Sikhism

1. Axioms

The following axioms function as foundational premises within Sikhism. They serve as starting points from which theology, ethics, and daily practice are developed.

1. One God: There is a single, ultimate God who is timeless and not confined to form, yet knowable through devotion and grace.
2. Truth as lived reality: Spiritual understanding is inseparable from ethical action and disciplined living.
3. Remembrance of God: Orientation toward God (naam) is central and is cultivated through ongoing remembrance.
4. Universal human dignity: All people possess equal spiritual worth; social equality is a religious obligation.
5. Community as formative: Spiritual life is structured through communal worship, shared practice, and service.

2. Derived Doctrinal Commitments

From these axioms, Sikhism derives a coherent theological and social vision.

• Divine immanence and transcendence: God is beyond the world yet present within it; life can be lived in God’s presence.
• Authority and guidance: Spiritual authority is centered in the Guru tradition and the scripture that guides communal life.
• World-affirming spirituality: Holiness is pursued within ordinary life, not only through withdrawal.
• Ethics as worship: Truthfulness, restraint, and justice are treated as core religious commitments.
• Resistance to oppression: The tradition includes principled opposition to injustice and coercion.

3. Ethical Framework

Sikh ethics integrate devotion, character formation, and social responsibility.

• Service (seva): Caring for others is a central religious obligation.
• Honest labor: Ethical livelihood and integrity are emphasized as spiritual disciplines.
• Sharing and solidarity: Resources are to be shared, and communal welfare prioritized.

4. Practices

Practices are designed to cultivate remembrance, community, and ethical life.

• Congregational worship (gurdwara life)
• Scriptural singing and recitation
• Community kitchen (langar)
• Daily prayers and remembrance
• Service and charitable action

5. Internal Diversity

Sikhism exhibits variation in emphasis and practice while sharing core axioms.

• Different community practices and local traditions
• Variations in devotional and disciplinary emphasis
• Historical and cultural diversity across regions and diaspora
• Different understandings of authority and interpretation within the tradition’s institutions