Sikhism is a way to live a wholesome and perfect spiritually balanced life whilst living in the wider society. It’s a complete form of life.
“Sikh” literally means “learner” or “seeker of Truth”. The Sikh faith emphasises on healthy living. Sikhs abstain from alcohol and tobacco, and generally practice two hours of devotional meditation every morning. Sikhs are also encouraged to make charitable contributions and fight injustices.
Being a Sikh is a continual process of learning, developing and evolving with the Guru’s Grace. It is based on very true and very real inner reality, which is very real to the individual. More than anything else, it teaches discipline in life. It is based on the simple belief of one God. And God is inside you. When there’s one God and when you live on simple beliefs, you begin to see a lot of things that make life enjoyable. Being a Sikh is learning to be a better person, to help other people to serve humanity.
Most non-Sikhs don’t convert to Sikhism just like that; it can be a slow process. Following the Path of Sikhism is falling in love with your soul and God. Anything worthy of accomplishing in life requires dedication, motivation, sacrifice, strength and commitment. However, following this Path with love and dedication you reap the sweet reward of happiness, peace and fulfilment. Conversion perhaps is an inappropriate term, rather one one evolves or one is transformed into a Sikh.
1. One’s lifestyle should be “Sikh”.
In the first phase, some people become vegetarians and give up intoxicants (drugs, alcohol, tobacco etc). They start reciting and reading translations of Gurbani (the sacred writings of the Gurus) but don’t wear turban or grow beards. Some men and women slowly stop cutting their hair, disregard body piercings and adulterations of the body, and begin to wear a turban (the spiritual crown, which reminds one that he or she is sitting on the throne of consciousness). Some people can take up to a few years in this process, while some change quickly. The time of adapting the lifestyle to the Sikh lifestyle and achieving the conscious state of being a human being as described by Guru Nanak which can put the individual in touch with God depends on each individual.
2. Initiation into the Sikh Path
Having a good foundation of living the lifestyle of a Sikh and introducing oneself to the study and contemplation of Guru Granth Sahib’s sacred hymns and Sikh history is advised before taking the commitment to becoming initiated through the “Amrit ceremony”. There are many resources available to learn and discover about the Sikh Gurus teachings and history on websites.
Furthermore, it is important to find the company of like-minded souls on the same spiritual path. Doing company with committed and disciplined Sikhs and attending the holy congregation (“Sangat”) is an integral part of the Sikh lifestyle. Find your local Gurdwara so that your local community of Sikhs can help, support and guide you in your spiritual path.
You have to be disciplined to enjoy the benefits of all what the Sikh faith stands for. When you are ready to fully commit your mind, body and soul to being a disciple of Guru Granth Sahib & the Khalsa and live a life of high consciousness living in remembrance of the Divine then you know are ready to ask for the gift of being blessed with initiation in the “Amrit ceremony”.