A Religion Presentation - Arthur Dickerson Sikhism A Religion Presentation - Arthur Dickerson

What is a Sikh? The word 'Sikh' means disciple in the Punjabi language. The Sikhs are disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus.

Philosophy and Beliefs There is only One God. The soul goes through cycles of birth and death before the soul reaches a human form. The goal of Sikh is to live an exemplary existence so they can one day merge with God. The path to achieving salvation requires earning an honest living, living a householder’s life and avoiding temptations of the world and sin.

Philosophy and Beliefs (Continued) Sikhism condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship, etc. Sikhs believe people of different races, religions or sex are all equal in the eyes of God.

The Sikh Gurus The word "Guru" is a sanskrit word meaning teacher, honored person, religious person or saint. The Sikh's definition is very specific meaning "the descent of divine guidance to mankind provided through ten Enlightened Masters" Masters"Only ten masters who founded the religion get the title of "Sikh Guru."

The Great Masters of Sikhism The First Master: The Second Master: The Third Master: The Fourth Master: The Fifth Master: The Sixth Master: The Seventh Master: The Eighth Master: The Ninth Master: The Tenth Master: Guru Nanak Guru Angad Guru Amar Das Guru Ram Das Guru Arjan Guru Hargobind Guru Har Rai Guru Harkrishan Guru Tegh Bahadur Guru Gobind Singh (1469 to 1539) (1504 to 1552) (1479 to 1574) (1534 to 1581) (1563 to 1606) (1595 to 1644) (1630 to 1661) (1656 to 1664) (1621 to 1675) (1666 to 1708)

Ceremonies and Festivals Nam Karan, Naming of a Child After the mother and child are able to travel, they visit the Gurdwara. There they recite joyful hymns to celebrate the child's birth. They then eat Karah Prashad (sacred pudding) and drink Amrit (sweet water). The granthi then randomly opens Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh spiritual book) to any page and reads the hymn. The child's name is chosen to start with the first letter of the first word of the hymn.

Ceremonies and Festivals Nam Karan, Naming of a Child Amrit Sanskar, Baptism This is the sacred ceremony for the initiation into the Khalsa brotherhood. Only taken by those mature enough to understand their responsibility. Generally adopts Sikh appearance and behavior before baptism. Amrit is then sprinkled on their eyes and hair. This is followed by an explanation of the Kalsa code of conduct and discipline.

Ceremonies and Festivals Nam Karan, Naming of a Child Amrit Sanskar, Baptism Funeral Ceremony In Sikhism death is a natural process and God's will. Public displays of emotion such as wailing or crying out loud are discouraged.

Ceremonies and Festivals Nam Karan, Naming of a Child Amrit Sanskar, Baptism Funeral Ceremony Akhand Path Non-stop cover to cover reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib which is undertaken to celebrate any joyous occasion or in times of hardship. Reading must be clear and correct so it can be understood by listeners.

Ceremonies and Festivals Nam Karan, Naming of a Child Amrit Sanskar, Baptism Funeral Ceremony Akhand Path Sangrand This is when the sun moves from one zodiac sign to the next. This is the start of a new month in the Indian calendar. The beginning of this month is announced by the reading of portions of Bara Maha

Works Cited "Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People." Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People. 1 Dec. 1994. Web. 08 May 2012. <http://www.sikhs.org/>

A Religion Presentation - Arthur Dickerson Sikhism A Religion Presentation - Arthur Dickerson Thank you!