Sikhism

Sikhism

Background
1. Youngest of the major world religions
  1. Only 500 years old
  2. Founded by Guru Nanak (b.1460)
    1. Commanded by God to bring people back to true worship & honest living.
    2. Family were Hindu with many Gods but he was monotheist so started Sikhism, preaching honesty, equality and hard work over materialism.
  3. Last Guru (Gobind Sing) died in 1708
    1. Initiated the Khalsa (pure disciples) and instigated names of Singh (male - lion) and Kaur (fem - princess)
      1. Used after forenames to indicate equality of all people
2. Origins in the Punjab region (NW India) - Lahore (Pakistan)
3. Sikh - in Punjabi means 'disciple'
Symbols
1. Flag - Nishan Sahib
2. Sikh Insignia = Khanda
  1. Sword = Only One (God), Chakkar (circle) = Timeless Absolute and symbol of restraint. Flanked by 2 Kirpans (authority)
Dress
1. 5 Articles of Faith (5 K's)
  1. Kesh
    1. Uncut hair: a symbol spirituality and acceptance of God's will
  2. Kangha
    1. Hair comb: cleanliness and care
  3. Kachehra
    1. Shorts: self discipline and morals
  4. Kara
    1. Bracelet: bond with Guru, reminder of ideal behaviour in moment of weakness or temptation
  5. Kirpan
    1. Sword: symbol of self-defence, protection of weak &respect, justice & peace
2. Males: Patka (turban), Churidar Pyjamas (tight trousers) and a Kurta (loose shirt)
3. Fem: Salwar-Kameez (tunic and trousers) & cover head with Dupatta / Chunni (scarf)
Beliefs
1. One God (monotheistic)
2. 10 Gurus
  1. Guru "takes from darkness to light" (Sanskrit) - a messenger
3. The necessity and significance of Baptism - Amrit Initiation
4. Equality & brotherhood of mankind (no caste systems) & women have equal status and rights
5. Refrain from: Cutting hair, Intoxicants, Adultry, Theft, Eating Kutha Meat & Gambling.
Diversity
1. Baptised Sikh = Khalsa
Sacred Texts
1. The Holy Guru Granth Sahib
  1. Must be present for all ceremonies
  2. Sikhs must bow before it, bathe before reading and never turn backs to it.
  3. Personified - the 11th Guru - treated with upmost respect
  4. Kept on Manji Sahib - Guru's seat
2. The Scriptures
3. Teachings of the 10 Gurus
Festivals
1. Baisakhi
  1. Must visit the Gurdwara on this day and whole Guru Granth Sahib read
  2. Procession in Derby around 14th April
  3. 'The founding of the Khalsa'
  4. Folk dances: Gidda and Bhangra
2. Bandi Chhorh Diwas / Diwali
  1. The release of Guru Hargobind from Muslims
3. Gurpurb festivals - Guru birthdays
Food
1. Kara Prasad
  1. Holy sweet food made from semolina, butter and sugar
2. Langar - "shared food"
  1. Vegetarian meal served following worship
3. Traditional Rotti (bread) with Sabzi (curry), Daal and Dahi (yogurt)
4. Forbidden to eat Kutha (Halal meat) and no alcohol or tobacco
Places of Worship
1. "Gurdwara" (Guru's door)
  1. Anyone welcome
  2. Langer = free kitchen
  3. Remove shoes, wash hands & feet, cover heads
Services / Prayer
1. Universal daily prayer
2. A 'Granthi' priest reads the Granth Sahib
  1. Holds 'Chor' (respect)
3. Sit cross-legged, bow knees touching forehead to floor
4. "Ik Onkar" = God is One (symbol)
5. Naming, marriage and death all have special ceremonies
6. "Sat Sri Akal" = God is Truth - greeting

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