The sangat
Sat sangat means ‘true congregation’. Being part of the sangat provides a community for Sikhs. This helps them to develop spiritually and enables them to worship together in the gurdwaraSikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'. or in the presence of the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru.. It also gives worshippers opportunities to help with the running of the gurdwara as part of sewaSelfless service to the community..
The origins of the sangat
Guru NanakGuru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Gurus, who lived from 1469 to 1539. believed that being part of a community would help individuals become closer to WaheguruSikhs believe in one God called Waheguru which means ‘Wonderful Lord’ or ‘Wonderful Teacher’.. He invited all people, regardless of their background, to his home for religious singing (also known as kirtan) and for collective worship. Everyone sat together in the same room. Members of the different casteThe anglicised term for varna; originally a Hindu social order of higher and lower class. Also followed by some Sikhs. sat next to one another, which was something many people had not done before. Everybody was seen as equal.
Guru Nanak urged people to join this group of individuals in order to find God and become gurmukhGod-centred, living by the Gurus' teachings..
Join the Sat Sangat, the true congregation, and find the Lord. The Gurmukh embraces love for the lord.
(Guru Granth Sahib 22)