Ch. 7 - Sikhism

sikhism traits

• only one god (monotheistic)

• pluralistic

• prohibits religious images

• promotes vegetarianism

• no hierarchy

• reincarnation

founder

nanak dev aka. guru nanak

nanak dev facts

• born in india in merchant caste

• on day had a revelation and started teaching religion

• a hindu living on modern-day pakistan

• shared religion ideas with friend, mardana (muslim)

• traveled around the world, learning about other religions

• preached against superstitions, rituals, casteism, penance, and renunciation

• criticized both muslims and hindus for not helping the poor and oppressed people

divine light

• divine light knows no boundaries

• divine light doesn’t belong to any particular sect or religion

sikh worship

• true name - naam - the fundamental divine reality

• all names that are applied to god are limited

• the divine is beyond all human conception 

• truth - “sat”

ultimate goal

union with waheguru through karma and reincarnation

beliefs

• sikh means “disciple” or “seeker of truth”

• devotion to one god (monotheistic)

• belief in reincarnation and karma → gods grace

• duality reality: body and spirit

• equality of all humanity

• dedication to 3 virtues

3 virtues

1. truth

2. justice

3. contentment