and disease has
been demolished. The men and women celebrate. The Lord God, Har, Har, has extended
His Mercy. ||1||” Page 627
Both men and women regarded as women of God.
“The women come and sing the songs of joy. Meeting with their Beloved, lasting peace is
obtained. ||1|| I am a sacrifice to those, whose minds are filled with the Lord. Meeting
with the humble servant of the Lord, peace is obtained, and one intuitively sings the
Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||1||Pause|| They are always imbued with Your Joyful Love;
O Dear Lord, You Yourself come to dwell in their minds. They obtain eternal glory. The
Gurmukhs are united in the Lord's Union. ||2||” Page 798
A challenge to men to accept women as equals and as being inherently good. This is the
direct opposite view held by the other Indian religions with their focus on asceticism and
shunning of women.
“From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged
and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her
bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there
would be no one at all. O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman. That mouth
which praises the Lord continually is blessed and beautiful. O Nanak, those faces shall be
radiant in the Court of the True Lord. ||2||” Page 473
A menstruating is not considered impure. Only people with God in their mind are
considered pure, which is independent of the condition of ones clothing or physical body
cycles.
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“As a woman has her periods, month after month, so does falsehood dwell in the mouth
of the false; they suffer forever, again and again. They are not called pure, who sit down
after merely washing their bodies. Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the
Lord abides. ||2||” Page 472
“When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, soap can wash them clean. But when
the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the
Name.” Page 4
3.1.4 Rejection of Caste

Sikhism rejects caste which is definitely supported by Hindu dharma and according to
Hindu scripture "lower" caste people have always been considered as bad and impure:
"God constructed a fortress, inaccessible and unreachable, in which He dwells. There,

His Divine Light radiates forth. Lightning blazes, and bliss prevails there, where the
Eternally Young Lord God abides. ||1|| This soul is lovingly attuned to the Lord's Name.
It is saved from old age and death, and its doubt runs away. ||1||Pause|| Those who
believe in high and low social classes, only sing songs and chants of egotism. " page
1162
“They are spiritual heroes, of noble birth, who vibrate upon the Lord God. The
Kh'shatriyas, the Brahmins, the low-caste Soodras, the Vaisha workers and the outcast
pariahs are all saved, meditating on the Lord. Nanak is the dust of the feet of those who
know his God. ||17||” Page 300
“Recognize the Lord's Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there
are no classes or castes in the world hereafter.” Page 349
“The lowly outcaste becomes a Brahmin, and the untouchable sweeper becomes pure and
sublime. The burning desire of the nether regions and the etherise realms is finally
quenched and extinguished. ||1||The house-cat has been taught otherwise, and is terrified
upon seeing the mouse. The Guru has put the tiger under the control of the sheep, and
now, the dog eats grass. ||1||Pause||” Page 381
3.1.5 A Better Defined Dharma

Sikhism is much better defined than Hinduism as a Dharma. Sikhism also has a number
of different flavours such as Nihangs, Seva Panthis, Udasis etc but they are all bonded
much better.
3.1.6 Sikhism is Not Averse to Wealth Creation

Sikhism does not see wealth or family as a hindrance to spiritual practice. Sikhs are
encouraged to live and contribute to society and apply a spiritual consciousness to
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everything they do. This is in contrast to the asceticism and rejection of worldly life to
the other Indian Dharma including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
“Such a servant understands everything. Amidst all, his soul is unattached. Such is the
way, O Nanak, of the Lord's servant.” Page 275
“While laughing, playing, dressing and eating, he is liberated.” Page 522
“He sleeps, wakes, rises up and sits down without anxiety; he laughs and cries without
anxiety. Says Nanak, she who has cheated the world - that Maya is cheated by the humble
servant of the Lord.” Page 1217
“The Gurmukh laughs, and the Gurmukh cries. Whatever the Gurmukh does, is
devotional worship. Whoever becomes Gurmukh contemplates the Lord. The Gurmukh, O
Nanak, crosses over to the other shore.” Page 1422
“Shoes, fine clothes, and grain of seven kinds - I beg of You. ||1||A milk cow, and a water
buffalo, I beg of You, and a fine Turkestani horse. A good wife to care for my home -Your
humble servant Dhanna begs for these things, Lord. ||2||4||” Page 695
“Why do you tear apart your fine clothes, and take to wearing a rough blanket? O
Nanak, even sitting in your own home, you can meet the Lord, if your mind is in the right
place.” Page 1383
“The Lord feeds and sustains all living beings; He blesses them gifts of restful peace and
fine clothes.” Page 1356
3.1.7 The World’s Only Multi Faith Scripture

