Worship in Sikhism

This section explains Worship in Sikhism. In Sikhism, worship is a central aspect of spiritual life and is referred to as Diwan. Worship for Sikhs takes on a variety of forms and is not limited to rituals or formal prayers. Instead, it is an expression of devotion, reverence, and spiritual practice aimed at deepening one’s connection with Waheguru, the one true God. Sikhs believe that Waheguru is omnipresent, meaning that God is present everywhere, at all times, and in all things.

Worship for Sikhs is not just an act of prayer but a holistic approach to living a life dedicated to the remembrance of God, good deeds, and selflessness. The forms of worship include:

• Listening to the Guru Granth Sahib: The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded as the eternal Guru by Sikhs. Listening to the recitation or reading of the Guru Granth Sahib is a common way of worship. Granthis, the individuals responsible for reading the scripture, play a significant role in guiding the congregation in their spiritual practices.
• Meditating on God’s Name (Nam Japna): Meditation on the name of Waheguru, also known as Nam Japna, is a key aspect of Sikh worship. It involves repeating and reflecting upon God's name, either aloud or silently, as a way to focus the mind and connect with Waheguru. This practice helps Sikhs remove distractions and centre their thoughts on spiritual matters, leading to a deeper sense of peace and humility.
• Serving in the Langar: Service in the langar, the free community kitchen in every gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), is another important form of worship. Preparing, serving, and sharing food with others in the langar is seen as an act of selfless service (sewa) and a means of showing humility and compassion. Sikhs believe that by serving others, they serve Waheguru.

Sikhs revere Waheguru's omnipresence and express deep respect and admiration for God in their worship. The gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) is seen as the focal point of community worship, where Sikhs come together to listen to the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, meditate, and perform sewa. One of the most important places of pilgrimage in Sikhism is the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, located in Amritsar, India. This holy site attracts Sikhs from around the world as a place of reflection, prayer, and spiritual rejuvenation.

The essence of Sikh worship is captured in the words of the Guru Granth Sahib:

“Worship and adore Him, and you shall be at peace forever.”
— Guru Granth Sahib, 896

Nam Japna

Nam Japna, or the repetition of God's name, is one of the Three Foundations of Sikhism, alongside Kirat Karna (earning an honest living) and Vand Chhakna (sharing with others). Nam Japna involves remembering and repeating the name of Waheguru consistently throughout the day. Sikhs believe that by meditating on God's name, they can cleanse their minds, remove distractions, and cultivate a life of humility and spiritual discipline.

Nam Japna can be done in two ways:

• Silently: Repeating the name of God within one’s mind, focusing on the Divine presence internally.
• Aloud: Chanting Waheguru aloud, either individually or in a group, to immerse oneself in the sound and vibration of God's name.

Sikhs believe that keeping Waheguru at the forefront of one’s thoughts allows for a life of spiritual clarity, where ego and selfishness are diminished. By continually meditating on the Divine name, a Sikh can achieve a sense of inner peace, purity, and closeness to Waheguru.

The importance of Nam Japna is reflected in the following verse from the Guru Granth Sahib:

“Repeating the Naam, the Name of the Lord, the mortal is exalted and glorified.
Repeating the Naam, sin is banished from the body.
Repeating the Naam, all festivals are celebrated.
Repeating the Naam, one is cleansed at the sixty-eight sacred shrines.”
— Guru Granth Sahib, 1142

This passage underscores the significance of Nam Japna in purifying the soul and guiding individuals toward spiritual liberation. Sikhs believe that by dedicating themselves to the remembrance of God’s name, they can overcome negative traits, such as pride, anger, and attachment, and move closer to mukti (liberation).

Conclusion

In Sikhism, worship is not confined to rituals or set prayers but is a way of living in constant remembrance of Waheguru. Diwan is performed in various forms, such as listening to the Guru Granth Sahib, meditating on God's name (Nam Japna), and engaging in selfless service in the langar. Sikhs believe that through these practices, they can deepen their connection with the Divine and live a life of humility, equality, and compassion. Worship in Sikhism reflects a commitment to spiritual growth, the removal of ego, and the service of others, leading to a peaceful and fulfilling life.