The Search for Peace in Times of Chaos—Volume particular life depends on the law of karma The only w ay out of this cycle is to achieve a total union with God Sikh spirituality is centered around this need to understand and experience God and, eventually, become one with God.12 To this, a person must switch the focus of their attention from themselves to God Sikhs look for God both inside themselves and in the world around them Sikhs believe that most human beings can’t see the true reality of God because they are blinded by their own selfcentered pride and concern for physical things But Sikhism demands that we use ordinary life as a way to get closer to God A Sikh serves God by serving other people every day By devoting their lives to service, they get rid of their own ego and pride Many Sikhs carry out chores in the Gurudwara as their service to the community The , or free food kitchen, is a community act of service Sikhs regard caring for the poor or sick as an important duty of service There are two primary sources of scripture for the Sikhs: the ó ¢ and the The final version of the Gurū Granth Sāhib was compiled by Gobind Singh It consists of the original # (literally “first book”) with the addition of Teg Bahadur’s hymns It contains compositions by the first five gurus, and Guru Teg Bahadur.* It also contains the traditions and teachings of saints The text further comprises over five thousand hymns, which are poetically constructed and set to classical form of music rendition and can be set to predetermined musical rhythmic beats All text within the Granth is known as ¢Ä Ǥ(was revealed by God directly, and the authors wrote it down for the followers.)13 The Gurū Granth Sāhib is the “living book” that holds the wisdom of the ten Gurus—and so by extension, the word of God It is treated at all times with special reverence as it symbolizes the eternal presence of God All Sikhs carry a copy with them at all times, so that they can read it for comfort and advice when they need to The copy held in the Gurudwara is housed in a special canopied dais: it is literally “put to bed” by covering it with special material embroidered with Sikh symbols.14 * Special thanks to Satnam Singh Greater Kailash for his personal input