The Sikh scripture is world’s only Multi faith scripture including work of saints from
many different religious and spiritual traditions.
3.1.8 The World’s First Interfaith Institutions

Sikh spiritual institutions were the world’s first Interfaith centres where people from all
walks of life including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Yogis and Sikhs felt comfortable
and at peace.
3.2 Teachings of Hinduism

3.2.1 Oneness of Humanity and Caste Discrimination
Hinduism has taught the people were made into the four castes from the very beginning
of creation and that the lower caste people were intrinsically worse than the higher caste
people.
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The tenth book of the Rig Veda concerns the dismemberment of a being out of which the
world emerges. Purusa, a primal man with a thousand heads and a thousand feet, covered
earth. He was "the universe, the here and the there, the now and the always." (A
Dictionary of Creation Myths, p.140, David Leeming and Margaret Leeming) When the
primal man was dismembered, his bottom quarter became our world, his mouth spewed
words and became the god Indra, his arms turned into the warrior caste, his thighs
became the common people, and his feet became "the lowest of the low".
The Kali-Santarana Upanishad teaches:

Narada asked: ‘O Lord, what are the rules to be observed with reference to it ?" To
which Brahma replied that there were no rules for it. Whoever in a pure or an impure
state, utters these always, attains the same world of, or proximity with, or the same form
of, or absorption into Brahma. Whoever utters three and a half Crores (or thirty-five
millions) times this Mantra composed of sixteen names (or words) crosses the sin of the
murder of a Brahmana. He becomes purified from the sin of the theft of gold. He
becomes purified from the sin of cohabitation with a woman of low caste. He is purified
from the sins of wrong done to Pitris, Devas and men. Having given up all Dharmas, he
becomes
The Apastambha Dharma Sutra III, 10-26 teaches:

“The tongue of a Shudra (low caste), who spoke evil about a BRAHMIN should be cut off
A Shudra who dared to assume a position of equality with the first three castes was to be
flogged.”
TULSIDAS, A Brahmin in his Ramayana writes: Even if a Shudra is learned and

virtuous, he should not be given respect and honour. When the British left India, almost
all the industries owned by them were taken over by the Brahmins.
Also the Hindu law book called the Manusmriti teaches:

• MANU 167-272 says: “If a Shudra arrogantly teaches Brahmins Dharma, the king
shall cause hot oil to be poured into his mouth and ears.”
• MANU 167-272 says: “Let the king never slay even a Brahmin though he may have
committed all possible crimes.”
• MANU X, 129 says: “That no collection of wealth was to be made by a Shudra, even
though he may be capable, for a Shudra who has acquired wealth would pain a
Brahmin, and that Brahmins may appropriate by force the property of the Shudra.”
• Low caste Hindus belong to the same category as crows, frogs, ducks, moles, dogs or
transport animals and have the same disabilities as members of their category.
• The different castes shall pay interest at different rates, the lowest will pay the highest
rate.
• A Shudra's witness is not normally to be accepted when there is no witness of a
"twice-born" person.
• If a Shudra overheard a recitation of the Vedas, molten tin was to be poured into his
ears; if he repeated the Vedas his tongue should be cut and if he remembered Vedic
hymns, his body was to be torn into pieces.
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3.2.2 Unity of God

When Muslims first came to India, Hindus considered their God greater than the Islamic
God and vice versa. Neither communities were able to reconcile or understand their
differences until the arrival of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
3.2.3 Gender Equality

