Sikhism
About
Sikhism was founded in the Punjab in 1469 and is today the world’s fifth largest religion. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that advocates spiritual devotion to God and living life in a God-centred way. The faith is symbolised by 5 special items: the Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan.
Sikhs advocate equality, social justice, and love and compassion towards others. The word ‘Sikh’ means ‘learner’ or ‘seeker of truth’ and is a religion that is practised by living in the world and by taking on everyday struggles.
End of Life
Sikhs see death as a natural part of reincarnation. They believe that all animals and humans have a soul known as the atma. When the body dies, the atma is reborn into a new body that is determined by karma gained in the previous life. This cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is known as the cycle of samsara.
The ultimate purpose of samsara is to move closer to Waheguru (God, or the Divine) through good karma. The cycle repeats until liberation is achieved and the atma is finally reunited with Waheguru in mukti. For this reason, death is often celebrated as another step closer to Waheguru.
During the dying process, friends, family, and the Granthi (spiritual leader) will gather to read hymns, pray, and chant to help the soul leave the body. The body is cleansed and dressed in fresh clothes, a new turban, and five special articles of faith, the Kakaars, that will remain throughout death and cremation.
After Death
In Sikhism, the final ceremony is known as the Antam Sanskaar and is led by the Granthi or a family member. This can take place at the home of the bereaved, at a place of worship (gurdwara), outdoors, or at the crematorium, and there are usually prayer recitals involved.
Ritualised mourning and overt public displays of grief are generally not accepted in Sikh funeral ceremonies. A more stoic demeanour conveys respect and acceptance of God’s will, so grieving is done privately instead. White is the traditional colour of mourning although dark colours are modernly accepted. Heads are always covered with white turbans or headscarves and shoes are always removed.
When possible, the deceased’s ashes are either taken back to the Punjab or scattered in a river or sea elsewhere. After the funeral, family and friends will gather for a meal. Rather than mourning, this is a time to come together to remember and celebrate the deceased. It is also a time for the “uninterrupted readings” of holy scriptures, known as the Arkhand Path. This can last between 3-10 days and is an opportunity for meditation, learning, and comfort.