Punjabis are known worldwide for their extraordinary enthusiasm, courage and energetic aura. Their presence certainly can make any occasion much livelier. They are widely known as big-hearted, always happy, dedicated, fun and food loving people.
It’s believed that the immense sacrifices that Punjabis made in the past have brought them great courage and energy that is evident in their personality.
Well while enjoying the life to the fullest, they also follow Sikh customs by heart. These customs or principles not only inspire Sikhs but people from different religious backgrounds too. Golden principles and concepts of Sikhism can be explained as below:
• Kirt Karna: Honest Labour
Honest earning of bread with dignity and labour. To earn one's livelihood through creative, productive and honest labour.
• Wand Chhakna: Sharing with Others
To share the fruits of earnings with the needy. Sharing with and caring for the needy and sick. Help those people who cannot help themselves.
• Nam Japna: Meditation or contemplation in the name of God
Meditation on the Divine Name with love and devotion. To be in tune with the Infinite through meditation on the Divine qualities so that the believer becomes filled with God’sname.
• Nishkam Seva Sambhal - Selfless service
Seva is a voluntary and selfless service to others to attract God’s grace. It is a unique concept in Sikhism. Seva is the willingness to sacrifice selfish desires for the benefit of larger interest of others as an indication of love and commitment. Seva is the most important conduct expected of a true Sikh. It is a source of love and other virtues in life. It shuns vices and removes pride. It helps those who are needy, poor and sick.
• Parcha Shabad Ka - Understanding Gurbani
Sikhism believes in reading, and reciting Gurbani (guru’s words) by understanding it properly. The Sikhs are required to practice the Gurbani in their practical life. Bani enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib is Dhur-Ki-Bani (Revelation of God's Word).
• Sarbat Da Bhala - Well-Being of Human Race
Welfare of all; Peace and prosperity for all. The Sikhs believe in goodness of humanity. They wish welfare of humanity. They pray for universal peace, prosperity and protection of human beings over this universe.
“God’s glory ever increases; in His Will, Nanak prays for the good of everyone.”
• Bhana Mannana - Accepting will of God
Sikhs believe that the benefits we get, are gifts from God and we are mere actors on stage. God rewards us and whether our efforts are successful is determined by His will. If we accept this philosophy, we will always be in peace with ourselves and with our environment and we will stop worrying about the 'failure' of our efforts.
• Ishnan and Darshan Ishnan - Purity of mind and body
Sikhism believes in attaining holiness, purity, personal cleanliness and cleanliness of surroundings by avoiding loathsomeness, abomination, physical and emotional stress. It believes that heart and mind cannot be pure without cleanliness of body. Therefore bathing and washing is an important aspect of Sikh way of life.
• Sacha Achar - Keeping good moral character
The Sikhs must keep good moral character as a part of daily life, may they be in war or peace. They should not be adulterer. They should not have sinful eye on beauty or wealth of any other’s wife, sister or mother. They must stay away from vices like lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego by leading a virtuous and pious life.
• Charhdi Kala - Optimism-exalted spirit
A Sikh is required to be optimistic and ready to face and address the problems; He should be courageous and ready to sacrifice for righteous cause. Passiveness, gloominess, despair and depression has no place in Sikh life. A Sikh always looks for the bright side, whether win or lose by how he interprets and reacts to everything that happens.
• Daswandh - Donate the Earnings
Sikhs are asked to set aside one-tenth of their earnings for undertaking works of common welfare. This amount would be sent to Guru’s treasury so that the needs of missionary work of Sikh Panth could be met for ever.
Sikhism stands for human liberty, equality and fraternity. It believes in universal brotherhood, universal peace and prosperity with commitment for selfless service to the entire human race. The Sikh prayer all over the world is not confined to a single community, a nation or a country. It is for well-being of entire human race. It is universal and all embracing. It is not confined to a single caste, colour, creed, country or a gender.
(source – www.allaboutsikhs.com)