By Kavan O’Boyle, Katie Smith and Emma Ellson Sikhism By Kavan O’Boyle, Katie Smith and Emma Ellson

Background Information There are 20 million Sikhs in the world, most live in Punjab, which is a province of India. The 2001 census recorded 336,000 Sikhs in the UK. Sikhism was founded in the 16th century, and was founded by Guru Nanak and the nine others who followed him. (Katie will explain more) The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara. The Sikh book of worship is the Guru Granth Sahib, a book that Sikh’s consider as a guru.

Sikh Beliefs Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out rituals. To lead a good life the Sikhs believe you have to: Keep God in your heart and mind at all times, Live honestly and work hard, Treat everyone equally, Be generous, Serve others.

The Sikh Gurus Sikhism has a very specific definition of the word Guru. It means the descent of divine guidance to mankind provided through ten Enlightened Masters. Guru applies only to the ten Gurus who founded the religion starting with Guru Nanak in 1469 and ending with Guru Gobind Singh in 1708. The divine spirit was passed from one Guru to the next as "The light of a lamp which lights another does not abate. Similarly a spiritual leader and his disciple become equal, Nanak says the truth."

The 10 Gurus The First Master: Guru Nanak (1469 to 1539) The Second Master: Guru Angad (1504 to 1552) The Third Master: Guru Amar Das (1479 to 1574) The Fourth Master: Guru Ram Das (1531 to 1581) The Fifth Master: Guru Arjan (1563 to 1606) The Sixth Master: Guru Hargobind (1595 to 1644) The Seventh Master: Guru Har Rai (1630 to 1661) The Eight Master: Guru Harkrishan (1656 to 1664) The Ninth Master: Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621 to 1675) The Tenth Master: Guru Gobind Singh (1666 to 1708)

Guru Nanak (1469-1539) First Guru of the Sikhs. Founder of Sikhism. Preached the equality of all humans. Guru Nanak said that all people are the children of one God. Guru Nanak spoke against tyranny, social injustice, religious hypocrisy, empty rituals and superstitions. Traveled extensively throughout India and foreign lands to spread his message. There are 947 hymns from Guru Nanak Dev included in Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book). Born in Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib. Guru Nanak (1469-1539)

Transformed the Sikhs by introducing martial arts and weapons for the defense of the masses. Guru Hargobind put on two swords - one signifying miri (secular power) and other piri (spiritual power). Built the Akal Takht in 1608 at Amritsar in Punjab. He was imprisoned in the fort of Gwaliar for one year. When he was released he insisted that his 52 fellow prisoners, who were Rajput kings, should also be set free. To mark this occasion the Sikhs celebrate Diwali (bandi chod divas). Fought four battles with the Mughal rulers which were forcing people to become Muslims. Guru Hargobind (1595-1644)

Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh baptized the Sikhs and created the Khalsa (the "Pure"). The Khalsa consists of Sikhs who have been baptized and dedicate themselves to living by the high standards of the Sikh Gurus at all times. Instructed the Sikhs to keep the five K's. Compiled the 1428 page Dasam Granth Sahib. Author of several banis (hymns) which Sikhs recite daily: Jaap Sahib and Chaupai. Wrote his autobiography, the Bichitra Natak. Instructed Sikh males to use the last name of Singh (lion) and Sikh females to use the last name Kaur (princess). All four of Guru Gobind Singh's sons were martyred by the Mughals. He instructed the Sikhs to follow Granth Sahib as the Guru after him.

Guru Granth Sahib Sikh’s Holy book In the Gurdwara, it has it’s own room and is put to bed every night. Covered with expensive cloth under a canopy. Never turn your back on it, or put it on the floor. The reader is called a Granthi. A chauri (fan) is waved over it when being read.

Activity In groups, role-play how you would respect the Guru Granth Sahib in the Gurdwara. You will need: Someone to make a canopy. A Granthi (reader). Someone to make the Chauri (fan) Someone to wave the Chauri. Remember to: Keep it on a raised platform and cover it with cloth. Never turn your back to it or put it on the floor. Put it in its own room when you are finished with it. Show it the proper respect.

References Barrow, M. Information on Sikhism. Woodlands Junior School Kent [online]. Available from: resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/homework/religion/Sikhism.html [accessed 12/10/2015] BBC (2009) Religions, Sikhism: Sikhism at a glance. BBC Religion [online]. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ataglance/glance.shtml [accessed 12/10/2015]. BBC. Sikhism: Revelation, Treatment of the Guru Granth Sahib. GCSE Bitesize [online]. Available from: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/god/sikhrevelationrev3.shtml [accessed 12/10/2015] Sikhism Guide (2007) Sikh Gurus. Sikhism Guide [online]. Available from: http://www.sikhismguide.org/gurus.aspx [accessed 12/10/2015] Sikhs.org (2011) The Sikh Gurus. Sikhs.org [online]. Available from: http://www.sikhs.org/10gurus.htm [accessed 12/10/2015]