Hinduism does not support Gender equality.
3.2.3.1 Scripture: Yajnavalkya Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/YajnavalkyaUpanishad.htm
“Having (attractive) tresses and putting on collyrium, women, difficult to touch but
pleasing to the eyes are (verily) the flames of the fire of sin and they burn men as though
they were straw. Women pleasing and cruel, are the fuel for the hell-fires, that inflame
even at a distance and though juicy (loveable) are devoid of moisture (flavour). Silly
women are the nets spread by the hunter called Cupid to entangle the bodies of men in
the form of birds. Woman is the bait stuck in the fish-hook at the string of evil propensity
to catch men in the form of fish that are in the pond of worldly life and that are active in
the mud of the mind. Enough of women to me, forever, who are the strong caskets (to
preserve) all gems of evil and are the chains of misery. He who has a woman with him
has desire for enjoyment; where is the scope for enjoyment to one who is without woman
? Discarding woman is discarding worldly life; one shall be happy after abandoning
worldly life.”
3.2.3.2 Scripture: Kali-Santarana Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/KaliSantaranaUpanishad.htm
“Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna
Krishna Hare Hare. These sixteen names (words) are destructive of the evil effects of
Kali. No better means than this is to be seen in all the Vedas. These (sixteen names)
destroy the Avarana (or the centripetal force which produces the sense of individuality)
of Jiva surrounded by the sixteen Kalas (rays). Then like the sphere of the sun which
shines fully after the clouds (screening it) disperse, Parabrahman (alone) shines."
Narada asked: ‘O Lord, what are the rules to be observed with reference to it ?" To
which Brahma replied that there were no rules for it. Whoever in a pure or an impure
state, utters these always, attains the same world of, or proximity with, or the same form
of, or absorption into Brahma. Whoever utters three and a half Crores (or thirty-five
millions) times this Mantra composed of sixteen names (or words) crosses the sin of the
murder of a Brahmana. He becomes purified from the sin of the theft of gold. He becomes
purified from the sin of cohabitation with a woman of low caste. He is purified from the
sins of wrong done to Pitris, Devas and men. Having given up all Dharmas, he becomes
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freed at once from all sins. He is at once released from all bondage. That he is at once
released from all bondage is the Upanishad.”
3.2.3.3 Scripture: Varaha Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/VarahaUpanishad.htm
“That Paramahamsa (ascetic) who, though living in the world, keeps aloof from human
congregation as from serpent, who regards a beautiful woman as a (living) corpse and
the endless sensual objects as poison and who has abandoned all passion and is
indifferent towards all objects is no other than Vasudeva, (viz.,) myself.”
3.2.3.4 Scripture: Maha Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/MahaUpanishad.htm
“What is auspicious about woman – a puppet of flesh – moved by a machine in the cage
of the body – having nerves, bones and knots ? Why are you deluded; separate the skin,
flesh, blood and tears and then look at the body. Is it attractive ? The pearl necklace on
the breast is like the current of Ganga on Meru (fleeting and ephemeral) – the same
breast is eaten by dogs at the due time like a lump of food, in the cemetery and corners of
the directions. Women are the flame of sin, have the soot of hair, pleasing to the eye but
not to be touched; they burn man like grass. Women are the fuel lovely, yet harmful, of
the fires of all blazing at a distance whether they have taste (attachment) or not. Women
are the traps to catch the birds – men, spread by the hunter, Manmatha, the lump of bait,
the string of wickedness to men who are the fish in the pond of birth (life) and moving in
the mud of mind. I will have none of this woman who is the basket of all defects – gems –
the chain of misery. Only he with a woman has desire for enjoyment; where is enjoyment
for one who has no woman ? Giving up women means giving up the world; by this one
shall be happy
.
3.2.3.5 Scripture: Sannyasa Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/SannyasaUpanishad.htm
“If one sorely afflicted recovers, renunciation in the prescribed order should be
embraced. (An ascetic) shall not converse with a low caste woman, one fallen from
virtue, and a woman in he courses. The ascetic has no worship of gods, nor witnessing
(temple) festivals. The goal of asceticism is not one (and the same) heaven. The sorely
afflicted and the Kutichaka ascetics gain the worlds Bhur and the Bhuvas respectively.
The Bahudaka ascetic (gains) heaven (Svarga). The Hamsa ascetic, the world of truth
(Satya-loka). The Turiyatita and the Avadhuta ascetics attain supreme bliss in themselves
by deeply meditating on the true nature of the Self according to the maxim of the wasp.”
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3.2.3.6 Scripture: Narada-Parivrajaka Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/NaradaParivrajakaUpanishad.htm
“On seeing a young handsome woman (he) becomes inflamed with passion, and drinking
liquor he becomes intoxicated. Therefore he shall avoid from afar a woman who is
poison to the eye.”
3.2.3.7 Scripture: Rig Veda

