Sikhism

What the resources cover

This page is about Sikhism, part of the Other World Faiths strand in Religion and theology. Most resources are mind maps. The mind map Sikh Beliefs works through the nature of God and the Mool Mantar, including Ik Onkar, the idea that there is only one God. The mind map The Gurdwara looks at the langar hall, where free meals are given, and at the welcome offered to visitors.

Other resources cover the 5 Ks, the Khalsa, the Guru Granth Sahib, worship and the festival days called Gurpurbs. A set of notes follows the story from Guru Nanak to modern Sikhism, Sikhism outside India, and attitudes to gender, caste and other faiths.

Where to start

1. Open the mind map Sikhism. Its branches cover background, symbols, dress, beliefs, sacred texts, festivals, food and places of worship, so it works as an overview.
2. Go to Sikh Beliefs for the ideas behind the faith.
3. Move on to The Gurdwara and RE-Khalsa for practice and community life.
4. Read the numbered notes in order if you want a fuller account, starting with Guru Nanak.

Using quizzes, maps and flashcards together

There are a few quizzes. Sikhism Quiz - Year 8 asks about the number of Sikhs, the main teachings, the Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh symbol. Try it after reading a map, and note the questions you missed. Then go back to the matching branch of the map.

Flashcards suit the vocabulary. Year 8 Sikhism Flashcards asks who the Gurus are and what the Khalsa is. Helpful things about Sikhism asks what each of the 5 Ks symbolizes. Say your answer aloud before you flip each card.

Levels and exams

Nearly all of the resources are made for school students. One set of flashcards is titled with GCSE Religious Studies in mind, and many others are labeled by school year. Teachers can pick a map or deck to share with a class.

Your next step

Choose one mind map, read it through once, then take the quiz. If a topic feels thin, build your own flashcards from it.