Sikhism

Sikh History

• The name of the religion means learner

• Its founder was Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

• At Sultanpur, he received a vision to preach the way to enlightenment and God

Sikh History

• Guru Nanak and his followers built the first Sikh temple at Katarpur

• A succession of 9 Gurus (believed to be reincarnations of Guru Nanak) led the Sikh movement

Sikh Holy Texts

• The 10th Guru, Gobind Singh compiled the Siri Guru Granth Sahib

• It consists of hymns and writings by the first 10 Gurus, along with texts from Hindu and Muslim saints

• The Shri Guru Granth is considered the 11th Guru and the Sikh’s holiest religious text

Sikh Beliefs

• Goal: The goal of the Sikhs is to build a close, loving relationship with God

• Deity: Sikhs believe in a single, formless God, with many names who can be known through meditation

Sikh Beliefs

• Reincarnation: They believe in samsara (cycle of birth, life and death), karma (accumulated good and bad deeds) and reincarnation (rebirth following death)

• Caste system: rejected the Hindu caste system. Believe everyone has equal status in the eyes of God.

Sikh Beliefs• Definition of a Sikh

“Any human being who faithfully believes inI. One Immortal BeingII. Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind SinghIII. The Guru Granth SahibIV. The utternace and teachings of the ten guruesV. The baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and who does not owe allegiance to any other religionis a Sikh”

Sikh Practices

• Prayers: repeated multiple times each day

• Worship: prohibited from worshipping idols, images and icons

• Temples: over 200 Gurdwaras (temples) in India alone. Most sacred is at Armistar.

Sikh Practices

• The Five K’s: clothing practices followed by strict Sikhs, called Khalsa saints

1. Kesa (long hair, which is never cut)2. Kangah (comb)3. Kacha (short pants)4. Kara (metal bracelet)5. Kirpan (a ceremonial dagger)