Unit 2: Religions that Originated in South Asia

Sikhism originated in the Punjab

region of India around the 16th century CE Sikh means “disciple” or one who

is devoted to a religion The founder was a man named

Nanak

Founding

Raised as a Hindu but lived in an area

dominated by Muslims Disappeared for 3 days – when he

reappeared he claimed he had been brought to the “court of God” He was told by God that there was no Hindu or

Muslim, but just one true religion This religion became Sikhism

Life of Nanak

Began preaching the essential unity of Islam and Hinduism Like Hinduism One supreme and formless God who is beyond human

comprehension Accepts the concept of reincarnation

Like Islam Accepts the concept of one God (called The True Name by

Sikhs) Rejects the caste system, the practice of worshipping

images/idols, and the authority of the Vedas Maybe an attempt to reconcile his Hindu religion with

what he sees as the nobleness of Islam

Life of Nanak

Life of Nanak

Nanak was the 1st of 10 gurus or “teachers” or “leaders” Gurus = ???

The 5th guru, Arjan Dev (1581 to 1606 CE) Begins the compilation of the most important Sikh sacred

scripter called the Adi Granth The 10th guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666 to 1708CE),

announces that he is the last guru Adds to the Adi Granth and the updated version is called

the Guru Granth Sahib (or Collection of Sacred Wisdom) Ever since has been revered by the Sikhs as their living Guru

Historical Development of Sikhism

Arjan Dev and Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh Extended his name “Singh” (meaning “lion” or

“lionhearted”) to all Sikh men Called for Sikh women to use the name “Kaur” (meaning

“princess”) Originally Sikhs were known as pacifists but at this time

in history they were being persecuted by both Hindus and Muslims Guru Gobind Singh called for Sikh men who were willing to

commit their lives to defend their religion

Historical Development

The Khalsa This is the name given to the collective body or

community of Sikhs Represented by the “five-beloved ones” or the

first 5 Sikh men who stepped forward to defend the Sikh faith

These Sikh men (and all Sikh men who followed them) were required to adopt the wearing of the 5 K’s

Historical Development

The 5 K’s Kesh – uncut long hair wrapped up under a turban Belief that clean, uncut hair (including facial hair) was a sign

of virility But it was also believed that thick hair and a turban could

offer some protection against a glancing blow to the head Kanga – a small wooden comb Used twice a day by Sikh men to promote cleanliness and

order but also used to bind up their hair under their turban

Historical Development

The 5 K’s Kara – an iron bracelet Symbolizes that all Sikhs are perpetually bound to God and to

each other. Also represents the cycle of reincarnation Originally these bracelets were bigger and could be used as

defensive weapon Kachera – baggy shorts worn under the outer clothing To ensure a Sikh man was always ready for battle and to allow

complete freedom of movement when fighting Also symbolizes self-respect and mental control over lust

Historical Development

The 5 K’s Kirpan – a small dagger To ensure a Sikh man is always prepared for battle Also symbolizes a Sikh man’s responsibility to come to

the aid of someone in peril or to protect the weak and innocent

Historical Development

The 5 K’s

Beliefs There is one God – the True Name The True Name is the creator of the universe Human’s are God’s greatest creations Rejects the teaching of ahimsa Sikhs are able to kill and eat animals

People can be reincarnated Sikhs believe in karma and that one can be reincarnated again

and again until release by the True Name Example

Sikh Beliefs and Practices

Practices The goal of all Sikhs is to seek salvation through a

union with God by realizing, through love, the Person of God who dwells in the depths of their own being

Sikh Beliefs and Practices

Practices Sikhs do not practice asceticism or celibacy They earn a living for their family and donate 10% of their

income to charity A Sikh’s religious life tends to be simple One becomes a Sikh through a type of baptism not just from

being born into a Sikh family A bowl of sweetened water is stirred with a dagger The water is sprinkled onto the person being baptized while

he/she is instructed in the rules and beliefs of the faith

Sikh Beliefs and Practices

Practices Daily rituals include an early morning bath, the reading of

hymns and recitations of prayers. At night another ritual of hymns and prayers is performed.

Worship Sikhs gather for worship at temples called gurdwaras The central object of worship is a copy of the Guru Granth

Sahib (or updated Adi Granth) Prayers are made to the Granth, then some hyms, then a

sermon, and then concludes with a communal meal called a Langer The Langer symbolizes that all are equal

Sikh Beliefs and Practices

Langer

Worship There are no Sikh priests and group worship is led by any

member of the community There are no caste or gender differences involved in

worship practices An object of special attention to Sikhs is the Takht

(throne) of Sikhism at Armritsar in India The Golden Temple at Armritsar, while not a required

pilgrimage, is visited by many Sikhs during their lifetime

Sikh Beliefs and Practices

Sikhism Today

There are about 19.1 million Sikhs worldwide Most live in the Punjab but there are sizeable

communities in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia

The Sikhs are a minority religious group in India and at times they have felt persecuted. There are some Sikh groups who want to establish an

independent Sikh nation in the Punjab