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Words to Understand in This Chapter

amrit sanskar— the ceremony at which Sikhs become members of the Khalsa. gurdwara— literally, “doorway to the Guru”; the Sikh place of worship, anywhere that the Guru Granth Sahib is installed, whether a purpose-built building or one converted from another use, a room in a home or a tent in a field. gurmukhi— literally, “from the mouth of the Guru”; the special script in which the Guru Granth Sahib is written. Guru Granth Sahib— the Sikhs’ sacred scripture, which they believe represents God’s living presence among His people. haumai— a combination of the Punjabi for “I” or “me,” often translated as “ego.” hukam— God’s will or divine order; the belief that all things happen according to God’s will. jot— God’s light, which is present in all living beings and inanimate objects. kirpan— a sword; one of the Five Ks. kirtan— literally, “songs praising God”; passages from the Guru Granth Sahib and other approved writers that are set to ragas. One of the most important ways that Sikhs meditate on God’s name. maya— the delusion of attachment to earthly things, rather than to God. Mul Mantra— literally, “root” or “seed.” This mantra is a summary of Sikh teach- ing about God, the first verse of the Guru Granth Sahib and of the Japji Sahib, a prayer recited by Sikhs each morning.