Sikhism Disciples of Ekankar

Compromise: Hinduism & Islam Founding of Sikhism Compromise: Hinduism & Islam Sixteenth century Influenced of Hindu Bhakti school and Islam Sufi resurgence Influenced by Poet Kabir (1440-1518) – father a Muslim and mother Hindu Preached equality of all people Against caste system

Founding of Sikhism Founder Nanak (1469-1538) Hindu father & Muslim mother Believed God transcends established religious distinctions Direct call at age 30 – established as a Guru Guru in Hinduism = spiritual teacher Guru in Sikhism = embodiment of God

Founding of Sikhism Founder There is no Muslim and there is no Hindu Traveled around in the Punjab region gathering disciples Occasional miracles Piety – devotion and inconoclasm Hindu practices: bathing Muslim practices: Visit Mecca

Founding of Sikhism Nanak’s Teachings Only one God May be called by different names Beyond being able to be categorized by either Muslims or Hindus Referred to God as “Sat Nam” = true name (no personal identity) Other names: Ekankar – “one lord” (most used today) Wahi Guru – “hail to the guru”

Founding of Sikhism Nanak’s Teachings God not a personal god as with Islam and Judaism Avoided Hindu’s pantheism identifying with all reality Retained reincarnation and karma

Founding of Sikhism Nanak’s Teachings Cycle of Samsara - Reincarnation Person undergoes rebirths in the world of maya until release Maya – refers to lesser painful reality of mundane existence, not illusion Devotion to God essential to escape from samsara Sometimes associated with Bhakti tradition Encouraged disciples have mystical experience

Founding of Sikhism Nanak’s Teachings Worship Seek mystical experience with God Chanting nam and various hymns At death - soul that is joined with God merges its light with the pure light of God Sikh salvation does not differ categorically from Atman-Brahman in Hindu Vedanta

Historical Development Founding of Sikhism Historical Development Gurus Succession based primarily on character and spirituality Developed future directions, Angad (1538-52) – collected hymns Amar Das (1552-74) – subdivisions, taxes, pilgrimages to sacred places (sacred wells) Ram Das (1574-81) Founded town of Amritsar (pool of nectar) Practice of communal meals when had Mogul emperor, Akbar, visited and Ram Das had him sit with common people to eat.

Historical Development Founding of Sikhism Historical Development Gurus Developed future directions Arjan (1581-1606) Martyrdom - Son of Akbar, Jahangir, considered Ram Das a blaspheming Islam had him boiled but released at last moment but died of wounds. Amristar completed Collected Adi Granth – “Holy Scriptures” - Collection of his hymns and those composed by his predecessors and joined them to other hymns and poetry such as Kabir Did not see the way of pacifism as maintainable so instructed his son to develop militaristic way

Historical Development Founding of Sikhism Historical Development Gurus Developed future directions Har Gobind (1606-45) Founded Sikh army Wearing two swords to symbolize political and spiritual authority Protected existence of community Har Rai (1645-61) Solidified it as a political community Har Kishan (1661-64)

Historical Development Founding of Sikhism Historical Development Gurus Developed future directions Tegh Bahad (1664-75) Martyred Resisted emperor Aurangzeb’s demand to convert to Islam but refused and was beheaded Gobind Rai (1675-1708) Known also as Gofind Singh Singhs = lions, Kaurs = princesses Established Khalas of fighting men – commitment resisting persecution Declared he was last Guru and Adi Granth be only guru Assassinated by Muslims

Founding of Sikhism Modern History Colonization by Britain had already begun at Gobind Singh’s death (1708) Sikhs were good soldiers hired by Britain Dressed conspicuously (five k’s): kesh - long hair under turban, kangha - steel comb in hair, kach – shorts; kara – steel bracelet, kirpan – sword or dagger Became known for military prowess

Founding of Sikhism Modern History Partitioning of India (Hindus) and Pakistan (Muslims) East Pakistan became Bangladesh Caught between Hindu and Muslim conflict which put part of Punjab province in each area Radical section of Sikhs Indira Gandhi ordered occupation of temple in Amritsar in 1982 Indira Gandhi’s Sikh body guard assassintanted

Founding of Sikhism Sikh Worship Revolves around worship of God as in Adi Granth, high moral standards, and solidarity with Sikh community Entering Sikh community “Baptism” – drinks holy water in name of guru Emphasis on devotion to God not ritual Regular temple services

Founding of Sikhism Sikh Worship Central Temple – Golden Temple Amritsar Four entrances – symbolizes all castes to worship in harmony Houses the original Adi Granth No required pilgrimage but many go to Golden Temple once in their lives Similar to Mosques – large open area with rostrum in front, copy of Adi Granth, and offering box (flowers decorate)

Founding of Sikhism Sikh Worship Worship Open for personal devotion Midweek services for men and women separate Say they do not worship a book but give divine honor to Adi Granth Adi Granth = Guru Granth or Granth Sahib (illustrious book) Disrespectful to turn back to book Chanting with men on right & women left

Founding of Sikhism Sikh Worship Worship Honored member of community stands behind book and waves horsetail over it Everyone receives a lump of sugar expressing communal solidarity Communal meal follows chanting service Women have more equal place in Sikh society