Glossary

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee

Final stage of spiritual ascent when one becomes one with God

Congregation

A non continuous reading of  Shri Guru Granth Sahib

Sons of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Literally translated "community." A Sikh congregation. Believed to be an essential aspect of living a spiritual and God-centred life.

Literally "saint-soldiers." Guru Hargobind decreed that Sikhs should be both devout followers of the teachings of the Gurus, while being prepared to take up arms for self-defence and defence of the oppressed.

Meeting of all Sikhs to consider important Panth issues.

A leader or Sikh chieftain

Temporal (worldly) realm of human existence

A common Sikh greeting, meaning "God is True and Timeless."

Holy company, prayer meeting

The lowest rank in the Indian Army

Community service. A central aspect of Sikh theology; Selfless service, which is believed to bring one closer to God.

Literally "word." A sacred Sikh hymn.

A Sikh martyr

Martyrdom.  To die for a moral and honourable cause

Sword, kirpan.

Literally "student, disciple." According to the Sikh Rehat Maryada, a Sikh is someone who believes in God, the ten Sikh Gurus, the Guru Granth Sahib, in the importance of the Khalsa initiation, and in no other religion; "Seeker of Truth".

Meditation, constant remembrance of God

Literally means lion. The name given to all male Sikhs.

Religious composition

A short ceremony performed when the Guru Granth Sahib is formally taken from its dais to a resting place everyday.