1. Chapter 11
Sikhism

3. Sikhism Quotes
“There is neither Hindu nor Mussulman [Muslim], so whose path shall I follow? I shall follow God’s path. God is neither Hindu nor Mussulman.” Guru Nanak
“Same are the temple and the mosque, and same are the forms of worship therein. All human beings are one though apparently many, realize, therefore, the essential unity of mankind.” Guru Gobind Singh, Dasam Granth

4. Sikhism Learning Objectives
Know, classify, identify, comprehend, and express all the concepts/terms, the thought patterns, the teachings, beliefs, practices, and divisions of Sikhism, its Scriptures origin, historical development, its geographic center, and
Be able to articulate, express, explain, analyze, and discuss all the above
Be able to identify, comprehend, and express the components/ elements of syncretism from other religions incorporated into Sikhism
Comprehend and explain the political and religious context and causal influences that helped shape this religion

5. Sikhism’s Key Terms Sikh Sikhism Nam Kabir Guru Nanak
Guru Arjan Dev Guru Gobind Singh
Adi Granth/ Guru Granth Sahib
Amrit Amritsar Golden Temple Punjab
Pranth Sangat Gurdwara Takht
Langar The Five K’s
Khalsa Singhs Udasis

6. Sikhism Introduction (1)
Origin: Historical
Geographical
Political
Cultural, Religious Contexts
An attempted synthesize of Hinduism and Islam
Some scholars: developed in the context of a religious conversation between devotional Hinduism and Islamic mysticism
Sikh devotions are very simple

7. Sikhism Introduction (2)
M. Fisher textbook: their Sikh “path is not another sectarian religion but a statement of universal truth within, and transcending all religions.” p. 440
Hopfe Woodward textbook: Sikhs believe their faith to be a new and independent religion based on insights of first teacher, Nanak.” p. 164

11. The Silk Road

12. A Pre-Founder Reformer
Strong presence of Islam in province of Punjab
Teachers arose who believed that the two religions should not be antagonistic
The reformer Kabir ( C.E.) is best remembered for attempting to bring Hinduism and Islam together

13. Sikhism’ Founder & Life
Guru Nanak ( C.E.)
A vision at the age of 30 …chosen as the Prophet of the True Religion
His followers became known as a Sikh, a “disciple”

14. The Teachings of Nanak (1)
Nanak, like Kabir, endeavored to synthesize elements of Islam & Hinduism
Although Hindus see God at work in many ways & in various disguises, still God is basically one.
The View and Belief of God: Nam

15. The Teachings of Nanak (2)
Fisher textbook: three central teachings: 1) work hard in society to earn one’s own, 2) sharing from one’s earnings with those who are needy, and 3) remembering God at all times
Hindu elements incorporated: Reincarnation, Karma, moksha
Difference: see next slide
Rejected the teaching of ahimsa
Guru Nanak’s followers called Sikhs (disciples)
Nanak maintained a stance on pacifism

16. Sikhism Reincarnation Belief in Focus
People will live again & again until they are freed from this cycle by Nam
“By the karma of past actions, the robe of this physical body is obtained. By His [the True Name=God] Grace, the Gate of Liberation is found.” Japji Sahib

17. Historical Development (1): The First Two Sikh Gurus
Nanak was followed by a series of 9 teachers or gurus-that last one died in 1708 C.E.
Upon death of Nanak, the leadership was taken up by Angad (who ruled till 1552)
For Sikhs, “guru” means leader more so than “teacher”
Angad is remembered for devising a new script and began to compile the Sikh scriptures (not Adi Granth yet)

18. Historical Development (2): 5th Guru
5th Guru, Arjan Dev (
Arjan remembered for compiling the Adi Granth, the sacred Sikh Scriptures
Known for building the Golden Temple, Amritsar
Militant aspect of Sikhism begins under Arjan’s leadership

19. Adi Granth sacred scriptures
Contains 3,364 hymns composed mostly by Nanak; the others came from Kabir and other gurus (its about 3 times the size of the Rig Veda
They are contained at the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar in Punjab, India
Golden Temple at Amritsar

20. Historical Development (3): Transition from Pacifism to a Militant Form
Militant aspect begun by Arjan Dev, 5th Guru
Militant form of Sikhism developed, confirmed, and sealed by the 10th Guru Gobind Singh
Contexts to this development:
Experiential, Political, Historical, Religious
Establishes the Singhs, the corps of warriors, and
Establishes the Khalsa, the order for strict discipline

21. Historical Development (4): from Guru Gobind Singh to Guru Granth Sahib
Gobind Singh(1675—1708 ) 10th Guru
Transfers Guru-ship over to the Adi Granth near his death
Adi Granth becomes the Guru Granth Sahib

