Sikhism was founded by Guru ‘Nanak during the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries (1469-1548), It is a monotheistic faith that was somewhat influenced by Islamic Sufism and certain features of the Christian movement (for example, the rite of baptism is represented in Sikhism and their holy book, the Granth, resemble the Christian Bible), Nanak was the first of ten gurus (teachers) of Sikhism and he established| the equality of all members. Sikhism emphasizes not only equality irrespective of caste, sex, or color but abides by a life dedicated to loving service and generous charity to all humankind.

Of special interest to me and for the general focus of this paper, I would like to explore the religious thus cultural equality of the Sikh woman the positive advantages in such a religion that will promote the growth and) health of female self-esteem.

It is stated in the Granth, “Call every one noble, none is lowborn: there is only one potter, God, and he has fashioned everyone alike. He is the one light that pervades all creation.” (AG 62) which sums to be a definite assertion to respect women as an equal entity of the society.

Guru Nanak secured this command by saying:

“It is through woman, the despised ‘one, that we are conceived and from her that we are born. It is the women that we get engaged and then married. She is our life-long friend and the survival of our race depends on her. On her death a ‘man seeks another wife. Through women we establish our social ties. Why denounce her, the one from who even kings are born?’ (AG 473).

This is certainly an uplifting and enlightened attitude as compared “to the Buddhist, Hindu or even Islamic religions. Sikhism totally abolished infanticide, especially female infanticide which had been practiced so prevalently in Buddhist and Hindu religions. Sikhs are monogamous and their marriage ceremony is considered a religious ceremony not just a civil contract. Divorce is strongly discouraged but can be ‘obtained for certain reasons through the proper channels. Sikhism links marriage to a pair of shoes completely essential to each other (the man and woman uniting as ‘one and yet forming this precious sense of “pair”). Widows are respected and allowed to remarry if they so desire. Sikhs must not commit adultery. A Sikh woman is encouraged to voice her opinion concerning her future partner in marriage; is expected to marry a man of the Sikh faith; and is never expected to marry until she has matured physically as well as emotionally (thus eliminating child marriages). A Sikh should respect another man’s wife as he would his ‘own sister or mother, and another man’s daughter as he would his ‘own daughter. At birth, the choosing of the child’s name is further evidence of Sikhism’s neutrality. A girl’s first name is attached to the word “Kaur” meaning princess and all boys names are attached to the name “Singh” which means lion. A Sikh should enjoy his wife’s company and Sikh women should be loyal to their husbands, Sikh women are not to be veiled and are offered equal opportunities in educational matters.

Sikhism thus demonstrates the potential of its women to become fully-functioning individuals. Just as Carl Rogers states in his theory of unconditional positive regard, the young child and the mature adult, man and woman, need positive regard from others and also require the need of positive self-regard (from within), Positive regard refers to being loved and accepted for who one is (regardless ‘of sex). Unconditional positive regard is given freely to one for who they are and in spite of what they do.

Sikhism allows women the opportunity to attain full potential in their faith just as it does men and this right is also extended to their lives involving home and family life as well as from the standpoint of education.

Any Sikh is expected to be charitable, abstain from drugs, alcohol, and overindulgence, not to gamble or steal and to cherish their family units by living his/her entire life according to the Sikh faith.

Hindu, Buddhist, and Islam religions seem as contradictory to me because of their lack of respect and even acknowledgement of women as compassionate, feeling human beings. The treatment of their wives as sub-humans, shadow-like figures desined to duty and commitment without so much as a Word of personal concern can only develop a neurotic substitute for a self-actualized personality, In Carl Rogers theory of personality, the incongruence of these eastern Women’s lives produces tension and anxiety which in turn will lead to maladjustment. The Sikh woman has the marvelous opportunity to lead a congruent life wherein the Personality (self) reaches a significant balance with the real self (organism).

I have been impressed by the startling awareness and humanness of Sikhism and will look forward to future opportunities to learn more about this religion and the culture which surrounds its people.

Article extracted from this publication >> July 18, 1986