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Ways of Sikh living - EdexcelPrayer

In Sikhism, worship is a way of life. Many Sikhs believe that they should dedicate their lives to Waheguru and follow the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs always try to keep Waheguru in their mind, which will ensure their actions are gurmukh, meaning God-centred.

Part of Religious StudiesSikhism

Prayer

Sikhs are expected to always remember God’s name. Therefore, worship is part of their daily life and routine. They worship in the home by saying and hearing prayers and meditating on God’s name.

Most Sikhs do not have a copy of the in their home. However, many Sikhs own a copy of the , which is a compilation of the poems of . They may also own a copy of the , which is a compilation of prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib. Many Sikhs also own a prayer book known as a .

One who calls himself a Sikh of the True Guru shall get up early morning and meditate on the God’s Name. Bathe daily in the ambrosial pool and following the Guru's instructions, chant Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord’s name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food – that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru’s mind. (Guru Granth Sahib 305)

The Ardas prayer

The prayer is a prayer of request. It is spoken by the person leading the worship, and the repeat ‘Waheguru’ to show their belief and to request support from him.

There is One Being, all victory belongs to the Wonderful Guru, May the divine Might help us. The Tenth Guru’s Ode to the Divine Might. The light of the Ten Gurus shines in the Guru Granth Sahib, consider its scared word, envisage its sacred sight, And proclaim; Waheguru, the Wonderful Guru!
Ardas prayer

Akhand Path

The is the non-stop continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end. This reading is completed over 48 hours by many people and lasts through the day and night until all 1,430 pages of the holy scripture have been read.

Reasons for completing the Akhand Path include:

  • to honour important festivals or occasions, such as or
  • to mark joyous occasions, such as marriages
  • to enable Sikhs to perform