PRESENTATION ON SIKHISM
By Central Gurdwara Manchester
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Agenda
Origin of Sikhism
The Gurdwara
What is a Sikh?
What is a “Guru”?
Birth of Sikhism & the 10 Gurus
Birth of the Khalsa
The Guru Granth Sahib
Sikh Beliefs
The “5 Ks” & Khanda
Ik Onkar
Nishaan Sahib
The Golden Temple
Sikh Dastar (Turban)
Importance of Identity
Some Sikh Public Faces
Dastar Bandi & Anand Karaj
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Origin of Sikhism
CHINA
IRAN
AFGHANISTAN
INDIA
INDIA
PAKISTAN
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Gurdwara – Place of Worship
Gurdwara means Doorway to God or House of God
The Sikh religious service follows the traditions started by
the1st Guru to promote equality and alleviate suffering. It
has 3 components:
1. Sangat: Community prayer through readings from the
Guru Granth Sahib and singing of hymns (Kirtan).
2. Pangat: A sense of equality with everyone seated on the
ground - at the same level.
3. Langar: Community vegetarian meal for all.
Protocol to be observed in the Gurdwara:
Heads covered
Shoes removed
Sit on floor
All are WELCOME
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Gurdwara – Place of Worship
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What is a Sikh?
Sikh means learner
Sikh means “Student” or “Disciple” of God
Sikhism is world’s 5th largest religion, after
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism
26 million Sikhs worldwide
– 20 million in India
– 500,000 in the United Kingdom
99 % of the people wearing TURBANS in the
United Kingdom are Sikhs
Who are the Sikhs?
What is a “Guru”?
Guru means teacher
Guru means “Spiritual Enlightener”
The term GURU implies descendant of divine
guidance to mankind sent from God.
Literally translated: GU–means darkness and
RU means light.
Thus, “Guru” means the Light that dispels
darkness. Therefore, Guru Nanak was the
embodiment of divine light.
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Birth of Sikhism
Guru Nanak Dev Ji – 1st Guru
Born in 1469 during a time
when:
– Rich exploited the poor
– Women had no role in society
– Land divided by religion
– Caste system prevailed
Guru Nanak founded Sikhism
based on equality and justice for
all and taught us that all human
beings regardless of skin color,
wealth, caste, and gender are
created equal.
“Truth is high; still higher is
truthful living” - Guru Nanak Dev Ji
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The 11 Gurus
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The 10 Gurus
Guru Nanak Dev ji – Founded Sikhism, One Universal God,
Do not discriminate on basis of Colour, Creed, Religion, Case,
Creed. Earn an honest living, Share with others
Guru Angad Dev ji – Introduced new alphabet known as
Gurmukhi Script, started langar to break caste system
Guru Amardas ji – Embodiment of Seva (service). Humilty
and service leads to a happy life
Guru Ramdas ji –Built the holy city of Amritsar. Reformed the
marriage ceremony of Anand Karaj
Guru Arjan Dev ji – Compiled Adi Granth Sahib, built Golden
Temple, First Sikh Martyr, Accepted the Will of God
Guru Hargobind ji – Miri (Temporal Strength) and Piri
(Spiritual Strength), Bandi Chorr (Diwali)
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The 10 Gurus
Guru Har Rai ji – Respect for nature and conservation.
Opened Free hospitals for those in need.
Guru Har Krishan ji – Child Guru, impressed elders by his
diving knowledge, Divine healing power, devoted his life to
helping the sick especially treating smallpox
Guru Tegh Bahadur ji - Forgiveness is the greatest virtue.
Championed religious freedom and gave his life and was
martyred while fighting for religious freedom.
Guru Gobind Singh ji – Created Khalsa (comes from the
Persian word “khalis” meaning “Pure”), Fought many
religious defensive battles against tyrant rulers. Proclaimed
Sri Guru Grath Sahib Ji as our eternal Guru instead of a
human Guru.
