Sikhism Research Paper

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Pages: 3

In an effort to unite Hindu and Islam beliefs and traditions, Nanak created Sikhism. The most important aspect of Sikhism is the belief in one God, and an important teaching from that is that God dwells at the center of every human being. In the light of reincarnation, a belief taken from the Hindu tradition, this means because the human is seen as a composite of body and spirit, God is apart of the spirit within, and the human must try to seek freedom from the body and absorption in the divine. (Molloy, 195) Also, among its practical teachings, it is essential that they have a duty to care for the poor, the stranger, and the orphan and the widow because Nanak believed that an important element of true religion is having a strong social responsibility. …show more content…
In Hinduism, reincarnation occurs as a result of karma, and the ultimate goal is to obtain moksha and escape the cycle of life and death samsara. Nanak agreed with the concept of reincarnation in the light that the human is composed of body and spirit, and the ultimate goal is to seek freedom fro the physical body and be absorbed by the divine, like Hinduism, can take several lifetimes to achieve. Although this is what it means literally that God dwells at the center of every human being, there is also a figurative meaning that has to do with how someone should life his or her life for and with God. Nanak believed that God is beyond personhood, yet He possesses personal qualities, such as love, compassion, knowledge, and a sense of justice. (Molloy, 195) Because of this, God can approach the human personally where they can develop a relationship. This is also how God can dwell in the center of every human