Sikhism: An Introduction Photo copyright
THE BASICS n Sikhism: A religion from what is today northern India n Distinct from Hinduism and Islam n Has its own holy scripture, written by the founder and succeeding Gurus n Approximately 533 years old n There are about 500,000 Sikhs in the U.S., and an equal number in Canada n 22 million Sikhs worldwide n World’s fifth largest religion (World Almanac)
Historical Origins of Sikhism 22 million Sikhs worldwide 20 million Sikhs in India INDIA CHINA INDIA AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN IRAN © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
India & Pakistan Punjab in India & Pakistan, the birthplace of Sikhism People in Punjab, including Hindus and Muslims, speak Punjabi 16 million Sikhs presently living in Punjab, India © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Nanak Nanak born in 1469 near Lahore, Punjab © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Guru Nanak Established beliefs of the Sikh faith Guru means teacher Sikh means disciple or student © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Some Sikh Beliefs and Practices n One God (monotheistic). n Equality between men and women. n Universal brotherhood – rejection of Caste. n Encourages service (sewa), worldliness. n No major dietary restrictions. n Alcohol and tobacco are forbidden. n No rituals, superstitions. n Defense of anyone weak or oppressed. n Location of the most sacred temple?
Golden Temple Golden Temple, Amritsar, India aka Harmandir Sahib (1588) Holy Site founded by 5 th Guru
Adi Granth 1430 pages Gurmukhi Sikh Gurus © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Sixth Guru 1606 Akal Takhat Saint-Soldier © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Guru Gobind Singh Tenth Guru 1699—Khalsa Initiation: Amrit Articles of Faith: 5 “K”s Singh/Kaur © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Five Articles of Faith Mandatory for initiated Sikhs (called Khalsa) and encouraged for others. 1. Kesh - Uncut Hair 2. Kachha - Under-shorts 3. Kara - Bracelet, made of steel 4. Kanga - Comb, made of wood 5. Kirpan - Sacred Sword -- defensive Kara Kirpan Kanga Sikh Articles of Faith
Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Holy Scripture: Guru Granth Sahib © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Guru Granth Sahib (2) Guru Granth Sahib revered as living Master Focus & fulcrum of worship, religious activities & interpretations © 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Sikh Immigrants to U.S. Early Sikh Immigrants: Farmers in Canada, California Most Sikhs came to the U.S. after 1965; many are skilled professionals
Today: Sikhs Americans are proud and loyal citizens
Sikhs in the United States & New Jersey n Sikh Americans join American society without giving up religious beliefs and values n Sikh house of worship called “Gurdwara” n Several Gurdwaras in New Jersey (Glenrock, Bridgewater, two in Carteret, East Windsor, Lawrenceville, Deptford, Burlington Township) n 10,000 Sikhs in New Jersey n Visitors Welcome (covered head, shoes removed)
Aftermath of 9/11 Sikhs strongly condemn terrorism Murder of innocents goes against the fundamental principles of the Sikh faith, as it does in all faiths. Sikh Americans support the effort to bring the terrorists responsible to justice. Unfortunately, many Sikhs have been harassed and attacked because of their appearance – confused with Taliban.
The Sikh Turban n Most Sikh men and some Sikh women wear turbans. n Sikhs children may simply cover their heads (patka) n Sikhs wear turbans as a sign of humility (below God), but also as a way of expressing commitment to the community. n It is not a political statement.
Turbans n Terrorists don’t wear turbans! They try not to draw attention to themselves. Ordinary Muslims in the U.S. also do not wear turbans. n In contrast, Sikhs are proud of their identity and unique appearance. n 99% of people wearing turbans in the U.S. are Sikhs. n Please don’t judge by appearances.
Resources on the Internet Sikh Sabha of New Jersey (publications)
Thanks! Thanks!
Acknowledgments This presentation takes elements of other presentations on Sikhism. Thanks to Jasbir Singh (of Maboli), Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force, and Sutinder Singh Dhanjal, and Amardeep Singh. This version of the presentation prepared by Savraj Singh