22. The Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib)

23. Divisions of Sikhism The Udasis-ascetic order of holy men (sect)
The Sahajdharis-conservative, slow-moving
The Singhs-corps of warriors
The Khalsa-strict Order of Sikhs

24. A Sikh Singh Guard Guarding Queen Elizabeth

25. Practices Overview (1): Sikh Religious Life
Daily devotion to God-early morning
Daily bath
Worship/devotion at Guadwara or temple weekly including offerings, singing, chanting, prayer
worship of the Adi Granth

26. Temple Focal Point of Worship: The Takht
An object of special attention to Sikhs worldwide is the throne (Takht) Golden Temple, Amritsar and in Gurdwara’s around world

27. Practices Overview (2): Sikh Religious and Social Life
Religious life is simple, no elaborate ceremonies (influence from its early founders)
But baptism for the new initiates, and
A communal meal called Langar for all
Ceremonies and rituals are simple, including for marriage and death
A few daily rituals: bath, reading of hymns, prayers in morning and at night

28. Sikhism Practices (3): Social Dimension: Religious Life together
People from all castes are welcome
Men and women are equal, and worship together
Langar--the communal meal
Sangat--a Sikh congregation
Pranth—the Sikh community

29. Sikhism Practices (4): Sikh Holy Days
Holi and Divali with their Hindu neighbors
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan (June)
Birthdays of Nanak (November) and Guru Arjan (Dec./Jan.)

30. Sikhism Today
Punjab: center of Sikhism, and Golden Temple, Amritsar, its administrative ctr.
Sikh Separatists: independent Sikh state
1947: 2 mill. Sikhs migrate to east side of Pakistan partition line in very harsh conditions
1984: Indian P.M. Indira Gandhi attacked the Golden Temple
Several million Sikhs migrated to U.S., Canada, England, Kenya, UAE, & Italy, but most Sikhs still live in Punjab and India
Western attraction of Sikhism Controversies: turban, kirpan, journeys of Guru Nanak (fictitious?)

31. Key Terms Review (1) Sikh – “disciple” in Punjabi language
Sikhism – a blend of certain elements of Hinduism and Islam
Nam – The holy name of God
Kabir – pre-Sikhism Hindu reformer
Guru Nanak – founder of Sikhism
Guru Arjan Dev – 5th Guru who compiled Granth and built the Temple
Guru Gobind Singh –10th Guru
Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib) – Sikh’s Sacred Scriptures

32. Key Terms Review (2) Gurdwara – a Sikh temple
Amritsar – loc of Sikh Golden Temple
Takht – the throne in Gurdwara
Langar – community meal for all
Sangat– a Sikh congregation
Udasis – “holy men” ascetic order
Sahajdharis – conservative, slow-going (sect)
Singhs – a Corps of warriors (1 of 3 sects)
Khalsa – Order of Sikhs-strict code

33. Sikhism Review Founder’s Name: Guru Nanak
Founder’s Century: 16th cent. C.E.
Founder’s Place: Punjab province, India
Founder (& pre-founder reformer) tried to blend, synthesize Hinduism & Islam; another word for this: syncretism
Nanak taught: The True Name (God), basically monotheistic, and also reincarnation and karma, and he was a pacifist (non-violence)

34. Sikhism Review Key Concepts/Beliefs from both:
Monotheism, reincarnation, karma, pacifism, blend/synthesis/syncretism
5th Guru Arjan Dev compiled Sikhism’s sacred Scriptures Adi Granth and built the Golden Temple
The Center: Golden Temple, Amritsar
Ceremonies: baptism for initiates and communal meal for all
Militant aspect brought in by Arjan Dev, then solidified by Gobind Singh (10th Guru)

35. Sikhism Review Daily rituals: reading of hymns and prayers
Festivals: Holi & Divali, Birthdays of Nanak & Arjan & Martydom of Arjan
The Divisions of Sikhism:
The Udasis-order of holy men (sect)
The Sahajdharis-conservative, slow-moving
The Singhs-corps of warriors

36. Discussion In-Depth
Identify and discuss the components of syncretism of Sikhism.
What elements from any other religions can you possibly find that influenced Sikhism?
How did Sikhism which started as a pacific movement shift to becoming a religion with a strong militaristic arm?
Do you think Gobind’s experience tainted the direction he led the people of this religion during his leadership?

37. Discussion continued:
Do you think the military aspect might lead some to find this religion scary, repulsive, or spiritually counter-productive?
Do you find the simplicity may be attractive to some?

38. In Larger West Asian and Near Eastern Context