Religion

    August 8th, 2026

    We have had the privilege of going to a Sikh temple today. The marble floors and the gold features were beautiful. There was, what felt like, hundreds of people going in and out of the temple while we were there. It was crazy but there was a feeling is respectfulness and a serene energy. I learned that when we walk through a doorway we touch the ground then wash that energy over our body. From my understanding this is to wash away the bad energy and bad intentions before going into the temple. This first temple we went to was incredibly chaotic and I was unsure what was going on the whole time. All I knew is that I needed to stay with the group and stay safe. We as a group always have eyes on us and although I completely understand why, due to the color of our skin, and is something that I am starting to get more used to, it is still an interesting feeling to be watched. However despite the chaos I still felt more spiritual than I have ever felt in a church.

    In a church due to my past experiences I just feel uncomfortable, but in the temple I was able to appreciate it more. I also feel that equality is a big part of the Sikh religion. We are all equal in the Sikh temple which is why everyone has to go through the same steps to enter the temple, we all wash our feet in the same water before entering, and everyone is welcome no matter your socioeconomic standing or no matter the time of day it is. Christianity does not practice equality the same way from my experience; despite it preaching that we are all equal under the eyes of god. In the Christian religion I have experienced a lot more hierarchy with only priests or holy people being able to sit in certain areas and speak at certain times. To enter a church you often want to be wearing your “Sunday Best” and want to put up your best front for people to give the illusion of perfection. The Christian religion feels like they are trying to change you while it feels like the Sikh religion was happy to welcome you in as you are. However I do want to recognize that I am just starting to learn about the Sikh religion and the Sikh religion may not be as equal as it seems, however that is not what I felt. I may have to do more research and try to get better understanding but, this temple was an amazing experience.