1. Sikhism

2. Sikh History The name of the religion means learner Its founder was Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji At Sultanpur, he received a vision to preach the way to enlightenment and God

3. Sikh History Guru Nanak and his followers built the first Sikh temple at Katarpur A succession of 9 Gurus (believed to be reincarnations of Guru Nanak) led the Sikh movement

4. Sikh Holy Texts The 10 th Guru, Gobind Singh compiled the Siri Guru Granth Sahib It consists of hymns and writings by the first 10 Gurus, along with texts from Hindu and Muslim saints The Shri Guru Granth is considered the 11 th Guru and the Sikh’s holiest religious text

5. Sikh Beliefs Goal: The goal of the Sikhs is to build a close, loving relationship with God Deity: Sikhs believe in a single, formless God, with many names who can be known through meditation

6. Sikh Beliefs Reincarnation: They believe in samsara (cycle of birth, life and death), karma (accumulated good and bad deeds) and reincarnation (rebirth following death) Caste system: rejected the Hindu caste system. Believe everyone has equal status in the eyes of God.

7. Sikh Beliefs Definition of a Sikh “Any human being who faithfully believes in I. One Immortal Being II. Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh III. The Guru Granth Sahib IV. The utternace and teachings of the ten gurues V. The baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion is a Sikh”

8. Sikh Practices Prayers: repeated multiple times each day Worship: prohibited from worshipping idols, images and icons Temples: over 200 Gurdwaras (temples) in India alone. Most sacred is at Armistar.

9. Sikh Practices The Five K’s: clothing practices followed by strict Sikhs, called Khalsa saints 1.Kesa (long hair, which is never cut) 2.Kangah (comb) 3.Kacha (short pants) 4.Kara (metal bracelet) 5.Kirpan (a ceremonial dagger)