The Sikh Culture
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
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Basic Sikh Facts
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Sikhism was founded in
Punjab, India about 540
years ago by Guru Nanak,
the first Guru of the Sikhs.
The word “Sikh” means the
student and the word “Guru”
means the teacher or
enlightener.
Sikhs worship ONE almighty
God, who created and
maintains this universe and
its diverse beings.
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
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Sikhism is the 5th Largest Religion in the World
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Christianity – 2 billion
Islam – 1.3 billion
Hinduism – 900 million
Buddhism – 360 million
Sikhism – 22 million
Judaism – 14 million
Sikhism respect the rights of all
people to follow their religion
Source: www.adherents .com
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
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Sikhism developed a High Moral Code of Conduct
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Dos
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Earn living by honest means
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Equality of all Humanity
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Freedom, Liberty and Justice for all
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Compassion and Sharing
DONTs
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Smoking
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Drugs
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Alcohol
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth
Sahib (The Sikh scripture)
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Defend Rights
(Key Aspects of Sikhism)
Sikh Gurus gave their
lives to defend the rights
of the people
Saint-Soldier
Defender of Rights and
Fighter of Oppression
Guru Teg Bahadur, the
ninth Guru sacrificed his
life to defend the rights of
other people to follow
their religion
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
Use weapons only when
all peaceful means fail
Guru Gobind Singh, the
tenth Guru taught Sikhs
to stand up for their rights
and the rights of the weak
and if necessary use
weapons against
opperaion
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Service
(Key Aspects of Sikhism)
Community Kitchen
24/7/365 - Free
Signifies sharing and universal
brotherhood
Compassion
Bhagat Puran Singh started a
free hospitals for the poor
(Father Teresa)
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
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Equality
(Key Aspects of Sikhism)
Equality of Women
“Women are equal” – Guru
Nanak (16th Century)
Gurdwara( Sikh Temple)
Four Doors – always open to all
religions
Mai Bhago
All people irrespective of their
race, religion, caste or national
origin are equal under Sikhism.
Guru Nanak rejected the
caste system
“Singh” and “Kaur”
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
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Balanced Life
(Key Aspects of Sikhism)
Meditation
Remembrance of God
Martial Arts (Gatka)
Sword Fighting
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
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Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing
discipline and spirituality
All Sikhs should wear 5 Articles of Faith
Iron Bracelet (Kara)
GOOD DEEDS
Uncut Hair (Kesh)
SPIRITUALITY
Sword (Kirpan)
PROTECTION
Comb (Kanga)
CLEANLINESS
Long Underpants (Kachera)
SELF DISCIPLINE
Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council
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99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs
• Sikhs wear Turbans
• Sikhism is a very “visible
religion
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