Module 6: Sikhism Study Guide

Practice flashcards covering key terms, historical figures, texts, and contemporary events related to Sikhism based on the Module 6 study guide notes.

Nanak

The founder of the original Sikh community in Punjab during the 15th/16th c.

Kartarpur

The name of the first Sikh village founded by Nanak.

Guru Granth Sahib

Also known as the Adi Granth, it is the principal religious text influenced by both Islam and Hindu ideas, containing writings from Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims.

Ek Onkar

A concept in the Guru Granth Sahib meaning God is one.

Kartar

The Sikh term for creator.

Hukam

The divine command or will responsible for various aspects of existence; comprehending it achieves specific spiritual goals.

Karam

A core doctrine/belief within the Sikh worldview.

Sansar

A core doctrine/belief within the Sikh worldview.

Mukti

The Sikh concept of liberation.

Mūl Mantra

Known as "The Basic Statement," this text describes the nature of God and how God is known.

Haumai

The false sense of self, referred to as "the I-me," which one must overcome to harmonize with Kartar’s will.

Manmukhs

A term meaning "self-facing."

Gurmukhs

A term meaning "Guru-facing."

Four notions of Guru

The distinct but related concepts of God as guru, spiritual teacher as guru, the scripture as guru, and the Sikh community as guru.

Guru Gobind Singh

The Guru who lived from 1666-1708 and formed the Khalsa, transferring authority to scripture and the community.

Khalsa

The community or order formed by Guru Gobind Singh.

Panj pyare

The term for "The 5 Beloved Ones" associated with the formation of the Khalsa.

Khande di pahul

The "straight-sword initiation" ritual for the Khalsa.

5 Ks

The five religious symbols associated with the Khalsa.

Gurdwara

A Sikh place of worship, such as the one in Wisconsin that suffered a mass shooting attack in 2013.

Langar

The "communal kitchen" where meals are shared with an emphasis on a vegetarian diet.

Sangats

Congregations that gather for kirtan and katha.

Kirtan

The singing of God’s names and devotional hymns of praise.

Jagmeet Singh

The individual who in 2017 became the elected leader of one of Canada’s National Democratic Party (NDP).

Gurjeet Singh

A Sikh man threatened in the Quad cities in 2018 by an Uber passenger with a gun.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar

A prominent Sikh separatist leader assassinated in Canada in 2023.

Nikki Haley

The former South Caraolina Governor who became a Republican Presidential candidate in 2023.