The tenets of Sikhism are all summed up in this original hymn, The Mool Mantra, composed by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism:

“There’s only one God. Truth is his name. He is the creator. He is without fear. He is without hate. He is timeless and without form. He is beyond death, the enlightened one. He can be known by the Guru’s grace.” (The “Guru” refers to God, the Great Teacher, whose spirit lives in all human gurus.)

The Sikh religion started in the 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. It is based upon the teachings of Guru Nanak. It continued to progress through ten successive Sikh gurus. In Sikhism, the central belief is the concept of the oneness of God. Sikhs consider spiritual life and secular life to be intertwined in observance of their three golden rules: remembrance and devotion to God, earning an honest living, and charity and service to others. Sikhs also believe that service and equality go hand in hand. Men and women are created equal. No one should consider any job to be beneath them. This painting reflects a family praying at the Golden Temple. Please note that the child is imitating both his parents who are in full meditative states.