Sikhism

Sikhism

1. Background

   • Youngest of the major world religions
     • Only 500 years old
     • Founded by Guru Nanak (b.1460)
       • Commanded by God to bring people back to true worship & honest living.
       • Family were Hindu with many Gods but he was monotheist so started Sikhism, preaching honesty, equality and hard work over materialism.
     • Last Guru (Gobind Sing) died in 1708
       • Initiated the Khalsa (pure disciples) and instigated names of Singh (male - lion) and Kaur (fem - princess)
         • Used after forenames to indicate equality of all people
   • Origins in the Punjab region (NW India) - Lahore (Pakistan)
   • Sikh - in Punjabi means 'disciple'

2. Symbols

   • Flag - Nishan Sahib
   • Sikh Insignia = Khanda
     • Sword = Only One (God), Chakkar (circle) = Timeless Absolute and symbol of restraint. Flanked by 2 Kirpans (authority)

3. Dress

   • 5 Articles of Faith (5 K's)
     • Kesh
       • Uncut hair: a symbol spirituality and acceptance of God's will
     • Kangha
       • Hair comb: cleanliness and care
     • Kachehra
       • Shorts: self discipline and morals
     • Kara
       • Bracelet: bond with Guru, reminder of ideal behaviour in moment of weakness or temptation
     • Kirpan
       • Sword: symbol of self-defence, protection of weak &respect, justice & peace
   • Males: Patka (turban), Churidar Pyjamas (tight trousers) and a Kurta (loose shirt)
   • Fem: Salwar-Kameez (tunic and trousers) & cover head with Dupatta / Chunni (scarf)

4. Beliefs

   • One God (monotheistic)
   • 10 Gurus
     • Guru "takes from darkness to light" (Sanskrit) - a messenger
   • The necessity and significance of Baptism - Amrit Initiation
   • Equality & brotherhood of mankind (no caste systems) & women have equal status and rights
   • Refrain from: Cutting hair, Intoxicants, Adultry, Theft, Eating Kutha Meat & Gambling.

5. Diversity

   • Baptised Sikh = Khalsa

6. Sacred Texts

   • The Holy Guru Granth Sahib
     • Must be present for all ceremonies
     • Sikhs must bow before it, bathe before reading and never turn backs to it.
     • Personified - the 11th Guru - treated with upmost respect
     • Kept on Manji Sahib - Guru's seat
   • The Scriptures
   • Teachings of the 10 Gurus

7. Festivals

   • Baisakhi
     • Must visit the Gurdwara on this day and whole Guru Granth Sahib read
     • Procession in Derby around 14th April
     • 'The founding of the Khalsa'
     • Folk dances: Gidda and Bhangra
   • Bandi Chhorh Diwas / Diwali
     • The release of Guru Hargobind from Muslims
   • Gurpurb festivals - Guru birthdays

8. Food

   • Kara Prasad
     • Holy sweet food made from semolina, butter and sugar
   • Langar - "shared food"
     • Vegetarian meal served following worship
   • Traditional Rotti (bread) with Sabzi (curry), Daal and Dahi (yogurt)
   • Forbidden to eat Kutha (Halal meat) and no alcohol or tobacco

9. Places of Worship

   • "Gurdwara" (Guru's door)
     • Anyone welcome
     • Langer = free kitchen
     • Remove shoes, wash hands & feet, cover heads

10. Services / Prayer

    • Universal daily prayer
    • A 'Granthi' priest reads the Granth Sahib
      • Holds 'Chor' (respect)
    • Sit cross-legged, bow knees touching forehead to floor
    • "Ik Onkar" = God is One (symbol)
    • Naming, marriage and death all have special ceremonies
    • "Sat Sri Akal" = God is Truth - greeting

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