The Afterlife

Sikhism emphasises life after death, where the soul is immortal but the physical body is not.
The concept of reincarnation is central, noting that the soul passes through different life forms based on the law of Karma.
Karma refers to the moral law of cause and effect. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while bad actions lead to negative consequences.
Salvation in Sikhism, also known as Mukti, is achieved when one breaks free from the cycle of birth and death. To do this, one must live a righteous life and meditate on the name of God (Naam Japna).
Sikhs do not believe in heaven or hell as a place of eternal pleasure or torment. Instead, they are seen as states of consciousness in this life.
The ultimate spiritual goal in Sikhism is to achieve a state of total bliss, known as Sach Khand. This is described as being in God’s presence and experiencing an eternal peace.
Guru Granth Sahib, the central text of Sikhism, teaches that human life is a unique opportunity to reunite with God. It emphasises the importance of living a good life, as the soul’s destiny is in our own hands.
Sikhs believe that all souls are on a journey towards God. The pace and path of this journey are determined by one’s actions.
Sikh funeral rites reflect these beliefs. The body is treated with respect, but there is no fear of death as it is seen as a natural part of life’s cycle.
Grieving is accepted in Sikhism, but excessive mourning is discouraged as it is thought to desist the soul’s journey towards God.