Hannah, Miranda, Amy & Shannon.

sikhism/4822.html

Founded by Guru Nanak in the 16 th century in the Punjab district of India. Sikh in Punjabi means ‘disciple’ or ‘learner’. 20 million Sikhs in the world. 5th largest religion in the world. In 2001, recorded 336,000 Sikhs in the UK.

Born: 1469 in India. Nanak came from a Hindu family. Conflicts between Muslims and Hindus at the time. ‘’There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim, so whose path should I follow? I shall follow the path of God.’’ G.Nanak.

The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship. It is known as the ‘Gateway to the Guru’.

The holy book is kept on a raised platform under a canopy in the place of worship and is called the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’. Sikhs take off their shoes in the presence of holy scripture and never turns their back to them as they consider the book a living Guru itself.

Sikhism stresses the importance of the internal religious state of the individual. Carrying out good deals rather than rituals Devotion, remembrance of god at all times, truthful living and equality of mankind. Don’t believe: lust, anger, greed, worldly attachment, pride, fasting, superstitions and worshipping the dead.

The Guru introduced these to identify members of the Khalsa and to show that all members are strongly linked together.

uncut hair = symbol of holiness and strength

steel bracelet = symbol of god having no beginning or end.

wooden comb = symbol of a clean mind and body.

special underwear = symbol of chastity

ceremonial sword = symbolises spirituality, the struggle against injustice, defence of good and defence of the weak.

Vaisakhi day –14th April celebrates the founding of the sikh community Guru Nanak’s Birthday – 15 th April Guru Gobhind Singh’s Birthday – December 22 nd