http://www.comparative-religion.com/hinduism/vedas/rig_veda_mandala8.php
“15 O thou Most Lofty One, accept our laud as nearest to thine heart. May our libations
be most sweet to make thee glad, O Soma-drinker, Heavenly Lord.
16 Neither in thy decree nor mine, but in another's he delights,-
The man who brought us unto this.
17 Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman brooks not discipline,
Her intellect hath little weight.
18 His pair of horses, rushing on in their wild transport, draw his car:
High-lifted is the stallion's yoke.
19 Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy feet. Let none see what thy
garment veils, for thou, a Brahman, hast become a dame.”
3.2.3.8 Scripture: Manu Smriti, Chapter 3

http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/manu/manu03.htm
“16. According to Atri and to (Gautama) the son of Utathya, he who weds a Sudra
woman becomes an outcast, according to Saunaka on the birth of a son, and according to
Bhrigu he who has (male) offspring from a (Sudra female, alone).” l“166. A shepherd, a
keeper of buffaloes, the husband of a remarried woman, and a carrier of dead bodies, (all
these) must be carefully avoided.” l“191. But he who, being invited to a Sraddha, dallies
with a Sudra woman, takes upon himself all the sins which the giver (of the feast)
committed.” l“239. A Kandala, a village pig, a cock, a dog, a menstruating woman, and
a eunuch must not look at the Brahmanas while they eat.”
3.2.4 Dharma Unity

Hinduism has caused and continues to cause a lot of spiritual confusion for a lot of people
in India. Not even the 6 official Hindu philosophies reconcile with each other. Hinduism
is even classed by some people as a culture rather than a religion or a way of life full of
complicated rituals, superstitions and unusual dogmas.
Sikh Dharma teaches that we need to include humility and compassion in our prayer to
God and we can all access the Kingdom of God. Simple.
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3.2.5 Sikhism is Not Averse to Wealth Creation

Hinduism generally teaches that to avoid Maya we must minimise our possessions, avoid
living in a family environment etc. Sikhism teaches that it is not our possessions which
are bad but our attachment to them. Sikhism allows us to live life to the full and
contribute fully to society through Naam.
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4 Common Misconceptions Made by Hindus Regarding

Sikhism
4.1 Start of Discussions
A Hindu Brother asked:
“You do agree that the only difference between you and us, Punjabi & Sindhi Hindus is
that you all follow the tenth Guru Shri Gobind Singh Ji and our sect of people follow Shri
Guru Nanak Ji.”
4.1.1 SikhingTruth response:

Yes this is almost correct. There are a number of varieties of Sikhs but the majority of
Sikhs follow all the 10 Gurus and recognize the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru
(the word).
A Hindu Brother said:

“You are an improvised mutated version of Hindus which has now made you in a total
different people and religion.”

We will come back to this point in the second half.

“You guys have a sturdy and vigorous values of Sikhism and a tradition of "Kar Seva". In
langars you feed the indigent. We shall never see a Sikh begging whereas the begging
concept was introduced by the south Indians of India hence it is predominant in Hindus
:o)”

Thanks bro. I love these traditions of Sikh Dharma too.

