Sikhism

Sikhism BasicsFounder: Guru Nanak

Year: around 1500 CE

Origin Region: India (present day Pakistan)

God(s): one formless god

Sacred Writing(s): Guru Granth Sahib

Place of Worship: temples (gurdwara)

Sikh Temples

History of Sikhism• Guru Nanak was a Hindu of a high caste living in India

which at the time was ruled by Muslims• He was taught and admired by Hindu and Muslim

priests.• When he was around 30 years old, he disappeared

for three days and experienced enlightenment• Upon his return, he stated, “There is neither Hindu

or Muslim” but 1 god who is present everywhere (same god for all religions)

• Nine Gurus followed him who further expanded on and spread Sikhism

History of Sikhism

10 Gurus of Sikhism

History of Sikhism• Sikhism grew and spread in the Punjab region of

“India” (present day Pakistan and India)• When the partition occurred in 1947, Sikhs were

forced to leave their homes in Pakistan and move to the Punjab region in India (violent conflict with Muslims)

History of Sikhism• Many Sikhs were wanting a separate country and

some militant separatist groups developed• In 1984, the Indian army stormed the Golden

Temple (holiest temple for Sikhs) to remove militant separatists; over 500 Sikhs were killed (mostly civilians)

• In retaliation, two Sikh bodyguards assassinated Indira Gandhi (Prime Minister of India)

• In 1985, Sikh separatists are believed to have bombed Air India Flight 182 (flight from Canada to India) killing over 300 people of which 270 were Canadians

Main Teachings and Beliefs• Monotheist – belief in 1 god; formless god that can be known through meditation• Believe in equality of genders, religions, and races; reject the caste system• Believe in karma and reincarnation; goal to merge with god• Way to achieve salvation, is by living honestly, avoiding sins, and caring for others, as well as remembering god at all times• charity and service to others are extremely important

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Main Teachings and Beliefs• Sikhs must accept the teachings of the ten Gurus and no other religions • Do NOT believe in rituals (e.g. fasting, pilgrimage, worship of the dead, etc.)• Refrain from meat, tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs; no sexual relationships outside of marriage• No priests (equality)•Practice the Khalsa (5 K’s) and wear a turban, the crown of spirituality

5 K’s• Kesh – uncut hair and beard

• Kangha - a wooden comb to properly groom the hair as a symbol of cleanliness

• Kachera - specially made cotton trousers as a reminder of the commitment to purity

• Kara - a steel bracelet, worn on the wrist, signifying bondage to Truth and freedom from every other entanglement.

• Kirpan - the sword, with which the Khalsa is committed to righteously defend the fine line of the Truth

5 K’s

Sikh Celebrations• Gurpurab – Guru Nanak’s birthday; full moon of

November; colourful processions leading up to the day; non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib; & buildings/homes are decorated with lights

Sikh Celebrations• Baisakhi – celebrates the beginning of Khalsa; Sikh

New Year (around April 13th); continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib for 48 hours; harvest festival in Punjab; and sports, martial arts, poetry/essay writing on the festival theme

• Diwali – one of the 10 Gurus freed from jail during this Hindu celebration