sikhism 2

Sikhism

A religion with 25-30 million disciples, primarily based in India.

Guru Nanak

The founder of Sikhism, who emphasized harmony between Hinduism and Islam.

Khalsa

An order of committed Sikhs created by Guru Gobind Singh.

Kesh

Uncut hair, symbolizing holiness and strength in Sikhism.

Kara

A steel bracelet representing restraint and a connection to the Guru.

Kanga

A wooden comb used in Sikhism to maintain cleanliness and care for the body, also symbolizing order and discipline.

Kirpan

A ceremonial sword symbolizing the obligation to protect the weak and promote justice.

Kacch

Cotton shorts symbolizing chastity and self-control.

Guru Gobind Singh

The tenth Sikh Guru who formalized the Khalsa, established a code of ethics (Rahit), and terminated the line of human Gurus, designating the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.

Islamophobia

Prejudice against Muslims, which has historically affected Sikhs due to their appearance.

Balbir Singh Sodhi

The first victim of post-9/11 religious hate crime in the U.S.

Golden Temple

The holiest gurdwara of Sikhism (also known as Darbar Sahib or Harimandir), built by Guru Arjan with a Muslim saint laying the cornerstone, and features four doors symbolizing universality.

Adi Granth

The primary scripture of Sikhism, compiled by Guru Arjan, and revered as the living Guru (Guru Granth Sahib).

Sangat

The community of Sikh followers, a central concept in Sikhism.

Gurdwara

A Sikh place of worship and gathering, literally meaning 'door of the Guru'.

Langar

The community kitchen in gurdwaras serving free meals to all visitors, embodying Sikh values of equality and service.

Rahit

TThe code of conduct for Khalsa Sikhs, including prohibitions against cutting hair, eating improperly slaughtered meat, adultery, and tobacco.

Guru Ram Das

The fourth Guru who established the city of Amritsar and instituted the requirement that sacred hymns must be sung (Kirtan).

Terrorism

Violent acts intended to instill fear, which have historically impacted Sikh and Hindu communities.

Mystical experience

Guru Nanak's realization that distinctions between Hinduism and Islam are superficial, informing sikh theology.

Mughal dynasty

Historical empire in India (16th to 19th century) that posed conflicts for Sikhs, leading to a shift towards militancy.

Akal Takhat

The highest seat of authority for the Sikh community, representing temporal power and administrative offices, literally meaning 'throne of the timeless one'.

Cultural integration

Sikhism reflects a blend of Hindu and Muslim cultural themes.

Community service

An essential value in Sikhism, emphasized through practices like Langar.

Sikh identity

Defined as separate from Hindus and Muslims, especially emphasized by Guru Arjan and Guru Gobind Singh.

Guru Hargobind

The sixth Guru who emphasized martial skills (Miri) alongside spiritual leadership (Piri), and built the Akal Takhat.

Five Ks

The five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs must wear: Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kirpan (ceremonial sword), and Kacch (cotton shorts).

Monotheism

Belief in one God, foundational to Sikh beliefs as illustrated by Ik Onkar.

Ravi Bhalla

The first Sikh mayor in New Jersey, representing Sikh political achievement.

Sikh demographics

Approximately 90% of Sikhs live in India, with the rest spread globally.

Diverse cultures

Sikhism showcases an interaction of various cultural influences (like a blend of Hindu and Muslim?)

Sandeep Dhaliwal

The first Sikh deputy in the Harris County Sheriff's Office to die in the line of duty as a result of a hate crime in 2019, exemplifying visible Sikh service and identity in law enforcement.

Hindu and Muslim themes

Cultural elements blended within Sikh beliefs and practices.

February 2017 incident

A hate crime against Hindus in Kansas, reflecting broader issues of discrimination.

Victim of hate crime

Individuals targeted due to their religion or ethnic appearance, often affecting Sikhs (who are mistaken for other groups).

Racial/religious backlash

Violent responses directed at specific communities following significant events like 9/11.

Guru Granth Sahib

The revered holy scripture of Sikhism, considered the living Guru and embodying the teachings of the historical Gurus after Guru Gobind Singh.

Amritsar (City)

The holiest city in the Sikh faith, established by Guru Ram Das and home to the Golden Temple; a significant pilgrimage site.

Lahore

The city near which Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born, located in present-day Pakistan, and a historically cosmopolitan center.

Bhakti Movement

A devotional movement in Hinduism that emphasized direct, intense, and immediate experience of God, influencing Guru Nanak's theology of personal relationship with God.

Sants

North Indian saints who lived during Guru Nanak's time and were generally 'in touch with the truth', often propounding a Nirgun (formless) understanding of God.

Sagun

The Hindu concept of God as endowed with qualities and form, often with a celestial body or specific attributes.

No Avatars/Incarnations?

A fundamental Sikh belief that God does not take on human or other physical forms (incarnations), aligning with the Muslim view of God's absolute transcendence.

Nirgun

The concept of God in Sikhism and certain Sant traditions, meaning God is beyond all qualities, characteristics, and forms; God is formless and transcendent.

Satnam

A name for God in Sikhism, meaning 'True Name', emphasizing God's eternal veracity.

Nirankar

A name/attribute for God in Sikhism, meaning 'Formless', highlighting God's transcendent nature beyond physical manifestation.

Five Vices (Sikhism)

Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, and Pride; these are the negative traits that arise from Haumai (self-centeredness) and hinder spiritual progress.

Akbar the Great

The third Mughal emperor, known for his enlightened rule, religious tolerance, and promotion of interfaith dialogue, contrasting with later Mughal policies toward non-Muslims.