The Purpose of Life in Sikhism

This section explains The Purpose of Life in Sikhism. Sikhism teaches that the ultimate purpose of life is to reunite with Waheguru, the one true God, through the attainment of mukti, which means liberation or spiritual freedom. Mukti represents the end of the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth), where the soul, or atma, is freed from worldly attachments and reunited with Waheguru in eternal bliss. To achieve mukti, Sikhs must live a life focused on spiritual growth, selflessness, and devotion to God.

A key aspect of this process is the development of virtuous characteristics that enable a person to become gurmukh. The term "gurmukh" literally means "one who is centred on the Guru" or "God-centred." A gurmukh lives in accordance with the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and follows the guidance of the Gurus, thus ensuring they are on the path towards spiritual enlightenment and ultimately achieving mukti.

The Five Vices

In order to become gurmukh and achieve mukti, Sikhs must strive to remove negative characteristics, which act as obstacles on their spiritual journey. These negative characteristics, known as the five vices, are believed to cloud a person’s mind, lead them away from spiritual wisdom, and prevent them from realising their true connection with Waheguru.

The five vices are:

1. Lust (Kama): Lust is an overwhelming desire for sensual pleasure, particularly sexual desire. In Sikhism, unchecked lust can lead to indulgence and a focus on material and physical pleasures, distracting individuals from their spiritual goals.
2. Greed (Lobh): Greed is the excessive desire for material wealth, possessions, and power. Sikhs are taught to avoid greed as it leads to attachment to worldly things and creates a sense of never being satisfied, further distancing one from Waheguru.
3. Anger (Krodh): Anger is a destructive emotion that can cloud a person’s judgment and lead to violence, hatred, and conflict. Sikhs are encouraged to control their anger and respond to situations with patience and understanding.
4. Attachment (Moh): Attachment refers to the emotional bond with material things, family, or even one’s own identity. Sikhism teaches that attachment to worldly things can prevent an individual from recognising the transient nature of life and the importance of focusing on spiritual growth.
5. Pride (Ahankar): Pride is the feeling of superiority and the belief that one is better than others. Sikhism stresses the importance of humility and warns that pride leads to arrogance, which separates individuals from their spiritual essence and from the unity of humanity.

Additional Barriers to Mukti

In addition to the five vices, Sikhism teaches that there are other barriers that prevent individuals from achieving mukti and reuniting with Waheguru:

1. Maya: Maya refers to the illusion that material possessions, wealth, and worldly status are of ultimate value. Sikhism teaches that the things of this world are temporary and not worth becoming attached to, as they do not lead to spiritual fulfilment. The belief that these things are permanent and valuable keeps individuals trapped in the cycle of samsara.
2. Haumai (Egoism): Haumai, or egoism, is the sense of personal identity and self-importance that makes individuals believe they are separate from others and from God. Sikhs are taught to overcome their ego by practising humility and recognising that they are part of Waheguru’s creation, not superior to anyone else.
3. Manmukh (Self-Centredness): Manmukh refers to a self-centred attitude where an individual prioritises their own desires and selfish interests over the needs of others and the teachings of the Guru. A manmukh person focuses on their own ego and material gains, rather than living in accordance with the spiritual path and seeking unity with Waheguru.

Moving Closer to Waheguru

In order to overcome these barriers and progress on the path to mukti, Sikhs are encouraged to focus on self-discipline, spiritual development, and selflessness. Key practices that help a Sikh move closer to Waheguru include:

• Meditating on Waheguru’s name (Nam Japna): Repeating and reflecting on the name of God is a way to purify the mind and soul, focusing on Waheguru rather than on worldly distractions.
• Earning an honest living (Kirat Karna): Sikhs are encouraged to earn a living through honest and ethical means, avoiding greed and exploitation. By doing so, they align their actions with the principles of Sikhism.
• Serving others (Sewa): Engaging in selfless service, known as sewa, is a fundamental practice in Sikhism. Through sewa, Sikhs demonstrate compassion and humility, serving others without any expectation of reward, which helps remove attachment to personal gain.

By practising these principles and working to eliminate the five vices and the other barriers to spiritual growth, Sikhs aim to become gurmukh, living in accordance with divine will and moving closer to the ultimate goal of mukti — union with Waheguru.

Conclusion

The purpose of life in Sikhism is centred around the idea of reuniting with Waheguru through the attainment of mukti. This is achieved by overcoming the five vices and other spiritual barriers, such as maya, haumai, and manmukh, and cultivating virtuous qualities like humility, compassion, and selflessness. By focusing on the path of spiritual discipline, Sikhs can purify their minds, perform selfless service, and align their lives with divine will, ultimately realising their true nature and merging with Waheguru.