“You guys serve the armed forces and serve India by protecting it from outside
aggression. Your earthy good sense and hard work has made you prosperous farmers,
industrialists, and Bally Sagoos :-).”

That’s an amazing thing to say. Many blessings to you.
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4.2 Why Did All the Gurus Have Hindi Names?

Q: Please answer me as to why all gurus have Hindi names?

The first four Gurus were not born Sikhs and their parents were Hindus. So it seems
normal that their pious Hindu parents would name their children with Hindu/Hindi
names.
As the subsequent Gurus were spreading the message of Sikhism within India, it would
make sense to keep names that people could understand and relate to.
In addition the Gurus did include Bani from Bhagats with non-Hindi names such as
Bhagat Kabir and Bhagat Farid Ji to ensure that people understand that Sikh Dharma is
greater than any specific religious label such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism etc.
4.3 Why is Guru Granth Sahib Named in Hindi?

Q: Why is Guru Granth Sahib also named in Hindi?
4.3.1 SikhingTruth response

The message of Sikhism was initially being spread within India and so it would be logical
to speak in the language of the common people. This in itself does not mean that Sikh
Dharma has come out of Hindu Dharma. Also the Guru Granth Sahib is written in
Gurmukhi but the languages used in the Guru Granth Sahib are numerous including
Punjabi, Khariboli, Sanskrit, Persian etc.
4.4 Why do Sikhs Celebrate Diwali, Holi and Raksha Bandhan ?

Q: Why do you celebrate Diwali, Holi and Raksha Bandhan?

Sikh Dharma is a universal spiritual lifestyle which does not define what you do or don’t
celebrate and does not interfere with peoples cultural traditions, customs or religious
traditions. There were Sikhs of the Guru who were Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and of
course Sikhs themselves.
So Sikhs are free to celebrate any festivals they wish so long as it doesn’t break any
commitments they may have made to the Guru.
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For example Sikhs in India do not celebrate Christmas or Easter or Mothers Day but
many Sikhs in e.g. the UK do celebrate these festivals (we do!). This does not mean we
are Christians or that Sikhism is coming out of or going into Christianity.
Sikhs celebrate Diwali for a slightly different reason to Hindus. On Diwali also known as
Bandi Shoor Divas, Sikhs celebrate because it is when Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji came
out of jail and also freed 52 Hindu Rajas who were all illegally held by the Muslim
emperor.
Holi is celebrated by Sikhs just in the same way Christmas is celebrated by Sikhs. We
don’t need to have a religious affiliation with anything to celebrate something. Also
Nihangs (warrior Sikhs) don’t celebrate Holi but celebrate Hola Moholla which was on
request of the 10th Master. Hola Moholla is practicing mock battles and using Shastaar
Vidya (Indian Kung Fu).
Raksha Bandhan has always been about the love between brother and sister. It’s a
wonderful tradition. However some Sikhs do not celebrate it because some Sikhs feel that
Sikh women and Sikh Men should be each others Rakha equally.
So in summary Sikh Dharma does not interfere with people’s cultural or religious
traditions/labels and people are free to celebrate whatever festivals they wish.
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4.5 Why do Sikhs Defend India?

Q: Why do you passionately defend the borders of India although you hate being
compared or labelled as Hindus?

This is because Sikhs are equal partners in India and it is our land as much as any Hindus
or Muslims land.
4.6 Why do Punjabi Hindus Regard Sikhism as an Extension of

Hinduism?
Q: Why there is no Khalistan? Why do we Punjabis think that there is no difference
between your and Hindu religion?

