Sikhism
History/Founder/important persons/saints: Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded the Sikh religion in the fifteenth century as an intended reconciliation of the higher truths of the Hindu and Islamic religions. Guru Nanak was a revolutionary in his time, teaching that women and men were equals, that caste was irrelevant, and that there are many paths to God.
A
Portrait of Guru Nanak
Sikh Gurus: Nine more Gurus followed Nanak- the last was Guru Gobind Singh, who declared living Gurus no longer neccessary, and appointed the Khalsa initiatory order and the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture) as his successors.
Current leader/governing body: There are no central governing bodies in the Sikh religion.
Number of Adherents: There are about twenty three million Sikhs worldwide, with the majority in India's Punjab region.
Clergy: Sikhs have no clergy, believing an established clergy to invite corruption. A clergy also establishes rank, which is in direct opposition to the democratic Sikh theology of the equality of all. Sikhs do not recognize castes or other impositions of social structure.
Churches/Temples: A Sikh temple is called a Gurdwara, meaning "House of the Guru, " or "Door to the Guru." All Gurdwaras contain a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, and are open to people of all faiths. The Harmiandir Sahib (Golden Temple) is an important religious center, but is not considered more holyt than any other Gurdwara. An important feature of the Sikh Temple is the Langar, a communal vegetarian meal open to people of all faiths.
A Gurdwara
The Khalsa Order: A special initiatory ba[tismal rite is required to join the Khalsa, or "Brotherhood of Saints," although one does not have to be Khalsa to be Sikh. The Khalsa ("Pure Ones") order was founded by Guru Gobind Singh, their purpose to uphold Sikh values. Men and women who become initiates of the order are expected to adhere to a strict code of moral and ethical conduct, as they are the ambassadors of the faith. This code includes the observance of the five khalsas:
- Kesa, or uncut hair, as a reminder to do no harm to the body. Male Sikhs usually wear their hair in a turban, as do many women.
- Kacha
(kaccha) ,
a special undergarment, as a symbol of marital chastity.
Carrying: - The
Kanga, a wooden comb, symbolizing cleanliness.
The Kara, a circular steel bracelet, signifying devotion to eternal truth, Sikh unity, and a committment to abstain from wrongdoing.
The Kirpan, or ceremonial dagger, symbolizing the vow of a Khalsa to protect the weak and helpless.
Initiated male Khalsas adopt the last name "Singh," meaning "Lion;" women take the name "Kaur," meaning "Princess." The Khalsas' historic mission was to fight oppression and injustice.
A Khalsa Sikh
Scripture: The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the primary scripture of the Sikh religion; it consists of the Adi Granth- the writings of Guru Nanak, which constitute the first Sikh scripture, and later additions, including selections from the Koran and other scripture compiled by Guru Arjan and others. Other writings of the ten Gurus and of many non Sikhs are also believed to be spiritually valuable.
Holidays and observances: Sikh observe many traditional Hindu holidays, such as Diwali. Feast days known as Gurpurbshonor the martyrdom or birthdates of the gurus and the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib. Baisakhi (or Vaisakhi) commemorates the founding of the Khalsa order. On the day following the Indian festival of Holi, Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla, commemorating Sikh battles for justice with mock fighting, religious teachings, and community meals.
Basic teachings and Beliefs of Sikhism: Sikh beliefs are an interesting expansion on Hindu and Muslim ideas. Like Hindus, Sikhs believe in Dharma, (the law of Karma) reincarnation, and Samsara (the Hindu cycle of life and death). Like Muslims, they believe in a single deity, and eschew idolatry, and avoid flashy dress and immodesty. Sikhs are universalists, meaning they believe salvation and truth is not unique to the Sikh faith.
Code of Conduct: The Sikh religion prohibits idolatry, the observance of a caste system, and the use of alcohol or tobacco. Sikhs also avoid meat that is not humanely slaughtered, and some prefer a vegetarian diet. Kosher and Halal meats are forbidden because they are believed to be inhumanely slaughtered.
Misconceptions: Unfortunately, due to the events of September, 2001, many Sikhs have been misidentified as Muslim extremists because their dress is similar to to that affected by Osama bin Laden. Many have been harassed, assaulted, or even killed. Sikhism is not an Islamic sect, and Sikhs believe in the equality of all human beings, regardless of gender, religion, race, or social status.
Discrimination issues: Sikhs have had many difficulties due tomisunderstanding of the khalsa requirements; these include forcible head shaving of Sikh prisoners, the banning of Kirpans in many public places (The Right to carry the kirpan has been upheld by the US and Canadian Supreme Courts), and recently, requirements that Sikh truck drivers wear protective gear that conflicts with their ability to wear turbans.
Symbols of Sikhism: The universal Sikh symbol is a glyph (called a Khanda) composed of a central, straight edged sword, symbozing truth surrounded by two curved swords representing temporal power and authority. Other important emblems include the Kirpan (a ceremonial knife worn by initiates), and the Onkar, a symbol of the unity of God. Click the images below to learn more about these symbols:
Related Links:
- Sikh Resources
- Biography: Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji
- Guru Nanak Image Gallery
- Sikh Glossary
- Kalpana Chawla
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