Sikhism review

Basic info on Sikhism (size, roots)

• 5th largest religion in the world (approx. 30 million worldwide)

• originated in a region of India - Punjab

  • 1500s

• approx. 500,000 Sikhs in Canada (mostly in urban centers)

From what kind of setting did Sikhism emerge?

• 1450CE Punjab area of South Asia

• tension + conflict between Muslims and Hindus

• people focused more on greed + superstition than God

• Hindu caste system deep part of Indian culture

Who was the founder of Sikhism?

Guru Nanak Dev

Guru Nanak Dev background (upbringing?)

• born in 1469 in Lahore, India to a Hindu family

• strong interest in spirituality

What was Guru Nanak Dev concerned about?

• talked with both Hindus and Muslims

  • troubled by Hindu/Muslim conflict

• concerned with some practices of Hinduism (the Caste system)

• refused to take part in Hindu initiation ceremony

What was Guru Nanak Dev’s worldview?

• travelled for 12 years

• at the age of 30, had a vision:

  • “There is no Muslim, there is no Hindu”

• rejected the caste system, rituals, and worshipping of statues

• all are equal: women = men in every aspect

• encouraged the belief in devotion to one formless god

Who was the first Guru? Who was the last? How many were there?

• following Guru Nanak Dev, there were nine more prominent gurus

• Guru Gobind Singh was the last Guru in human form

  • he established a book of scriptures to be his successor - the Guru Granth Sahib

How did Sikhism progress in response to oppression from Muslims and Hindus?

• increased militarization

• introduction of langar (free community kitchen)

• building of the Golden Temple in Amritsar

• formal structure of society

What is the Guru Granth Sahib?

• central religious text in Sikhism

• regarded as the final guru, eternally living

• text is poetic, set to ancient form of Indian music

• main idea: living in a society based on justice + no oppression

What do Sikhs believe (worldview, principles)?

• believe in the Hindu concept of reincarnation

• no priests: leadership takes place with the everyday believer

• many paths to God: Sikhs do not consider themselves special and believe all religions have the same spiritual rights as they do

• seva: selfless service

Why do Sikhs wear a Turban?

• Turban: also known as a Dastaar

• was a sign of royalty in Middle East + South Asia

• by urging everyone to wear a turban, Sikhs assert the sovereignty and equality of all people

What are the three pillars of Sikhism?

• Naam Japna: chanting God’s name in a meditative manner (feel his divine presence in everything + everyone)

• Kirt Karna: honest earning (earn a righteous livelihood)

• Vand Chakna: sharing with others (selfless service)

What is the Khanda symbol? What do its parts symbolize?

• circle: suggests that God is eternal and ceaseless in creation

• middle sword: represents the oneness of God

• right sword: symbolizes spiritual

• left sword: symbolizes physical struggle for right and wrong

• two swords interconnect: show how physical/spiritual are connected

What is the Khalsa? When was it formed?

• a purified and reconstituted Sikh community established by Guru Gobind Singh

• formed in 1699

• means ‘pure’

• initiated by taking part in the Amrit ceremony

What are the 5 Ks?

• Kesh - uncut hair

• Kangha - comb

• Kara - steel bangle

• Kachera - shorts

• Kirpan - sword

Kesha

• uncut hair

• hair is a gift from God - part of creation

• symbol of holiness

Kangha

• comb

• physical and spiritual cleanliness

• keeps hair tidy

Kara

• steel bangle

• unbreakable bond with God + community

• reminder of ethical conduct

Kachera

• undergarment (specific style)

• symbol of purity and chastity

• readiness for battle

Kirpan

• sword

• protection of the weak

• struggle against injustice

• only used defensively

Naam Japna

• meditation on God’s name

• this pillar emphasizes the importance of remembering + meditating on God’s name, often through chanting and reciting the teachings of the Sikh Gurus

Kirat Karni

• earning an honest living

• using Sikhs’ skills and talents for the betterment of society

Vand chhakna

• sharing with others

• this pillar stresses the importance of sharing one’s resources + wealth with others, regardless of background

• contributing to society

What is Vaisakhi?

• a significant festival for Sikhs

• marking the Sikh New Year + the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699

• celebrates spring harvest + beginning of new year on Hindu solar calendar

What is the story behind Vaisakhi, and what was its significance?

• 1699: Guru Gobind Singh asked for volunteers who were willing to sacrifice for their faith

  • the five volunteers came from different classes and social backgrounds. Their unity and shared purposed symbolized the Sikh rejection of the cast system, promoting the idea that all are equal.

Who were the “Fived Beloved Ones” (Panj Piare”)

• the five Sikhs who stepped forth when Guru Gobind Sigh demanded for volunteers

• formed the first members of the Khasla: the purified Sikh community

What are three ways in which the Vaisakhi festival is celebrated?

• Visiting Gurdwaras: Sikhs visit their places of worship, which are specially decorated for the occasion

• Nagar Kirtans: Sikhs participate in processions through the streets called nagar kirtans.

  • hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are sung during these procession

• Food: Sikhs meet in large community gatherings where people share food in the spirit of equality and service

What is a gurdwara?

a Sikh place of worship

What are the main components of a guardwara?

• four entrance doors

• main prayer hall (Diwan Hall)

• community kitchen (Langar)

• presence of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture) treated as a living Guru

• Nishan Sahib: flag

What is the significance of the Four Doors?

• symbolize openness + acceptance, showing that all are equally embraced

• Door of Peace

• Door of Livelihood

• Door of Learning

• Door of Grace

What is the significance of a Nishan Sahib?

• a prominent flog that marks the location of a Gurdwara

• serves as a beacon, announcing the presence of a Sikh sanctuary or place of worship

What is the significance of a Langar?

• the community kitchen found in every Gurdwara

  • where meals are served to all visitors (regardless of religious background + social status)

• embodies the Sikh principles of equality and community

What practices do Sikhs engage in in the Gurdwara?

• Sikhs gather for prayer, meditation, and community

• key practices:

  • reciting Gurbani (scriptural hymns)

  • participating in Ardas (prayer)

  • engaging in Seva (selfless service)

  • maintaining respect for the guru Granth Sahib + the principles of Sikhism