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Sikhism Views
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What is Sikhism
Sikhism founded on the teachings of Guru Nanak and nine successive Sikh Gurus in fifteenth century Punjab, is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world. This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally the counsel of the gurus) or the Sikh Dharma. Sikhism originated from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit root meaning "disciple" or "learner", or śikṣa meaning "instruction."
The principal belief of Sikhism is faith in Vāhigurū—represented using the sacred symbol of ēk ōaṅkār, the Universal God. Sikhism advocates the pursuit of salvation through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God. A key distinctive feature of Sikhism is a non-anthropomorphic concept of God, to the extent that one can interpret God as the Universe itself. The followers of Sikhism are ordained to follow the teachings of the ten Sikh gurus, or enlightened leaders, as well as the holy scripture entitled the Gurū Granth Sāhib, which, along with the writings of six of the ten Sikh Gurus, includes selected works of many devotees from diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds. ( Singh, Khushwant (2006). “The Illustrated History of the Sikhs”)
Adult Stem Cells
Followers of Sikhism support adult stem cells for reasons that many religions support it, preservation of life. Like many religions the Sikh people feel that life should be valued and that as long as it doesn’t harm any life forms it’s ethically acceptable. On 5/7/2008 a Sikh woman actually received a life saving bone marrow transplant (adult stem cells) from a German woman. She is still alive today and ever in debt to the technology that saved her life. ( Sikhnet.com (2007) “Sikh Woman Gets Bone Marrow From German Woman, Creating Lasting Bond.”)
Embryonic Stem Cells
“There are no injunctions in Sikhism against contraceptives. Abortion is a taboo as it is interference in the creative work of god. If conception has taken place it would be a sin to destroy life.” Dr. Gobindsingh Mansukhani. In Sikhism they believe that life begins at conception, so as Dr. Gobindsingh Mansukhani stated it would be a sin to destroy the life of the embryo in order for the creation of embryonic stem cells. (Morgan, Peggy (2007). “Ethical Issues in Six Religious Traditions”)
Cord Bloom Stem Cells
Like most religions Sikhism also believes the life is of great value and that anything that can enhance it or preserve it should be promoted. So because cord blood stem cells don’t destroy life according to Sikhism law, it should be promoted because it saves lives.