Sikhism & Worship (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Note

What is the Akhand Path?

• The Akhand Path is the non-stop continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end

  • This reading is completed over 48 hours by many people, lasting through day and night until all 1,430 pages of the holy scripture have been read

  • The recitation is done in shifts by a team of readers (often at a gurdwara)

  • It must be done with respect and focus with no interruptions, pauses or skipping

• It is usually performed to mark special occasions, including:

  • Honouring important festivals or occasions, such as Divali or Vaisakhi

  • Marking births, weddings and funerals

  • Celebrating Gurpurabs 

• It is a way that Sikhs can perform sewa

Why is the Akhand Path important to Sikhs?

• The Akhand Path demonstrates deep respect for the Guru Granth Sahib

  • Sikhs treat the Guru Granth Sahib as the Eternal Guru, so reading it non-stop is an act of reverence and devotion

• It also offers spiritual benefit for those who are taking part or listening to the Akhand Path

  • It is believed that listening to or taking part in the Akhand Path will help Sikhs to gain blessings

• As an event, it can bring the Sikh community closer together

  • It is performed in the presence of the sangat 

  • It encourages unity, service (sewa) and shared faith

• The atmosphere that is created during the Akhand Path is believed to be sacred

  • The reading is often accompanied by prayers, hymns (kirtan) and langar, which adds to the significance of the service

What is the langar?

• The langar (or free kitchen) was introduced by Guru Nanak because of his belief in the oneness of humanity

• He offered free meals to everyone, regardless of their caste, gender or wealth

• It was a place where everyone gathered and ate together

• When Guru Amar Das was the Sikh leader, those who came to consult him about religious matters were always treated to a meal before the talks began

  • At these meals, which everyone helped to prepare and serve, all people were given exactly the same food and treated the same

  • Sikhs have never forgotten this example, and the free kitchen is still present today in every gurdwara

• There are certain key features that are present in all langars:

  • The langar is run by volunteers, who can be male or female

  • People help by cooking, cleaning or serving in the langar

  • All the food is free, and it is offered to anyone who visits the gurdwara, regardless of their faith

  • The langar serves only vegetarian food in order to make it inclusive of all faiths

Why is the langar important to Sikhs?

• The langar is very significant for Sikhs for many reasons:

  • It reminds Sikhs that all people belong to the same human family and should be treated equally

    • It rejects the caste system or any system that is unfair and discriminatory

  • It is seen as a privilege to help with the running of the langar

    • There is usually a waiting list of people who want to provide the langar each week

    • This is because they want to serve God, and by helping others they feel they are doing this

  • It teaches the importance of sewa 

    • Preparing, serving and cleaning up are all forms of physical sewa (tan)

    • This encourages humility, compassion and devotion to God

  • It helps to build the community because it brings people together in shared service and food

  • Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, started the tradition, and this gives it extra significance

  • It is also mentioned within the Guru Granth Sahib

What is the significance of meditation within Sikhism?

• In Sikhism, meditation means focusing the mind on God (Waheguru), especially through Naam Simran

  • During meditation, Sikhs often repeat “Waheguru” (meaning “Wonderful Lord”) silently or aloud

• Meditation is a form of devotion to God and is not just relaxation or mindfulness

• Meditation can be performed anywhere, not just in gurdwaras, so it can fit into daily life

• There are many reasons why meditation is important within Sikhism:

  • Sikhs believe that meditation will bring them closer to God

    • Meditation helps focus the mind on Waheguru and to forget ego and all distractions

    • Meditation encourages spiritual connection and inner peace

  • Sikhs also believe that meditation frees the mind from haumai

    • Meditation reduces pride, selfishness and worldly attachment, all of which block spiritual progress

  • Meditation helps Sikhs to fulfil the religious duties they should perform

    • Naam Japna is one of the Three Pillars of Sikhism (taught by Guru Nanak)

  • Sikhs believe that meditation can help them achieve mukti and become liberated from the cycle of birth and death (reincarnation)