Disability and Sikhism: Theory and Praxis

Abstract

Disability is a multifaceted and universal phenomenon that cuts across all cultures and religions. It poses unique challenges for individuals, families, and communities. It is shaped by a multitude of factors such as society, culture, economy, religion, etc. Sikhism, the fifth largest religion in the world, originated in the northern part of India in the 15th century with the first Sikh guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539). In the context of Sikhism, disability and religious teachings become important areas of exploration. This research paper attempts to understand how Sikhism addresses and engages with disability by highlighting both the theoretical foundations and practical manifestations. The theoretical foundations of Sikhism, i.e., equality, solidarity, and inclusiveness, are based on the supreme scripture Guru Granth Sahib, and the practical manifestations, i.e., rituals and norms, take their lead from Rehat Maryada, i.e., the Sikh code of conduct and conventions, which have been constructed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The present paper examines the outlook of Sikhism towards disability in theory as per Guru Granth Sahib and in practice as per Sikh Rehat Maryada.

Keywords:

• disability
• religion
• Sikhism
• Religious Discourse
• Religious Theory and Praxis

Disclosure statement

The authors declare there is no Conflict of Interest at this study.

Notes

1 Udasi is a Sikh sect started by Sri Chand (1494–1629), the son of Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539), the first guru of Sikhs after Guru Nanak made Guru Angad Dev (1504–1552) as his successor.

2 The Mīnās were a sect of Sikhs that followed Prithi Chand (1558–1618), the eldest son of Guru Ram Das (1534–1581), after his younger brother Guru Arjan Dev (1563–1606) was selected by the Guru to succeed him.

3 Ramraiyas or Ram Raiyas is a sect of Sikhs who follow Baba Ram Rai, the excommunicated eldest son of Guru Har Rai (1630–1661), the seventh guru of Sikhs.

4 Japji Sahib, the first composition of Guru Nanak Dev, appears in the beginning of Guru Granth Sahib and is regarded as the essence of Sikhism.

5 Vaar or Var is a form of poetry in Punjabi. It is a ballad or heroic ode narrating the stories of folk heroes of Punjab such as Dulha Bhatti or an historical event such as Nadar Shah di var.

6 Pauri or Pauree stands for a stanza.

7 Ang literally means “limbs” stands for holy pages of Guru Granth Sahib as Guru Granth Sahib is considered as living guru after ten gurus in Sikhism.