• Simran and Sewa. These are the "Foundation of Sikhism". It is the duty of every Sikh to practice NaamSimran daily and engage in Seva(selfless service) whenever there is a possibility- in Gurdwara; in community centre; old people's homes; care centres; major world disasters, etc.
• Guru Nanak formalised these three important aspects of Sikhism:
  • Naam Japna. A Sikh is to engage in a daily practice of meditation and Nitnem by reciting and chanting of God’s Name.
  • Kirat Karni. To live honestly and earn by ones physical and mental effort while accepting God's gifts and blessings. A Sikh has to live as a householder carrying out his or her duties and responsibilities to the full.
  • Vand Chakna. Sikhs are asked to share their wealth within the community and outside by giving Dasvand and practising charity (Daan). To “Share and consume together”.
• The Sikh Gurus tell us that our mind and spirit are constantly being attacked by the Five Evils (or Five Thieves); Kam (Lust), Krodh(Rage), Lobh (Greed), Moh (Attachment) and Ahankar (Ego). A Sikh needs to constantly attack and overcome these five vices.^[1]
• The Sikh Gurus taught the Sikhs to develop and harness the Five Virtues which lead the soul closer to God and away from evil. These are Sat (Truth), Daya (Compassion), Santokh (Contentment), Nimrata (Humility) and Pyare (Love).

Sikh philosophy

The philosophy of Sikhism is covered in great detail in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy text. Detailed guidance is given to followers on how to conduct their lives so that peace and salvation can be obtained. The holy text outlines the positive actions that one must take to make progress in the evolution of the person. One must remember the Creator at all times – it reminds the follower that the "soul is on loan from God, who is ever merciful", and that the follower must dedicate their life to all good causes - to help make this life more worthwhile.

VALUES

• Belief in One God : God is One. All religions are leading to same point.One should always remember God.
• Equality : All humans are equal in front of God. No discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste, race, gender, creed, origin, color, status, wealth etc. The principles of universal equality and brotherhood are important pillars of Sikhism.
• Belief in the Gurus : Sikhs should have full belief in the ten Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib ji. They must follow the path directed by the Gurus. They must have full belief in all the messages conveyed by all the Gurus.
• Love For All : In sikh prayer the well being of all humanity is addressed. "Nanak Naam ChardiKala, Tere Bhane Sarbat da Bhala". This means that "O God! Through Satguru Nanak , may your name be exalted and may all humanity prosper according to your will.
• Food and Shelter for All : Central to the Sikh faith is humble and voluntary Service for all in need - not only the poor.
• Justice for All : A Sikhs spiritual beliefs must constantly be tested and proven in the world of action. A Sikh cannot witness injustice and turn away. They are "Saint-Soldiers" in every decade.
• Living a Family Life : It is good to live a family life and remember God everytime. No need to go to jungles and do worship. One can worship parallely living a family life.
• Personal Life : Their are certain duties attached to one's life. Simple living is essential. A Sikh is expected to rise early, meditate and pray.Do work honestly. Enjoy family life. Should always support the needy.
• Accepts God's Will : In happy or sad moments, Sikh should think that this is by the will of God and must accept it happily.
• Believe in four fruits of life : Truth, contentment, contemplation and Naam (should always remember God).

Technique and method

1. Naam: Meditate upon God’s name (Waheguru in the Sikh religion) through verba the mind is stilled and cleansed in order to become one with God. The technique taught by the Guru Granth Sahib is "Urd Uhrd". This means to inhale with the "Wahe" syllable and exhale on the "Guru" syllable.
2. Kirat Karni: - Earning an honest living while remembering the Lord.
3. Vand Chakna: - Share with others who are deserving, as during langar

Other observations

1. One God: - There is only one God who has infinite qualities and names. God is Creator and Sustainer - all that you see around you is His creation. He is everywhere, in everything. He is without birth or death, and has existed before Creation and will exist forever. Sikhism does not acknowledge an anthropomorphic God. This is true to the extent than one can interpret Him as the Universe Itself. Sikhism also does not acknowledge the belief of a Personal God, as does Christianity. Instead, God is usually interpreted as being unfathomable, yet not unknowable.
2. Reincarnation, karma and salvation: – Every creature has a soul. Upon death, the soul is passed from one body to another until liberation^{[citation needed]}. The journey of the soul is governed by the deeds and actions that we perform during our lives.
3. Remember God: Love God. Only by keeping the Creator in your mind at all times will you make progress in your spiritual evolution.
4. Humanity (brotherhood): All human beings are equal. We are sons and daughters of Waheguru, the Almighty.
5. Uphold moral values: Defend, protect and fight for the rights of all creatures, in particular your fellow human beings.
6. Personal sacrifice: Be prepared to give your life for all supreme principles. See the life of Guru Teg Bahadur.
7. Many paths lead to God: – Sikhs are not special; they are not the chosen people of God. Simply calling yourself a Sikh does not bring you salvation. Members of all religions have the same right to liberty as Sikhs.
8. Positive attitude toward life: "Chardi Kala" – Always have a positive, optimistic and buoyant view of life. God is there – He will be your help.
9. Disciplined life: Upon baptism, a Sikh must wear the 5Ks and perform strict recital of the five prayers Banis.^{[citation needed]}
10. No special worship days: Sikhs do not believe that any particular day is holier than any other.
11. Conquer the five thieves: It is every Sikh's duty to defeat these five thieves: Pride (a’Hankar), Anger (Kr’odh), Greed (Lob’H), Attachment (Mo’H), and Lust (K’haam). Known collectively as P.A.G.A.L.
12. Attack with Five Weapons: Contentment (Santokh), Charity (Dan), Kindness (Daya ), Positive Energy (Chardi Kala), Humility (Nimarta).
13. Having premarital sexual or extramarital relations: Sikhs are encouraged to be faithful to their spouse. All forms of adultery are discouraged.^[7]
14. Not son of God: The Gurus were not, in the Christian sense, “Sons of God”^{[dubious – discuss]}. Sikhism says we are all God's children.
15. All are welcome: Members of all religions can visit Sikh temples (“Gurdwaras”), while observing local rules: cover head, no shoes, no smoking in the main hall.
16. Multi-level approach: Sikhism recognizes the concept of a multi-level approach to achieving your target as a disciple of the faith. For example, "Sahajdhari" (slow adopters) are Sikhs who have not donned the full 5Ks but are still Sikhs regardless.