Sikhism 2

Sikhism 2

1. Sewa - selfless service

   • -Serving in the langar -Helping to maintain the building -Preparing for services -Voluntary work
   • Tan - physical, such as service to the community Man –mental, for example studying scripture, teaching others Dhan –material –generally service to humanity, by donating money to charity, giving time.
   • How it might affect a Sikhs life - The benefit of earning good karma. That service to others gives a good feeling. Sewa demonstrates the intention to serve in a gurmukh (god centred) manner. It reinforces equality. There may negative aspects –too little time, not enough money to perform sewa adequately.

2. Nam sanskar - the naming ceremony

   • Takes place at Gurdwara
   • How would the name be chosen? The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is opened at random -The first letter of the first word on the page will be the start of the baby’s name -The name will be announced at the end of the service
     • Explain why an initiation ceremony for a new baby is important for a Sikh? It is a public acknowledgement of a new member of the faith. The ceremony highlights the continuity of the family and the strengthening of the marriage of the parents. It is an opportunity for sewa. It shows respect for the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the name is chosen through its intervention. It marks the beginning of the religious journey for the new baby
   • Child is presented before the Guru Granth Sahib
     • Gifts to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji –a romalla or the ingredients for karah parshad may be given.
       • Singh is added to the chosen name for a boy and Kaur for a girl. -A prayer of thanksgiving may be said and amrit is given to he baby, often by dipping the khanda into the liquid and dripping it on to the baby’s tongue. -An Akhand Path may take place to mark the celebrations
     • The family may also donate food for the langar.
       • The Ardas prayer is said and blessings for the child are requested by the granthi.

3. What is Ik Onkar? Opening words of the Mool Mantar

   • What does it mean? There is only one god