Sikhism: Ethics and Business

EENI- School of International Business

Subject: Sikhism (Sikh Dharam) and business (India). Syllabus:

“See the brotherhood of all humanity as the highest order of Yogis” Guru Nanak

1. Introduction to Sikhism (Sikh Dharam)
2. Guru Nanak
3. Ethical Principles of the Sikhs
4. Moral Rectitude and Honesty of the Sikhs
5. Articles of Faith (the Five K) of Sikhism
6. Relationships of Sikhism with Hinduism and Islam
7. Sikh Religion Today
8. Sikhs Businessman
9. Case Study: Manmohan Singh (former Prime Minister of India)
10. Influence of Sikhism on the economic area of the Hindu Civilisation

The objectives of the subject “Sikhism” are the following:

1. To know the fundamentals of Sikhism
2. To understand the Ethical Principles of Sikhs
3. To learn about the influence of Sikhism on business
4. To analyse prominent Sikhs Businessman
5. To understand the influence of Sikhism on the Hindu Civilisation

Sample of the subject - Sikhism: Ethics and Business

Description of the Subject: Sikhism (Ethics and Business)

Sikhism, or Sikh Dharam, is a religion founded by the Guru Nanak between the XVI and XVII centuries in India, in the actual state of Punjab, when Islam dominated the region, and the clash between Islam and Hinduism was common. Sikhism is a syncretic religion with values of Hinduism and Islam.

“There is neither Hindu nor Muslim, but the only man. So whose path shall I follow?
I shall follow the path of God. God is neither Hindu nor Muslim, and the path that I follow is the path of God” Guru Nanak

The Guru Nanak is revered today by the vast majority of the Indian Muslims and Hindus.

With more than 25 million followers worldwide, Sikhism is one of the World's great religions. While the number of followers is small compared to other faiths such as Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism, its involvement in international business, politics, science, and culture is crucial.

Perhaps the most significant fact of the Sikh influence is that former Prime Minister of India is Sikh because Sikhism is respected by Hindus and by Muslims.

1. There are prominent Sikhs Executives and Businessman in several countries (the United States, India, Canada, Hong Kong, Kenya, or Singapore), almost all of them dedicate significant resources to philanthropy
2. Sikhs Executives are also working in banking or financial groups like Rothschild
3. The inventor of the optical fibre is Sikh

Sikhs Businessman

Sikhs believe in:

1. Equality of Humanity
2. Universal Brotherhood
3. One Supreme God
4. Reincarnation (like Hinduism)
5. Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh

Sikhs have solid ethical principles, proof of this is that major multinationals have hired senior managers and directors to Sikhs. The high moral rectitude and honesty tend to be a feature of the Sikhs in business. The “Rehat Maryada” is the Sikh code of conduct.

We could define the following ethical principles of the Sikhs:

1. Equality of humanity. Equality between men and women
2. Moral righteousness. Self-restraint of passions and desires
3. Do not Steal
4. Honesty
5. Philanthropy - Social Justice. 10% of its profits must be donated to charity
6. Justice. Always defend the weak and oppressed (kirpan or sword)
7. Truthfulness

The word “guru” in the jargon Sikh means “an illuminator and a prophet.” The Ten Gurus founded the Sikhism. The first, Guru Nanak (1469-1539), rejected the ritual practices of the dominant religions in South Asia and based his message strictly on divine revelation.

The tradition tells us that Guru Nanak travelled throughout India, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula to Mecca. On these trips made speeches addressed to any believer either Muslim, Jain, Zoroastrian, Hinduism or Buddhist.

The message was simple and focused on the critique of religious ritual, caste, or suicide of widows. His message was not proselytising, rather the opposite, inviting “Muslims to be good and true Muslims” and the “Hindus to be good and true Hindus.”

Some Sikhs Businessman.

1. Ajaypal Singh Banga, President and Executive Director of MasterCard
2. Sant Singh, President and Managing Director (CEO) of Hampshire Hotels & Resort
3. Hardeep Singh, founder of Tulip Telecom and philanthropist
4. Malvinder and Shivinder Singh founders of Fortis Healthcare
5. Dr Jogishwar Singh Director of Rothschild Group
6. Dharam Singh Deol (Punjab, 1935), Dharmendra, Indian actor

Khanda: Symbol of Sikhism

Sikhism

1. Religion: Sikhism (Sikh Dharam)
2. Founder: Guru Nanak
3. God: Ik Onkar
4. Date: XVI and XVII centuries
5. Holy City: Amritsar
6. The highest authority Sikh: Jathedar Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh (Amritsar, Punjab, India)
7. Sacred Text: “Guru Granth Sahib” or “Sacred Wisdom Collection.”
8. Country of origin: India
9. Followers: 25 million
10. Main countries: India, also in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada

Religions, ethics, and business - Religions of India