Nirankari
Nirankari is a syncretistic religious community of Indian origin originating from Sikhism . Under the name Sant Nirankari Mission , the movement was founded in 1929 by Baba Buta Singh Ji in Punjab , which - in contrast to the orthodoxy of Sikhism - still considers itself to be under the leadership of a living guru (the Sad Guru ) Orthodox view after the death of the 10th Guru, Gobind Singh Ji, the Holy Book of the Sikhs, which Guru Granth Sahib regards as the eternal written guru of Sikhism.
Doctrines
The Nirankaris share many of their basic beliefs with Sikhism, with a strong emphasis on a spirituality that should encompass all human beings. Fundamental beliefs are u. a .:
- The existence of God is formless ("nirankar") and all-encompassing
- God can be known personally by every human being
- all people are children of God
- The guru is the giver and mediator of divine insights
- Following the "Five Principles":
- Body, mind and goods are given by "Nirankar" (i.e. God), so treat them as his property without pride.
- No pride in their respective caste or religion.
- Do not despise anyone for their clothing or food customs.
- People are called to live in the world and are not intended as a Sadhu or Fakir fall of society to load.
- The insights given by the Sad Guru must not be shared with others without his approval.
The Nirankaris describe all religions in the world as possible ways to God and see them as largely equivalent expressions of religious convictions.
distribution
Like the Orthodox Sikhs, the Nirankaris are mostly to be found in India (and here mainly in Punjab), but according to the religious community there are members worldwide, in about 1,300 communities in India ("satsang bhavans") and in the rest of the world in approx. 200 parishes, totaling several million (exact membership numbers are currently not available). Church services are held daily in around 600 of these congregations; Free hospitals have also been set up in around 150 communities.
Church services
The places of worship are called Satsang Bhawan called ( "meeting hall") and available to all people regardless of color, caste or religion openly. A white upholstered armchair (white is the symbolic color of the Nirankaris) stands on a grandstand and is occupied by a member of the faithful as the representative of the Sad Guru. He gives the blessing to the believers on behalf of the guru and gives a sermon. Since, according to the Nirankaris, the Sad Guru is omnipresent, his representative is shown the same respect (bowing or prostration) as the Sad Guru himself.