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‘Birth of the Khalsa’
During the spring of 1699, the
Guru called his followers for a
special gathering. Symbolized a
revitalization of the Sikh identity
and the evolution of the Sikh
community into saint-soldiers.
After initiating the five "beloved
ones" into the new order of the
Khalsa, the Guru knelt before
them and requested that they
initiate him.
Gave the names Singh (“Lion”) to
men and Kaur (“Princess”) to
women.
Khalsa Sikhs identified with the 5
K’s.
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Guru Granth Sahib ji
“Guru” means “Spiritual teacher” who dispels
the ignorance.
“Granth” implies a ‘Scripture containing divine
knowledge’.
“Sahib” is added as a mark of respect, which
literally means “The Master” or “The Lord”.
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Guru Granth Sahib ji
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru
declared Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the
eternal Guru and ultimate spiritual
authority for the Sikhs.
Guru Granth Sahib the Sikh Scripture is purely monotheistic
1430 pages and 5867 hymms
The Gurus’ Experience of the Divine
Also included were a few hymns from Hindu and Muslim saints who
believed in ONE God
The main teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib are cultivating a real
personal devotion to God, fostering compassion and service for people
who are poor or suffering, and promoting equality and seeking
harmony among all human beings
The central theme of the Guru Granth Sahib is concerned with the
creation of a just social order and the commitment to social and gender
equality and peaceful coexistence
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Sikh Beliefs
There is One God for all of creation, a
loving Creator attainable through the Grace
Goal is to be one with god
Selfless service towards the entire Creation
Truth, fearless, non-hateful spirit are
important in attaining salvation
Absolute equality of humanity
Defenders of social and spiritual justice
Bhai Kanhiya
pioneer of the Red
Living a moral, truthful and hardworking Cross & humanitarian
aide organizations
existence
Humility and loving action
Defending the rights of the downtrodden and
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oppressed
Respect for All
Equality of all religions and people
– Give relevance to God rather than religion
– Believers of interfaith diversity
Sikhism believes that there are many paths to God. Anyone can
achieve salvation irrespective of the religion that they follow if
they endear God in their heart and daily actions
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Guru Nanak Dev ji’s
Principles
These 3 pillars / principles are the FOUNDATION of Sikhism.
Naam Japo: Chanting the Holy Name and thus remembering God at all
times (ceaseless devotion to God).
Kirat Karō: Earning/making a living honestly, without exploitation or
fraud.
Vand Chakkō: Sharing with others, helping those with less who are in
need.
So these are Sikhs essential pillars and are very import daily activities.
The idea of the above is to uphold the five virtues and resist the five evils as
per the following
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Five Virtues
Sat - Being truthful - Acting justly towards others. With honesty,
integrity and treating all as equals.
Santokh - Contentment – Be happy with what god has given you. It is
gods will for you.
Daya - Compassion – feel another persons pain. The concept is to do
whatever in ones mean to helps others in pain or tragedy.
Nimrata – Humility – To be humble and modest at all times and without
ego.
Pyar – Love - Love for god and all his creations. Forgive and forget for
all grievances. Bear no grudges.
These are the five qualities / virtues and are essential to a Sikh.19
Five Evils
Krodh – Rage – This covers loss of temper, anger, violence etc. One must control
that and live within the world with humility.
Lobh - Greed – This covers a strong desire for material items and also wanting
of what belongs to others. One can become blind with greed.
Moh – Attachment – If one has attachment only for material things, then he
cannot progress to master his life. He is too wrapped up in that.
Ahankar – Ego –This gives an individual to feel he is superior and all others
below him inferior. This leads to jealousy etc. It is all about I, me and mine.
Taking credit where its not due. Etc.
Kam – Lust – Deep desire, uncontrolled longing,
So these are the five evils to Sikhs.
This is why we have a duty to recite gurbani /meditate (simran) and also a duty to do
selfless service (sewa) so that all these virtues become part of our mind at all
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times to help us all attain the goal of mastering our life.