This is the greatness of Sikh Dharma! Guru Nanak Dev Ji is called Guru Riponoche or
Nanak Lama (equivalent to Dalai lama) by Tibetan Buddhists and is regarded as a
Buddhist. Guru Nanak Dev Ji is called Hadhrat Baba Nanak by Ahmadiyya Muslims and
is regarded as a Muslim. Finally he is called Guru Nanak Dev Ji by Hindus and regarded
by some Hindus as a Hindu Guru.
So the question to you is what was Guru Nanak Dev Ji? Was he a Buddhist, Hindu or a
Muslim?
The answer is simple. The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji transcend religion, culture,
colour, caste and language and are the essence of all religious and spiritual traditions.
The Guru Granth Sahib teaches that God is the creator of all religious traditions on Earth:
“There are six schools of philosophy, six teachers, and six sets of teachings. But the
Teacher of teachers is the One, who appears in so many forms.” Page 12
With regards to the attitudes and behaviours of spiritual people who have transcended
religion (Sikhs) this is what the Guru Granth Sahib says:
“Says Kabeer, I sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord; I teach both Hindus and
Muslims.” Page 479
“The Hindu worships at the temple, the Muslim at the mosque. Naam Dayv serves that
Lord, who is not limited to either the temple or the mosque.” Page 875
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Guru Arjan Dev Ji writes:

“I serve the One Lord, and not any other. I do not perform Hindu worship services, nor
do I offer the Muslim prayers. I have taken the One Formless Lord into my heart; I
humbly worship Him there. I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim.” page 1136
4.7 Sikhism Designed as a Military Wing of Hinduism

A Hindu Brother asked
“I know that you are a belligerent Sardar and you are going to answer me for each and
every question in a way to provoke more arguments. But this shall not change the fact
that Sikhs are an improvised mutated version of Hinduism which was born to combat
Islamic rulers which was a necessity of those times. Unfortunately the process of
reversing the process can not be implemented as Sikhism is the new Hinduism.:-)
BSN. SSA. EO !:-)”

The SikhingTruth team does not consider itself to be militant or illogical in any way. We
are simply hungry for truth and if the truth was that Sikh Dharma is a reformation of
Hindu Dharma then we would stick by that and support that idea 100%.
However, the idea that the purpose of Sikh Dharma was to solely defend and protect
Hindu Dharma is not true. For a start Sikh Dharma only developed a military tradition
during the 6th Guru onwards and was started as a pure non-denominational spiritual
tradition with Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim followers. Secondly, if Sikh Dharma was
only there to protect Hindu Dharma as you suggest then why would Guru Nanak bother
to travel on 4 major Udasis to far off Hindu, Buddhist and especially Muslim countries to
teach about Spirituality and God? Again, when we read the Guru Granth Sahib and
understand Sikh Dharmic philosophy then we do find that a Sikh (spiritual being) can be
anyone from any spiritual or religious tradition.
The Eternal Guru also gives instructions and advice to all people including Muslims and
Hindus. For example:
Advice for a Muslim:

“Make modesty your circumcision, and good conduct your fast. In this way, you shall be
a true Muslim. Let good conduct be your Kaabaa, Truth your spiritual guide, and the
karma of good deeds your prayer and chant. Let your rosary be that which is pleasing to
His Will. O Nanak, God shall preserve your honour.” Page 140
Advice for a Vaishnaav Hindu:

“The karma of good actions, the Dharma of righteous living, religious rituals, fasts and
worship - practice these, but do not know any other than the Supreme Lord God. The
works are brought to fruition, who place their love in God. ||3|| Infinitely invaluable is
that Vaishnaav, that worshipper of Vishnu, says Nanak, who has renounced corruption.”
Page 199
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4.8 Final statement

It is unfair to characterize these determinedly practical people as part of the other-
worldly and mystical Hindu tradition, especially if they don't want to be so identified.
Although it is clear that Sikhism arose as one of the reformations of Hinduism, today they
stand as a full and separate religion.

