"Some of you reading this may have a clear picture of what Sikhi is, but some of you may not. It’s one of the world’s youngest religions, started in the fifteenth century. The founding principle is a belief in oneness—or Ik Oankar. It’s a belief that deep down we are all connected. In fact, it’s a belief that everything is connected: each of us human beings alongside the life forms and forces we share this planet with.
A common analogy used to understand the principle of oneness is to see yourself as a drop of water in the ocean. Individually, you are unique and separate, but together with all the other drops, we become an ocean. The goal isn’t simply to understand this connection but to live and experience it through love—love for the universe and all things in it, love for yourself, and love for others.
According to Sikhi, if others suffer, you suffer with them. When you help others, you’re helping yourself as well—because we are all connected. A belief in the oneness of humanity means ensuring everyone has justice and fairness in their lives. If we are all connected, then injustice against one of us is injustice against all of us. This is why Sikhs categorically reject inequality. The belief in oneness in Sikhi also promotes pluralism and respect for different beliefs, spiritualities, and religions. Sikhi doesn’t ever seek to convert. We can all be different, equal, and connected."
From "Love and Courage" by Jagmeet Singh