Formation of Sikhism ► Guru Nanak  First Guru of Sikhism  Followed a mystical realization and drew his own disciples for Sikhism in 1499.

What is a Sikh? ► Sikh means “Disciple” ► The Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) states that a Sikh is any human being who faithfully believes in: 1)One Immortal Being 2)Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh 3)The Guru Granth Sahib. 4)The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus. 5)The baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion.

What is a Guru? ► Guru means “Spiritual Enlightener” ► Being called a Sikh Guru only applies to the ten Gurus who founded the religion. ► After the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh; Guru refered to the Sikh Holy Scriptures (Guru Granth Sahib). ► “Granth” implies a “Scripture containing divine knowledge” ► “Sahib” is a mark of respect meaning “The Master” or “The Lord”

The 10 Sikh Guru ► 1 st - Guru Nanak ( ) ► 2 nd - Guru Angad ( ) ► 3 rd - Guru Amar Das ( ) ► 4 th - Guru Ram Das ( ) ► 5 th - Guru Arjan ( ) ► 6 th - Guru Hargobind ( ) ► 7 th - Guru Har Rai ( ) ► 8 th - Guru Harkrishan ( ) ► 9 th - Guru Tegh Bahadur ( ) ► 10 th - Guru Gobind Singh ( )

Sri Guru Granth Sahib ► Sri Guru Granth Sahib:  Holy Sikh Scripture.  Head of the Sikh Religion.  It is the living Guru of the Sikhs, but is not worshipped as an idol.  Considered the Supreme Spiritual Authority.  The scripture contains works of it’s own religious founders, as well as writings from people of other faiths.  Contains moral and ethical rules for soul development, spiritual salvation and unity with God.

God in Sikhism One Universal Creator God. The Name is Truth. Creative Being Personified. No Fear. No Hatred. Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru-s Grace. Chant And Meditate: True In The Primal Beginning. True Throughout The Ages. True Here And Now. O Nanak, Forever And Ever True. Mool-Mantar

Gurdwara ► Gurdwaras:  Are Sikh temples.  Means “Gateway to the Guru”  Are open to anybody, including believers of other religions.  Contain Langar – Free community kitchens.

Daily Life ► A routine was composed by Guru Rams Das, the fourth master Guru: 1)Sikhs wake up every morning before dawn and bathe. 2)Morning prayer begins with meditation in the name of God, followed by the rest of the Japji Sahib. 3)Sikhs then work to earn a living, but keep away from dishonesty and unfairness. 4)Sikhs recall God’s name at every opportunity during the day. 5)Sikhs offer prayer again in the evening and before bed.

The Khalsa and The 5 K’s ► Khalsa means “The Pure” ► It is the community of the faithful. ► Initiated through baptismal ceremony called Amrit. ► Male or female must be at least 16 years of age.  Men are called “Singh” (Lion)  Women are called “Kaur” (Princess) ► Khalsa members must:  Wear the 5 K’s as their symbols of faith.  Follow the Khalsa Code of Conduct.

(1)Kesh ► Kesh means hair. ► Sikhs are required to grow their hair. ► Every Sikh with beard and hair is religiously required to wear turban. ► Turban is an important and mandatory part of dress for men.  It is meant to keep the natural born appearance intact.

(2) Kangha ► A Kangha is a comb. ► It symbolizes cleanliness. ► A Khalsa is expected to wash and comb their hair for self-discipline.

(3) The Kara ► The Kara is a steel bracelet. ► Symbolizes the restraint of actions and remembrance of God.

(4) Kachha ► A warrior’s shorts. ► Signifies chastity and self-control.

(5) Kirpan ► A sword for self- defense. ► It is a symbol of dignity, power and unconquerable spirit.

Sikh Beliefs and Philosophy 1) There is only one God 2) God cannot take human form. 3) The goal of human life is to break the cycle of births and deaths and merge with God. 4) Achieve salvation by overcoming The Five Cardinal Vices:  Kam (Lust)  Krodh (Anger)  Lobh (Greed)  Moh (Worldly Attachment)  Ahankar (Ego)

Sikh Beliefs and Philosophy Cont. 5) A Normal Family life (Grasth) is encouraged 6) The Sikh Holy Book (Guru Granth Sahib) is not a symbol, but respected as the perpetual Guru. 7) Sikhism rejects all distinctions of caste, creed, race or sex. 8) The Gurus stressed the full equality of women.

Clearing out Misconceptions 1) The Sikh religion is a blend of Islam and Hinduism or a sect of Hinduism. ► Sikhism does not derive from any other religion and it is not a blend of any religions either. ► The teachings of the Gurus came from God. ► Sikhs can uniquely be identified with their 5 articles of faith, the 5 K’s. ► Sikhs spiritually reject the concepts of the caste system, rituals, and other main components of Hinduism. 2) Sikhism supports the patriarchal model. ► The tenets of Sikhism apply to all Sikhs, regardless of any sex. ► Sikhism demands the equal treatment and involvement of men and women.

Clearing out Misconceptions 3) Sikhs are Indian. ► Sikhism is a religion. Indian is a nationality. ► Sikhs born in the United States, Canada, UK or any other place adopt the nationality of that country. Sikhism as a religion spans any such geo-political boundaries. 4) Sikhs are Hindu. ► Sikhism is a unique faith and does not derive from Hinduism. ► Sikhism challenges and rejects many precepts of the Hindu religion. ► It is only due to a shared geographic culture that some ideas or methods may be similar.

Clearing out Misconceptions 5) Anyone with a turban and beard is Muslim and from the Middle East. ► Not all turban-wearers are Sikhs, but all Sikhs must cover their heads at all times (mostly done with a turban.) ► Sikhs must not cut their hair, but non-Sikhs may have long hair, unshaved legs, or beards out of personal choice. ► The turban is worn in many countries as a cultural dress; but to Sikhs, the turban is a powerful symbol of Sikh faith.

Clearing out Misconceptions 6) Sikhs are terrorists. ► Sikhs are against terrorism. ► Sikhs do not discriminate against others for anything. ► Sikhs strongly condemn killing innocent people. ► Sikhs fight against oppression and defend the innocent ► Sikhism preaches to resort to violence only when any other resolution has failed.

Sources ► Brar, Sandeep Singh. Sikhs, n.d. Web. Octo ► Sikh Religion. Michigan: Print.