Sikhism Key Terms and Concepts Quiz

What does the word Sikh mean?

Disciple

Who founded Sikhism?

Guru Nanak

What central claim followed Guru Nanak's river experience?

God's path transcends the Hindu-Muslim division

Which settlement became the first organized Sikh community?

Kartarpur

What is the Sikh house of worship called?

Gurdwara

What is the community kitchen connected with the gurdwara?

Langar

Which sacred text functions as the Guru for Sikhs?

Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Who compiled the Adi Granth in 1603-1604?

Guru Arjan

What is the ultimate purpose of life in Sikh teaching?

Mukti

What does haumai describe?

Self-centeredness

What is hukam?

The divine order

What is Akal Purakh?

The One Beyond Time, a Sikh name for God

What is the Khalsa?

The initiated community of Pure Ones

What is Amrit Sanchar?

The Khalsa initiation ceremony

What does the term Panth refer to?

The Sikh community as a whole

What is the role of a Guru?

Spiritual teacher; applies to historical Gurus, scripture, and God

What is Mukti?

Liberation from samsara into the presence of God

What is Langar?

The community kitchen and shared vegetarian meal

What does the term Gurdwara mean?

A Sikh house of worship

What is the significance of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib?

It is honored as the continuing Guru

Who are the Panj Piare?

The Beloved Five associated with the founding and initiation of the Khalsa

What does Haumai strengthen?

The five vices and binds people to samsara

What is the role of meditation on nam?

It orients the person toward mukti

What is the divine guidance in Sikhism?

Hukam, grace, Guru, and scripture reveal the path

What does nam mean in the Sikh path to liberation?

The divine Name

Who founded the Khalsa?

Guru Gobind Singh

In what year was the Khalsa founded?

1699

Which item is not one of the Five Ks?

Turban

What does the kara affirm?

Constant connectedness with God

Which Guru built the Hari Mandar, now called the Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple?

Guru Arjan

What major change followed the 1947 partition of Punjab?

Most western Punjab Sikhs migrated eastward

Which practice means remembrance of the Name?

Nam simaran

Which proverb summarizes worship, work, and charity?

Nam japo, kirat karo, vand chhako

What word names the Sikh community as a whole?

Panth

What is the name of the Khalsa initiation ceremony?

Amrit Sanchar

What sweet pudding concludes many gurdwara services and symbolizes unity?

Karah prasad

What word means spiritual liberation from samsara into the presence of God?

Mukti

What body of regulatory teachings states Khalsa ideals and conduct?

Rahit