We hope you see that Sikh Dharma has always stood as a unique universal spiritual
tradition open to people of all religions and cultures.
5 Conclusions
Sikhism can be defined as a universal spiritual lifestyle open to people of all religious,
cultural and spiritual traditions. Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to save humanity from
ignorance and teach the easiest and quickest way to achieve true Yoga (union with God).
“Whoever enters the Sanctuary of Guru Nanak, is blessed with the gifts of fearlessness
and peace.” Page 820
“He is the Helper and Support of the Saints, manifest forever. Grasp His Feet and
enshrine them in your heart. Then, let us sing the Glorious Praises of the most exalted
Guru Nanak. ||1|| I sing the Glorious Praises of the most exalted Guru Nanak, the Ocean
of peace, the Eradicator of sins, the sacred pool of the Shabad, the Word of God. The
beings of deep and profound understanding, oceans of wisdom, sing of Him; the Yogis
and wandering hermits meditate on Him. Indra and devotees like Prahlaad, who know
the joy of the soul, sing of Him. KAL the poet sings the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak,
who enjoys mastery of Raja Yoga, the Yoga of meditation and success. ||2|| King Janak
and the great Yogic heroes of the Lord's Way, sing the Praises of the All-powerful Primal
Being, filled with the sublime essence of the Lord. Sanak and Brahma's sons, the Saadhus
and Siddhas, the silent sages and humble servants of the Lord sing the Praises of Guru
Nanak, who cannot be deceived by the great deceiver. Dhoma the seer and Dhroo, whose
realm is unmoving, sing the Glorious Praises of Guru Nanak, who knows the ecstasy of
loving devotional worship. KAL the poet sings the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who
enjoys mastery of Raja Yoga. ||3|| Kapila and the other Yogis sing of Guru Nanak. He is
the Avataar, the Incarnation of the Infinite Lord. Parasraam the son of Jamdagan, whose
axe and powers were taken away by Raghuvira, sing of Him. Udho, Akrur and Bidur sing
the Glorious Praises of Guru Nanak, who knows the Lord, the Soul of All. KAL the poet
sings the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who enjoys mastery of Raja Yoga. ||4|| The
four castes and the six Shaastras sing His Glorious Praises; Brahma and the others
contemplate His Virtues. The thousand-tongued serpent king sings His Praises with
delight, remaining lovingly attached to Him. Shiva, detached and beyond desire, sings the
Glorious Praises of Guru Nanak, who knows the Lord's endless meditation. KAL the poet
sings the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who enjoys mastery of Raja Yoga. ||5|| He
Page 18 of 19
mastered Raja Yoga, and enjoys sovereignty over both worlds; the Lord, beyond hate and
revenge, is enshrined within His Heart. The whole world is saved, and carried across,
chanting the Naam, the Name of the Lord. Sanak and Janak and the others sing His
Praises, age after age. Blessed, blessed, blessed and fruitful is the sublime birth of the
Guru into the world. Even in the nether regions, His Victory is celebrated; so says KAL
the poet. You are blessed with the Nectar of the Lord's Name, O Guru Nanak; You have
mastered Raja Yoga, and enjoy sovereignty over both worlds. ||6|| In the Golden Age of
Sat Yuga, You were pleased to deceive Baal the king, in the form of a dwarf. In the Silver
Age of Traytaa Yuga, You were called Raam of the Raghu dynasty. In the Brass Age of
Dwaapur Yuga, You were Krishna; You killed Mur the demon and saved Kans. You
blessed Ugrasain with a kingdom, and You blessed Your humble devotees with
fearlessness. In the Iron Age, the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, You are known and accepted as
Guru Nanak, Guru Angad and Guru Amar Das. The sovereign rule of the Great Guru is
unchanging and permanent, according the Command of the Primal Lord God. ||7|| His
Glorious Praises are sung by the devotees Ravi Daas, Jai Dayv and Trilochan. The
devotees Naam Dayv and Kabeer praise Him continually, knowing Him to be even-eyed.
The devotee Baynee sings His Praises; He intuitively enjoys the ecstasy of the soul. He is
the Master of Yoga and meditation, and the spiritual wisdom of the Guru; He knows none
other except God. Sukh Dayv and Preekhyat sing His Praises, and Gautam the rishi sings
His Praise. Says KAL the poet, the ever-fresh praises of Guru Nanak are spread
throughout the world. ||8|| In the nether worlds, His Praises are sung by the devotees like
Shaysh-naag in serpent form. Shiva, the Yogis and the wandering hermits sing His
Praises forever. Vyaas the silent sage, who studied the Vedas and its grammar, sings His
Praise. His Praises are sung by Brahma, who created the entire universe by God's
Command. God fills the galaxies and realms of the universe; He is known to be the same,
manifest and unmanifest. KAL chants the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak, who enjoys
mastery of Yoga. ||9|| The nine masters of Yoga sing His Praises; blessed is the Guru,
who is merged into the True Lord. Maandhaataa, who called himself ruler of all the
world, sings His Praises. Bal the king, dwelling in the seventh underworld, sings His
Praises. Bhart'har, abiding forever with Gorakh, his guru, sings His Praises.
Doorbaasaa, King Puro and Angra sing the Praises of Guru Nanak. Says KAL the poet,
the Sublime Praises of Guru Nanak intuitively permeate each and every heart. ||10||”
Page 138
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Is Sikhism A Tradition Out of Hinduism

