Sikh beliefs - EdexcelThe purpose of life

Sikhism teaches that the purpose of life is to reunite with God through mukti. However, in order to do this, Sikhs must ensure they develop the virtuous characteristics that enable them to become gurmukh.

The five vices

In order for Sikhs to become gurmukh and be reunited with Waheguru, they must get rid of their negative characteristics. This means removing certain barriers to mukti known as the five vices. These are:

• lust (kama)
• greed (lobh)
• anger (krodh)
• attachment (moh)
• pride (ahankar)

They must also remove three other barriers:

• The illusion that things in this world that are temporary and unimportant (such as material possessions) are permanent and valuable. This is known as maya.
• Being egotistic. This is known as haumai.
• Being self-centred. This is known as manmukh.

Sikhs must focus on removing these barriers and try to avoid the temptations of life in order to move closer to Waheguru.