The Four Bajjar Kurehats (Cardinal Sins)
1. Dishonour the hair by cutting it.
2. Eating meat of an animal killed with prayers (Kuthha ie Halal
or Kosher)
3. Consumption of intoxicants particularly tobacco.
4. Co-habit with another man or woman other than one’s
spouse.
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Articles of Faith
5 K’s – mandatory articles of faith
Kesh -
Uncut hair: Sikhs do not cut hair or
beards to remain in the image that
God gave us.
Kara -
Bracelet, made of iron or steel worn on
right hand –a reminder of noble
actions, a symbol of eternity
Kanga -
Comb, made of wood - to keep uncut
hair neat and clean.
Kachera -
Under-shorts (boxers) to represent
modesty and fidelity (virtuous
character)
Kirpan -
Ceremonial small blunt knife
symbolizing freedom, liberty and
justice.
Khanda
The Khanda: is the double edged
sword that represents God’s power,
the circle is for continuity, the two
outer swords for spiritual and political
balance.
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ONE GOD IN ALL
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Nishan Sahib
The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy flag made of cotton or silk cloth
and is triangular in shape. The colour of the Nishan Sahib is
saffron. Guru Hargobind hoisted it for the first time at Akal
Takhat Sahib in the year 1609.
The Nishan Sahib is placed outside every Sikh Gurdwara and is
supported by a pole of timber or metal. You may notice the Sikh
symbol, the Khanda on it. It is placed high up as a sign for all
Sikhs and indeed any other people that they can come and pray
in this building. Great respect is shown to this flag and is shown
by washing it using milk and water every year in April at the
festival of Vaisakhi, at which time the Nishan Sahib is also
changed.
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The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is the most sacred of places for the Sikhs.
To enter one has to descend stairs – teaches humility.
There are doors on all fours sides, which signifies that people from
all over the world are invited irrespective of caste, color, religion,
and race.
24/7 Langar.
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4 Doors to enter Golden Temple
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Golden Temple Foundation
Sikh Dastar (Turban)
Mandatory – not a social or cultural
article.
Covers long, uncut hair.
Approx. 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly
around the head.
Boys wear ‘patka’ .
Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility,
and spirituality.
Middle East head coverings different.
99% of people wearing TURBANS in UK
are Sikhs, not Muslims or Hindus.
Sikh Dastar (Turban)
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Types of Turbans
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Importance of Identity
Sikhs feel severely humiliated if asked to remove
their turban in public, as this breaks a sacred
covenant with god and exposes an intimate part
of the body.
It is very insulting and disrespectful to a Sikh to
remove his or her turban.
Turbans are a mandatory part of Sikh faith.
A turban is not a hat. It cannot be casually taken
on and off. It must be carefully retied each time it
is removed.
Treat the turban with respect.
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Some Sikh Public Faces
Judge Sir Mota Singh QC
Narinder Singh Kapani
Father of Fiber Optics
Dr. Manmohan Singh
Indian Prime Minister
Monty Panesar England Cricketer
Two Sikh soldiers have
become the first of their
religion to guard the Queen.
Sikh serving in British Army
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The Man Utd Sikhs
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Dastar Bandi
A very important and exciting
event in the life of a Sikh boy
comes when he starts tying the
turban (Usually between 10-14
years of age).
Family will have a special function
to celebrate the occasion, which is
called Dastar Bandi.
The boy is is seated in front of
Guru Granth Sahib ji and an elder
ties the turban on his head.
Prayers are said to invoke Guru's
blessing for the boy.
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Anand Karaj
The Sikh
marriage is called
'Anand Karaj'
which means the
ceremony of joy.
The Sikh wedding
is held in the
morning in a
Gurdwara in the
presence of Guru
Granth Sahib Ji.
One Soul in Two Bodies
"They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together. Rather they alone
are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies."
(Guru Amar Das Ji, Pauri, pg 788, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)
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ONE GOD IN ALL
Template taken from original by Mandeep Singh Bawa
GAISS Equity Education Director
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