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2 Similarities Between Hinduism and Sikhism

In this regard Max Arthur Macauliffe has written:

Other similarities include:

3 Differences Between Hinduism and Sikhism

3.1 Contributions of Sikhism to Progress Humanity

3.1.2 Unity of God

“O Allah, O Raam, I live by Your Name.” Page 1349

3.1.3 Gender Equality

among all is my ever-youthful Beloved. ||4|| In His Mercy, He attuned my consciousness

The cessation of suffering is available to both men and women

Both men and women regarded as women of God.

3.1.4 Rejection of Caste

"God constructed a fortress, inaccessible and unreachable, in which He dwells. There,

3.1.5 A Better Defined Dharma

3.1.6 Sikhism is Not Averse to Wealth Creation

“While laughing, playing, dressing and eating, he is liberated.” Page 522

3.1.7 The World’s Only Multi Faith Scripture

3.1.8 The World’s First Interfaith Institutions

3.2 Teachings of Hinduism

The Kali-Santarana Upanishad teaches:

The Apastambha Dharma Sutra III, 10-26 teaches:

TULSIDAS, A Brahmin in his Ramayana writes: Even if a Shudra is learned and

Also the Hindu law book called the Manusmriti teaches:

3.2.2 Unity of God

3.2.3 Gender Equality

3.2.3.1 Scripture: Yajnavalkya Upanishad

3.2.3.2 Scripture: Kali-Santarana Upanishad

3.2.3.3 Scripture: Varaha Upanishad

3.2.3.4 Scripture: Maha Upanishad

3.2.3.5 Scripture: Sannyasa Upanishad

3.2.3.6 Scripture: Narada-Parivrajaka Upanishad

3.2.3.7 Scripture: Rig Veda

3.2.3.8 Scripture: Manu Smriti, Chapter 3

3.2.4 Dharma Unity

3.2.5 Sikhism is Not Averse to Wealth Creation

4 Common Misconceptions Made by Hindus Regarding

4.1.1 SikhingTruth response:

A Hindu Brother said:

4.1.2 SikhingTruth response:

A Hindu Brother said:

4.1.3 SikhingTruth response:

A Hindu Brother said:

4.1.4 SikhingTruth response:

4.2 Why Did All the Gurus Have Hindi Names?

4.2.1 SikhingTruth response:

4.3 Why is Guru Granth Sahib Named in Hindi?

4.3.1 SikhingTruth response

4.4 Why do Sikhs Celebrate Diwali, Holi and Raksha Bandhan ?

4.4.1 SikhingTruth response

4.5 Why do Sikhs Defend India?

4.5.1 SikhingTruth response

4.6 Why do Punjabi Hindus Regard Sikhism as an Extension of

4.6.1 SikhingTruth response

Guru Arjan Dev Ji writes:

4.7 Sikhism Designed as a Military Wing of Hinduism

4.7.1 SikhingTruth response

Advice for a Muslim:

Advice for a Vaishnaav Hindu:

4.8 Final statement

4.8.1 SikhingTruth response

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