Sikhism: Key Concepts, History, and Practices

Guru Nanak

Founder of Sikhism.

Islam and Hinduism

Two religious contexts that influenced the rise of Sikhism.

Guru Nanak's early life

He was born Hindu, raised in a religious family, and had a visionary experience at age 30.

Number of Gurus in Sikhism

Ten.

Adi Granth

The Sikh holy book, compiled by the 3rd Guru.

Holy city of Sikhism

Amritsar (4th Guru).

Golden Temple

The most famous Sikh temple, built by the 5th Guru.

Khalsa

Established by the 10th Guru, Gobind Singh, in 1699.

Meaning of Khalsa

The pure or holy community of Sikhs dedicated to defending their faith.

Five K's of Sikhism

Kesh - Long hair; Kangha - Comb; Kirpan - Dagger or sword; Kachera - Shorts (military); Kara - Bracelet.

Sahaja Daris

Pacifist dissenters within Sikhism.

Operation Blue Star

A major event in 1984 involving Sikhs and the Indian government, ordered by Indira Gandhi against Sikh separatists in the Golden Temple.

Outcome of Operation Blue Star

Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, leading to anti-Sikh violence.

Belief about God in Sikhism

Monotheism.

View of the human soul in Sikhism

As a spark of the divine (a Hindu concept).

Human predicament in Sikhism

Being trapped in the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

Path of ultimate transformation in Sikhism

Devotion to one God.

Approach to other religions in Sikhism

With religious tolerance and pluralism — all religions have some truth, but none have all the truth.

Langar

A community meal shared by people from multiple faiths and backgrounds.