Philosophy 1
Sikhism
Topic: ‘Waheguru’ ; ‘Miracles’
2.1.6 Sikhism
Belief about a Deity
Nature of Waheguru:
Deity: is a god or a goddess. They have divine status and are a supreme being.
Words that are used to describe Waheguru:
Personal.
Immanent (everywhere and
everything).
Genderless.
Formless.
Forgiving.
Omnipotent.
Transcendent (above and
beyond creation).
Merciful.
Beliefs about the nature of Waheguru:
The Mool Mantar is the basic teachings that are found at the beginning of every section of the Guru
Granth Sahib (Sikh Scriptures). It is repeated everyday during the morning prayer. What the Mool
Mantar says about Waheguru:
-There is only one God.
-Eternal truth is his name.
-Waheguru is truthful, creator and without form.
-Waheguru is the enlightened one without fear and hate.
-He is beyond birth and death.
Beliefs about Guru Nanak:
Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. They believe that Nanak was a spiritual
teacher that delivered a new message from God. This message stated that God wasn’t interested in
the religions, but what mattered most was what was in the heart. He taught that what mattered was
the difference between right and wrong. Guru Nanak is regarded with great respect by Sikhs and is a
role model within Sikhism on how to live.
Belief in Waheguru:
Founding story:
Sikhism was founded in the 16th century in the Punjab district of what is now India and Pakistan.
Guru Nanak founded Sikhism and it is based on his teachings, and those of the 9 Sikh gurus who
followed him. There are approximately 20 million followers worldwide, most of whom live in the
Punjab province of India. 336,000 Sikhs were recorded to be living in the UK in the 2001 census.
Evidence:
Sikhs believe that they can have a personal relationship with Waheguru through the hearts of
others. Sikhs believe that the saguna nature of Waheguru intervenes in human nature constantly
which convinces them of God’s existence. Some Sikhs claim to have experienced Waheguru through
the medium of music and mystical experiences. Sikhs believe that the existence of Guru Granth
Sahib Ji is proof of the existence of Waheguru. There is also historical evidence in the life and work
of the Gurus. Sikhs believe that God has revealed himself through the 10 gurus and that the Adi
Granth Sahib is very important to them.
Miracles:
Miracle: an extraordinary or remarkable event that brings about a wonderful consequence. It
normally happens beyond the laws of nature.
Examples of miracles in Sikhism:
-Story of the poor man Lalo and the rich man Malik Bhago.
-The creation of the world.
-An event beyond natural explanation.
-Existence of the universe.
Belief on miracles in Sikhism:
Sikhs believe in the Supremacy of God and that everything happens because of the will of God and
God’s grace. Therefore Sikhs believe that God van intervene in the world through miracles. Followers
of Sikhism believe that the greatest miracle that God could perform is the creation of the universe.
Sikh Gurus condemned appeal to miracles because they saw them as an exploitation of the
incredulous. Miracles could also give them false expectation and hope. As a result Sikhs have
different attitudes towards miracles, and are generally discouraged from believing in them.