sikhism

who is Waheguru?

the Sikh name for God

key concepts for Sikhism

• everyone is equal in the eyes of God

• sharing and helping poeple is very important

• keep God in teh heart and mind at all times

who was Guru Nanak?

the founder of Sikhism

what was the role of Guru Gobind Singh?

he formed the Khalsa and established the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal living Guru. helped the sikh community to develop and strengthen despite challenges

how was the Khalsa formed?

the khalsa was formed after Guru Gobind Singh asked for 5 volunteers to give their head on Vaisakhi. He took the 5 who stepped froward into a tent, and when they emerged wearing saffron robes, he declared them the first 5 members of teh Khals (the Panj Piare)

why was the Khalsa created?

as a spiritual and militant order of Sikhs who would stand against discrimination and who would stand against tyranny and protect the innocent.

the what is the Khalsa today?

the collective body of initiated sikhs who have been initiated through the Amrit Sanskar ceremony

is joining tha Khalsa mandatory?

no, joining the Khalsa is a personal choice and commitment

what happens in the Amrit Sanskar ceremony?

it involves a sacred baptism with Amrit, stirred with a Khanda by the Panj Piare.

what expectations of Amritdhari Sikhs?

to live a life devoted to Sikhism follwing the teachers of the Guru, following the 5K’s.

adhere to a strict moral code, and worship one God

how does the ceremony symbolise equality?

• no distinctions in the Khalsa - everyone is equal (shared surname, links to Sikh teachings)

• allows Sikhs to leave behind their old prejudices and be born into a new life

how does the ceremony symbolise spiritual rebirth

• move from a self-centered life to one focused around God

• taking Amrit is a conscious commitment to God

• conquering ego to focus of God - important in Sikhism

why would sikhs choose not to go through the ceremony?

• not ready for discipline

• requires a strict moral code - disobeying would be seen as disrespectful to God

• requirements are difficult to commit to in a modern world

why may the ceremony go against sikh beliefs of idolatry?

• believe in inner devotion

• it is wrong to show your devotion in a big way - better to demonstrate through regular acts of faith

• living honestly is more important

why may family influence lead sikhs to choose not to do the ceremony?

• many sikhs grew up in non-amritdhari families

• still see themselves as Sikh, and see no need for the ceremony

• all sikhs are part of the community

parts of the gurdwara

what is the Takht?

the throne the GGS is placed on - shows respect

when walking around it, always looking at the GGS - shows how it is the centre of their lives

karah prashad

• everyone easts from the same bowl - equality

langar room

• free vergitarian food served in every Gurdwara as an act of sewa (helping others)

• anyone can eat it and everyone eats together - demonstrates equality