The main method of worship is meditation (Nam Japna). In the Gurdwara (Temple – which means ‘gate of the guru’) the main object of worship is a copy of the sacred Granth and is raised up on a small altar in order that it will be higher than everyone else who sits on the floor in front of the Granth.

Congregational worship (sadh sangat) involves prayers (‘Banis’, most Sikhs will have a copy of the prayerbook – ‘Nitnam’), hymns (Gurbani), a sermon and a communal meal (langar). There are no priests and the meetings may be led by any member of the community. Langar is undertaken at the Gurdwara - community meal.

There are varies recitations required at different times of the day:

Morning Recitation
1. Japji - Guru Nanak
2. Jaap - Guru Gobind Singh
3. Swayay - Guru Gobind Singh
4. Baintee Choupai – Guru Gobind Singh

Evening Prayer
1. Rehras Sahib

Bedtime Prayer
1. Kirtan Sohila

The Mool Mantra
The Essence of Guru Nanak’s Message, the Mool Mantra encapsulates the heart of Sikhism.

Ek – Onkar There is but one God
Sat Naaam - Eternal Truth is the Name
Karta Purkh - He is the Creator
Nirbhau - He is without fear
Nirvair - He is without Enmity
Akaal – Murat Timeless is His Image
Ajuni - Beyond Birth and Death
Saibhang - Self – Illuminated
Gurprasad - He is realised by the Grace of the true Guru

The Guru Granith Sahib is the supreme spiritual authority for the Sikhs, though there are also written codes of ethics and protocol, such as the Rehit Mariydas which Sikhs are expected to obey.

The After Life
Sikhs when they die are generally cremated and mourners come to the Gurudwara and offer prayers. A Saptah (seven day recitation) or Dusehra (ten day recitation) of the Granth is started at the deceased’s house. On the last day the ‘Sadd Ramkali’ is read which tells of the third Guru’s death and the transitory nature of life and the acceptance of God’s will. The period of mourning normally lasts for 10 days. No memorials are erected and it is forbidden to commemorate anniversaries of the death. The ashes are scattered on a river or in the sea.

Sikhs do not have priests. They were abolished by Guru Gobind Singh who felt they had become corrupt and full of ego. In some Gurdwaras a person known as a Granthi is employed to read the scriptures, conduct worship and perform such ceremonies as weddings but they are not considered as a priest – any Sikh can undertake the same tasks at any time. A Sikh can read the Guru Granth Sahib in a Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) or at home.

There are three main branches of Sikhism:

*Udasis – An order of ascetics and holy men, they are often active as missionaries.

*Sahajdharis – Who are clean shaven and do not follow the Khalsa tradition.

*The Khalsa