The goal of life is to merge with God or achieve Mukti. This is attainable only when cycles of incarnation are over. However, salvation does not require renunciation of worldliness or celibacy. A Sikh may continue to lead the life of a householder, earn honestly and lead a truthful life avoiding temptations and sins. This is where Sikhism parts with other facets of Hinduism. Vedic religion, Buddhism and other sects require Sanyasa or renouncing the temporal world at one stage of life. Sikhism seeks to strike a balance between man's spiritual and temporal obligations. Equality of race, religion and sex is another hallmark. Men and women alike perform religious rituals in the same temple without discrimination. Similarly, there is no segregation of social order in the distribution of Prasad. Anyone can worship as well as eat a communal meal sitting on the floor. The service being done in modest utensils.
Sikhism was found by Guru Nanak who was born in 1469 near Lahore. While preaching a message of love and understanding, he demolished the fanatic rituals of both Hindus and Muslims simultaneously. Guru Nanak's preaching was passed on to nine successive gurus. The last one being Guru Gobind Singh who died in 1708. Before his demise, he established the Khalsa order implying pure soldier saints. These are men and women who abide strictly by the Sikh code of conduct, which includes wearing the turban and the Kirpan. Guru Gobind Singh also decided that Sikhs no longer needed a physical guru after him. All requirements of spiritual guidance of Sikhs could be met by reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Therefore, Sri guru Granth Sahib was declared as the head of Sikh religion as well as a spiritual Guru for successive generations of Sikhs. He further abolished the institution of priests whom he found to have become corrupt and egoist. Sikhs only have Granthees or custodians of their holly book. Any Sikh is free to read this book (Sri guru Granth Sahib) either at a Sikh temple (Gurudwara) or at home.
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