The Oneness of Humanity in Sikhism

This section explains The Oneness of Humanity in Sikhism. Sikhism strongly advocates the oneness of humanity, which is the belief that all humans are equal because they were all created by Waheguru, the one true God. Central to this belief is the idea that every human being carries within them a divine essence, known as the atma or divine spark, which is a part of Waheguru. This understanding leads Sikhs to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, irrespective of their background, gender, or social status. Moreover, Sikhs do not seek to convert others to Sikhism but instead believe in fostering understanding and respect for all religions. This belief is often referred to as egalitarianism, which affirms that everyone, regardless of their faith or social standing, is equally worthy of respect.

Guru Nanak’s Vision of Equality

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was raised in the Hindu tradition but lived in a region influenced by both Hinduism and Islam, giving him the opportunity to engage with people from various religious backgrounds. His life was marked by a deep spiritual journey, and during his youth, he experienced a profound religious awakening. According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak disappeared for three days while bathing in the river Bain, during which he received a divine revelation from Waheguru. Upon his return, Guru Nanak is said to have declared:

“There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim; the path I follow is God’s.”

This experience shaped Guru Nanak’s teachings, and he rejected the divisive traditions and practices of the time, including the caste system prevalent in Hindu society. The caste system categorised people into rigid social classes, with each group assigned specific duties based on their family background. Higher castes were typically associated with intellectual or priestly roles, while lower castes were relegated to manual labour. Guru Nanak strongly opposed this, teaching that all human beings, regardless of their caste or social position, were created equal in the eyes of Waheguru. He emphasised that spiritual progress and connection with God were not dependent on one’s caste, but rather on their actions, intentions, and devotion.

The Sikh View of Humanity and Faith

Sikhs believe that all humans are one in essence and of equal worth. This belief is grounded in the idea that Waheguru created all creatures, and therefore all beings should be treated with respect and dignity. Sikhs hold that human beings are unique in their ability to make moral decisions, which is possible because each individual carries the divine spark within them. This divine essence allows humans to distinguish between right and wrong and to live a righteous life.

Sikhism also acknowledges that there are many different paths to God, and these paths can be found in various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Sikhs believe that all of these paths, when followed with sincerity, can lead to the same ultimate truth: Waheguru. Thus, Sikhs do not see other religions as inferior but respect them as valid ways of seeking the divine.

In the Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Ram Das reinforces this idea, teaching:

“There is only one breath; all are made of the same clay; the light within all is the same. The One Light pervades all the many and various beings.”
(Guru Granth Sahib 96)

This verse highlights the interconnectedness of all people and reinforces the fundamental Sikh belief in the oneness of humanity.

The Langar: A Symbol of Equality

The langar, or free kitchen, is one of the most significant practices in Sikhism that embodies the belief in the oneness of humanity. The langar was introduced by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, as a means of promoting equality, community, and service. Guru Nanak initiated the tradition of providing free meals to all, regardless of their caste, gender, or wealth, as a way of fostering unity and breaking down social divisions. The practice of serving and sharing food in this way symbolises the belief that all people are equal in the eyes of Waheguru.

The langar continues to be an integral part of Sikh practice today. In every gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), a free meal is offered to anyone who visits, regardless of their religious background. Sikhs view serving langar as a privilege and an opportunity to perform sewa (selfless service) to God by helping others. This practice underscores the Sikh principle that everyone is part of the same human family, and all should be treated equally.

Key Features and Importance of the Langar

• Volunteer-run: The langar is managed by volunteers, who can be male or female. These volunteers take on various tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and serving the food. It is considered a spiritual act, as those involved see it as a way to serve Waheguru.
• Inclusive and Equal: All people who come to the gurdwara are offered the same food, irrespective of their background or status. The meals are served equally to all, whether they are emperors or beggars, promoting the message of equality and unity.
• Vegetarian Food: The food served in the langar is always vegetarian. This practice ensures that the meal is inclusive of all faiths, as many religions have specific dietary restrictions. For instance, Muslims may only eat halal meat, while Hindus often avoid beef. By offering vegetarian food, the langar ensures that everyone, regardless of religious tradition, can partake in the meal.
• A Weekly Service: Many Sikhs take turns to provide the langar each week, with a waiting list often in place for those who wish to serve. This reflects the strong sense of community and devotion to service in Sikhism.

The langar reminds Sikhs that true service to humanity is an act of worship and that serving others is a direct way of serving Waheguru. This practice not only nourishes the body but also the soul, reinforcing the Sikh commitment to selflessness, equality, and the oneness of humanity.

Conclusion

Sikhism’s emphasis on the oneness of humanity teaches that all people are equal, regardless of their background, status, or beliefs. This idea is central to Sikh philosophy and is reflected in practices such as the langar, where people of all walks of life gather together to share a meal. Sikhs do not only believe in equality in principle but actively work to promote it through their actions, showing respect for all faiths and treating every individual with dignity. This inclusive and egalitarian view is foundational to Sikh teachings and remains a core aspect of the Sikh way of life today.