SIKHISM

Sikhism

• 500 year old, monotheistic religion of Northwest India, followed by some 20 million

• Seeks to make religion a uniting force

Guru Nanak

• Founder

• There is no Muslim, there is no Hindu; all are equal human beings because they are the children of the same Father, God”

• “All people—male & female, Brahmin & Shudra, Hindu & Muslim—are united as broters and sisters in devotion to the one God”

Gurdwara

Place of worship

Guru Granth Sahib

Sacred text

Basic Beliefs

• 11 Gurus

  • Guru - teacher

  • Sikh - learner

• God can be found within one’s own being

• The path to God is through earning an honest living, sharing with the needy and contributing to society, and living a
  healthy & active family life

Guru

Teacher

Sikh

Leader

The Articles of Faith (5 Ks)

Kesh; Kachera; Kanga; Kara; Kirpan

Kesh

• Uncut hair

• Sikhs do not cut their hair/beards to remain in the image that God gave us

Kachera

Under-shorts/boxers to represent modesty and fidelity (virtuous character)

Kanga

• Comb made of wood

• To keep uncut hair clean & neat

Kara

• Bracelet made of steel (worn on the right hand)

• A reminder of noble actions

• A symbol of eternity

Kirpan

Ceremonial small, blunt knife symbolizing freedom, liberty, and justice