"Ek onkar satnam. There is but one God," the Pennsylvania Senate commenced its session with a prayer led by Nirmal Singh from Fairview Township on a Tuesday in 2008, marking a historic moment as he became the first Sikh to fulfil this traditional duty.
Last year, a watchdog group expressed concerns regarding the Senate's prayer tradition, stating that the prayers often exhibited language associated exclusively with Christianity, such as concluding with "in Jesus' name."
According to Americans United for Separation of Church and State, prayers offered in public settings must be nonsectarian to align with constitutional guidelines. Senate officials have stated their compliance with the law by ensuring that prayers encompass a diverse range of faiths, rather than actively monitoring the content of individual prayers.
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Sikhism is indeed a monotheistic religion that originated in India during the 15th century. It was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and developed further under the guidance of successive Sikh Gurus. The central beliefs of Sikhism revolve around the concept of one supreme, formless, and timeless God, often referred to as "Ik Onkar," which translates to "One God."
The Sikh scripture is known as the Guru Granth Sahib, which is considered the living Guru and the holy book of Sikhs. It is a compilation of writings from the Sikh Gurus, as well as other saints and poets from various spiritual backgrounds. The Guru Granth Sahib contains hymns, prayers, and verses that provide guidance on leading a righteous life and attaining spiritual enlightenment.
One of the most well-known prayers in Sikhism is the "Mool Mantar," which is the opening verse of the Guru Granth Sahib. It encapsulates the core beliefs of Sikhism and is recited by Sikhs as a fundamental expression of their faith. The Mool Mantar begins with the phrase "Ik Onkar" and is followed by a series of affirmations about the nature of God and the Sikh faith.
Sikhs also recite other prayers and hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib in their daily worship and during special occasions. These prayers are meant to foster a connection with the divine and give guidance, strength, and protection.
Drew Crompton, who served as counsel to Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, a Republican from Jefferson County, stated that he hasn't received any further communication from Americans United since they exchanged letters towards the end of last year. However, a spokesperson for Americans United mentioned that they still believe the Senate's prayer policy has an issue.
Joe Conn, another spokesman, said, “We're glad that a handful of religious minorities.”
The prayer closed with ‘tere bhane sarbat ka bhala’ which translates as the well-being of one and all in this world be thy will.
*Based on an article by Mary Warner, published on 11th June 2008