The role of the sangat as a centre of religious and ethical training
Being part of the wider Sikh community helps Sikhs to learn from each other. Being in company with other Sikhs plays an important role in keeping everyone on God’s path. The sangatCongregation in a Sikh gurdwara. is open to all, so it reminds Sikhs of key teachings on equality.
In the sangat, Sikhs are able to:
help with the running of the gurdwaraSikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'.
help to teach children Punjabi
discuss spiritual matters
help to provide financial support both to the community and to individuals who need financial help
perform sewaSelfless service to the community.
help in the langarThe kitchen and place where food is eaten in a Sikh Gurdwara. Often volunteers provide and cook food that is served to all as an act of sewa (charity).
demonstrate the importance of equality by treating everyone equally, whatever their gender, faith, casteThe anglicised term for varna; originally a Hindu social order of higher and lower class. Also followed by some Sikhs. or age
learn and teach about the history of Sikhism
Guru ArjanGuru Arjan was the fifth Sikh Guru. He was born in 1563 and was executed in 1606 on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and was the first Guru to be martyred. taught:
If you long for honour for yourself, then renounce your ego in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. If you fear the cycle of birth and death, then seek the Sanctuary of the Holy.
