Jainism and Sikhism

Aside from Hinduism and Buddhism, what traditions exist in India? Religions of India Aside from Hinduism and Buddhism, what traditions exist in India?

Jainism

Jainism Overview Jains are followers of the Jinas, “spiritual conquerors” Jinas are also known as tirthankaras, “ford builders”-teachers who build bridges across the river of samsara to spiritual freedom The tirthankaras help achieve release of the soul, jiva, from existence in this material world- known as karma Formed in the 6th century BCE

Beliefs Jains, like Buddhists, do not believe God or gods are supreme Jains recognize the “Five Supreme Beings” Jinas/Tirthankaras/Arhats- “Worthy Ones” Siddhas-The souls liberated from karma The spiritual teachers of the monks and nuns The scriptural teachers of the monks and nuns The monks and nuns

Practices Many Jains are ascetics, those who go to extreme lengths to deny themselves Jain ascetics take the Mahavratas, the Great Vows Ahimsa-Nonviolence Satya-Speaking the truth Brahmacharya-Abstaining from sex Asteya-Not taking anything that is given Aparigraha-Detachment from persons, places, and things Jain laypeople take the anuvratas, or lesser vows- less strict versions

Sikhism

Sikhism Overview Sikh means learner, a follower of the one God, Sat Guru (True Teacher), and a follower of the ten Gurus who reveal his teachings The religion was born out of a conflict between Hindus and Muslims in India “There is no Hindu or Muslim, so whose path shall I follow? I shall follow the path of God.”- Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak appointed a Guru to follow him

Beliefs God is the creator of all things, and all is dependent on God’s will (hukam) God does not become manifest in the world (unlike in Hinduism), so His will becomes known through the Gurus “God is One, whose name is truth, the immanent creator, without fear, without hostility, immortal in form, unborn, self- sustaining, known by the grace of the Guru.”

Life Cycle Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma, which to them is the moral law of cause and effect God gives Prasad, grace, to help them move through the five stages From manmukh, wrong-doer, to gurmukh, devoted to the Guru, to sachkand, beyond rebirth and utter bliss

Practices “The Five Ks” Sikhs wear turbans Kesh-Uncut hair, showing acceptance of God’s will Kangha-Carrying a comb, a symbol of controlled spirituality Kirpan-A steel dagger, showing determination to defend the truth Kara-A steel bangle worn on the wrist Katchera-An undergarment showing moral strength Sikhs wear turbans Community is very important to Sikhs-They cook and distribute vegetarian meals for free, spend time at temples, etc The Guru Granth Sahib is the Sikh holy book