Environmental protection and peace: Five weeks for trees
The planting of a Peace Linden tree in Seeheim-Jugenheim in Germany, and the laying of stones with symbols of the represented religions inspire environmental protection and peace. Sarabjit Singh participated on behalf of the SikhiCouncil. Photo: Harmeet Singh.
Message from the SikhiCouncil
Sikhi, the Sikh religion, developed from the 15th century onward and has its roots in timeless wisdom revealed to over 30 Enlightened Ones. It inspires approximately 25 million Sikhs, students of spiritual wisdom, worldwide, with around 35,000 Sikhs residing in the German-speaking region. Sikhi perceives all living beings as part of one spiritual family and places great emphasis on naturalness and a deep connection with nature.
At the core of Sikhi is spiritual wisdom (Gurmat), which fosters unity while preserving pluralism. The wisdom of Gurmat, preserved in writing (Gurbani), encourages self-reflection and guides us to live in harmony with ourselves, fellow humans, animals, and nature. Metaphorically, the soul is described as the Earth, where the seeds of virtue flourish when continuously nourished with spiritual wisdom (Nam), and where the weeds, symbolizing desires and traits that are destructive, are constantly removed.
Sikhi’s distinctive and nature-oriented way of life is also reflected in the appearance of Sikhs. They keep their hair uncut as a symbol of naturalness, humility, and respect for the Divine Will and its creation. Traditionally, male Sikhs are recognized by their turban (Dastar) and unshorn beard, while women often cover their heads with a cloth, altough some also wear turbans Young Sikh boys use a cloth (Rumal or Patka) to cover their hair, which is tied into a topknot in the center of the head. The head covering signifies a virtuous, dignified, and humble way of life and is freshly tied each day. Diligence, joy, and resilience have contributed to the establishment of significant Sikh communities particularly in the UK, Canada, USA, and Australia, despite experiences of discrimination. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Sikhs have primarily settled since the 1980s.
Rechts das Symbol der Gemeinschaft der Reinen Khalsa mit den Schwertern der Weisheit, die das Schlechte in uns und in der Gesellschaft ausmerzen. Foto: Harmeet Singh
Die Veranstaltung fußt auf einer Kooperation zwischen dem Abrahamischen Forum in Deutschland, dem Arbeitskreis Religionen und Naturschutz (Religion für biologische Vielfalt), der Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald (SDW) und der Gemeinde Seeheim-Jugenheim. Sie wird gefördert durch das Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BfN).
