Sikhism

Sikhism

*Monotheistic religion founded by Guru Nanak(1469-1539 CE/AD) a little over 500 years ago. *Sikhism is a blend of Islam (one god) and Hinduism (karma and reincarnation). *Sikhism is the youngest monotheistic religion in the world. *Guru Nanak was raised Hindu but created Sikhism during the conflicts between Hindus and Muslims in 1500 CE. *5th largest religion with about 30 million followers.

Sikh

follower of Sikhism (Also means student or learner)

Waheguru

name of Sikh God (Sikhs are monotheistic)

Punjab

northwestern region of India where Sikhism started

Guru Granth Sahib

holy book of Sikhs

gurudwara

Sikh temple (house of worship)

guru

teacher . There were 10 human Sikh gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib(the Sikh holy book) is considered the 11th or final guru

Singh

means lion (name given to boys at birth)

Kaur

means princess and lioness (name given to girls at birth)

Simran

to remember God in everything they do

Sewa

(pronounced sevva)- service to others (jobs should help people and NOT....hurt people)

patka

head covering for Sikh boys; turban- head covering for Sikh men. Worn to remind Sikhs that all men are royal and equal. Kings and rulers once wore turbans.

Langar

tradition of serving free meals to anyone - regardless of religion - at the gurdwara (Sikh temple)

mukti

goal of Sikhs. Sikhs reach liberation(freedom) from this world and reincarnation ends. Sikhs are now one with Waheguru(God). Sikhs believe a person can achieve mukti in one life by focusing on good karma (positive thoughts and actions) and getting rid of bad karma (negative thoughts and action)

Golden Temple

The temple is located in the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome. It is one of the most sacred (holy) pilgrim spots for Sikhs. The temple was founded by Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikh faith. Sikh's visit the temple to show their respect and worship for the Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Book). The water surrounding the Golden Temple is called the Amrit Saras Kund (pool of immortality) and is believed to have miraculous healing powers.

Five Thieves

lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego (\*What Sikhs avoid). The five qualities of ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust are known as the Five Thieves that rob(steal) a person of their ability to realize their oneness with God and creation. Sikhs work to counteract the temptations of these qualities through the Sikh values of service, equality, and seeking justice for all.

Similarities

Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs ALL believe in ......*karma and *reincarnation

Differences

Hindus believe in MANY... gods while Buddhists DO NOT...believe in god, and Sikhs believe in ONE....god

Denominations

1\.Khalsa, 2. Namdhari and 3.Nirankari (They have different positions on the nature of gurus)