Our true purpose in life is to meet and connect with the one who made us, our Creator, Vaheguru. Before doing this, one must realize some simple truths about the soul. The soul is free from all distinctions, has gone through reincarnations and is a part of God. Understanding this, we see that the soul was once connected with God, but now it is separated. To connect back with God, one should go into the holy company of those who are trying to connect with Vaheguru and meditate upon the Naam. Naam can simply mean to connect with the divine, through chanting this Naam we fulfill our life’s purpose. Until we experience this connection happening, this is all just theory. Guru Sahib Ji came here to connect us to the divine and show us this path of truth. 

Nitnem is an extremely important aspect of every Sikh's day. It’s like a bath in the morning to make you feel strong and prepared for the day. Then, after being influenced by this world all day, we do Rehraas Sahib in the evening to reconnect. Doing Sohila Sahib before bed washes all the filth accumulated throughout the day and reminds us of our purpose in life. Nitnem is prescribed to us in the Rehit (daily code of conduct), meaning it is Guru Sahib Ji's Hukam (order) that we do our Nitnem every day. Doing Nitnem daily is like having a conversation with Guru Sahib Ji every single day. Another important aspect of Sikhi is to earn Naam, through doing Nitnem daily, we do this and receive that indescribable flavour. At the end of the day, through doing our Nitnem we please Guru Sahib and receive their Grace. To learn more about this topic, check out our article on Why Pray Daily/Do Nitnem?

Sikhs have 11 Gurus. They are as follows:

1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji
2. Guru Angad Dev Ji
3. Guru Amar Das Ji
4. Guru Raam Das Ji
5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji
6. Guru Hargobind Ji
7. Guru Har Rai Ji
8. Guru Harkrishan Ji
9. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji
11. Guru Granth Sahib Ji

By considering both the quality and quantity of our time spent with Gurbani, we can begin to immerse ourselves more into it. Also by reading more Gurbani, we start to understand Gurbani more and thus strengthen our relationship with Guru Sahib Ji. Along with financial Dasvandh, dedicating at least 10% of our day (2.4 hours) towards Guru Sahib Ji and Gurbani, is just as important. In addition, integrating Rehit (Code of Conduct) into our lives, makes a big difference within our relationship with Gurbani.

Bhai Gurdas ji states that

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਹੈ ਜਪਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਖੋਈ।

His Guru-manta is Vahiguru, whose recitation erases egotism.

He says that the word “Vaheguru” is the Gurmantar. By doing Naam Japna (chant) or Naam Simran (remember) of this Gurmantar, you will lose your Haumai (ego). Haumai (ego) is the biggest illness inside us that keeps us separate from Vaheguru/Creator. The point of Sikhi is to get you away from the sense of separateness from the divine.

The word Gurdwara is pronounced as 'Gur-Dwa-raa'. The word Gurdwara literally means the 'Guru's Door' or 'through the Guru'. Sikhs come here to learn how to live a spiritual and moral life and earn Guru's blessings. Gurdwaras are commonly known as Sikh Places of Worship in the Western world.

A Dastar (turban) serves as a constant reminder that God is forever present. It is an insignia of Guru Ji’s teaching that a Sikh must hold a high level of moral responsibility. A Dastar also gives Sikhs their unique identity and it is a royal crown given to Sikhs by the Gurus. A Dastar symbolizes equality and does not discriminate against anyone. 

Do the Different Colors and Styles Mean Anything?

Essentially, no. Some styles, such as the Dumalla (du=two, malla=materials) were more commonly worn by Sikh warriors. Other styles may be more predominant in certain Sikh communities, such as the triangle style for Sikhs from Kenya.

Do All Sikhs Wear a Dastar?

All Sikhs have been ordained to keep their hair; therefore, most practicing Sikhs will wear a Dastar. Sikhi has no age or gender barriers, so women and children can also wear a Dastar. Some women and younger Sikhs may also wear a variety of head coverings such as a Chunni, Rumaal or Patka. 

It is very disrespectful to touch or ask a Sikh to remove their Dastar. A Sikh will only remove the Dastar in extreme circumstances or when showering/sleeping, while still keeping their head covered. It is not headwear but an article of faith. A Sikh will treat Dastar with great respect even when removing it. 

Vand ke Chakna (sharing with others) is an important principle in Sikhi. We should share what we have with others around us, especially the needy. Guru Sahib Ji tells us that hoarding materialistic possessions, being selfish and only looking out for our own needs is not the path of a Sikh.