Comprehensive Sikhism Key Terms and Concepts for Study

Sikh

Literally meaning "learner" (similar to "disciple"). In terms of the religion, a Sikh is someone who believes in one God, Sat Guru ("true teacher"), and who follows the Gurus who reveal GOd's teachings and truths.

Sat Guru

The Sikh term for God meaning "true teacher".

Adi Granth / Guru Granth Sahib

Meaning "the original volume", it is the Sikh sacred scripture and is held as the "final Guru".

The Khanda

The symbol of Sikhism, it is centered around a double-edged sword representing belief in a single God and the protection of the community from oppression. It is flanked on either side by another sword representing spiritual and temporal power

Amrit

A term which literally means "undying" and refers to the "nectar of immortality; it is holy sweetened water that is used in the initiation ceremony of one into the dedicated Sikh community (the Khalsa)

The Khalsa

The dedicated community of Sikhs, it was founded in 1699 and instituted by Guru Gobind Singh

Khesh

"Uncut hair", indicating acceptance of God's will

Khanga

"The comb", indicating controlled spirituality

Kirpan

The steel dagger, indicating the resolve to defend what is true

Kara

The steel bracelet worn on the wrist, showing unity with God and binding to the Guru

Kach

An undergarment worn to display moral strength

Hukam

"God's will" upon which all things are dependent

Nam Simaran

Meditation, "remembrance of the name," which is of utmost importance in Sikhism

Mul Mantra

A chant or recitation which forms a part of the Sikh prayer at the beginning of each day

Prasad

"God's grace" which assists a Sikh in progression through the five stages from being a manmukh (wrong doer_ to becoming a gurmukh (one devoted to a Guru and absorbed in God).

Manmakh

Literally, a "wrong doer" or "one who errs"

Gurmukh

one who is devoted to a Guru and absorbed in God / accepting of God's will

Kaam

lust

Krodh

anger

Lobh

greed

Moh

attatchment

Ahankara

Pride

Maya

the error that places a higher value on material things than on spiritual well-being

Sachkand

The final of the stages which refers to the "realm of truth" where there is union with God which is beyond words and beyond rebirth

Seva

Life within the Sikh community and community service

Gurdwara

The Sikh temple, which is the center of life within the Sikh community; it also houses the sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the focus of worship within the Sikh temple

Kirtan

the singing of sikh hymns

Langar (Guru-ka-Langar)

The preparation, cooking, and serving of a vegetarian meal for free without discrimination as a part of community service

Mala

Prayer beads worn and used in meditation, symbol of a holy man

Satnam

A word repeated in meditation, meaning "whose name is truth"

Vahiguru

Another word repeated in medidtation, meaning "wonderful teacher"

Akali Dal

The Sikh political party in India's parliamentary political system

Khalistan

An advocated independent Sikh state, "the land of the Khalsa"

Punjabi

The language spoken by SIkhs, originating in the Punjab region of northern India near Pakistan

Gurmukhi

The script used in INdia for writing in the Punjabi language