Guru Granth Sahib Ji PPQs

We need to know: AO1 (30 marks)

The GGS Ji ~ formation, structure and content, the authority of GGS.

The use of the GGS Ji by Sikhs today.

JUNE 2010 /12 Examine the formation and content of GGS Ji (30 marks)

JUNE 2009 /11 Examine the various uses of the GGS Ji by Sikhs today. (30 marks)

JUNE 2009 ‘The GGS is listened to but not understood by most Sikhs.’

JUNE 2010 ‘The GGS Ji is of little importance for many Sikhs today’

JUNE 2011 ‘Hearing the words of the GGS Ji is more important than understanding what

they mean.’

JUNE 2012 ‘the GGS is important only to a minority of Sikhs’ Assess this view.

Issues arising: AO2 (15 marks)

Accessibility of the GGS Ji to members of the sangat and its importance to Sikhs.

We need to know: AO1 (30 marks)

The GGS Ji ~ formation, structure and content, the authority of GGS.

The use of the GGS Ji by Sikhs today.

Use the texts books to help you find the following ideas.

1. GUTKA 13. SAPTAHAK PATH

2. DASAM GRANTH 14. AGNS

3. GURUMURKHI 15. VARS

4. ADI GRANTH 16. SHABADS

5. RAGAS

6. VAK LAO

7. AKAND PATH

8. SADHARAN PATH

9. MOOL MANTRA

10. JAPJI

11. SOHILLA

12. ARDAS

Question 11 The Guru Granth Sahib and the Gurdwara

Examine the formation and content of the Guru Granth Sahib. Formation Developed over a period of 200 years. Started with hymns of Guru Nanak – role of Mardana. Role of Guru Angad in writing down hymns. Development of Gurumukhi alphabet for this purpose. Compilation of Adi Granth – structure imposed by Guru Arjan Hymns of Guru Ram Das Additions by Guru Gobind Singh His role in making his book the Guru Granth Sahib. Content: Collection of devotional hymns and poetry for meditation on the name of God. Moral and ethical approaches for salvation and for the unity with God. Divided into 1430 pages known as Angs (limbs). Organized on basis of musical notes – ragas 22 compositions of Vars (traditional ballads) Hymns from 6 of the Gurus. Notable for containing material from non Sikh sources. 938 Shabads from non Sikhs. Introductory section of Mul mantra, Japji and Sohila Arrangement of compositions by the Sikh Gurus, followed by that of Sikh Bhagats Compositions by Guru Tegh Bahadur. No more than Level 5 if only one aspect, formation / content is dealt with. (30 marks) AO1

Question 11 The Guru Granth Sahib and the Gurdwara

Examine the various uses of the Guru Granth Sahib by Sikhs today. In all gurdwaras and many Sikh homes, the Granth is read every day. No Sikh ceremony is regarded as complete unless it is performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. On a daily basis, Sikhs receive a hukam or divine order in the form of a hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib, either in a Gurdwara or at home. The hukam is the first hymn of the holy book from the left hand page when it is opened at random. At the end of a service, after the ardas, the Adi Granth is opened at random and a portion is read. It is used as source of teaching for ‘sermons’. Many Sikhs do this daily, regarding the verses as words from God which they will find helpful during the day. This is called vak lao, taking advice. On special occasions, the Granth Sahib is recited non-stop from cover to cover by a string of readers. This continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib is known as an akhand path. It is regarded as the highest and the noblest ceremony in the Sikh religion, and can be performed on any important occasion. It requires nearly 48 hours to complete the continuous reading. A saptahak path is a daily reading of Guru Granth Sahib to be completed in seven days. It is sometimes undertaken in private homes as a mark of supplication on special occasions. A sehaj path is a reading of Guru Granth Sahib that can be completed at any length of period beyond seven days. Used in rites of passage marriage and naming ceremonies. (30 marks) AO1

Explain how the Guru Granth Sahib is used by Sikhs. (2009)

Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as a living presence amongst God’s

people.

It is the focal point in the gurdwara.

Vak Lao. Sikhs open the Guru Granth Sahib at random to ask God’s

advice

regarding a particular difficulty. Sometimes daily activity in the home.

Daily practice prescribed in Rahat Maryada for consulting the scriptures.

It is read at diwan services and at times of celebration and guidance, e.g.

marriage

and death.

It is present for all rites of passage.

Used for recitation of prayers, chanting and source of hymns.

Continuous reading at festivals. Akhand path.

Used as basis for sermons in gurdwara. (30 marks) AO1

Question 11 The Guru Granth Sahib and the Gurdwara.

Examine the formation and content of the Guru Granth Sahib. (JUNE 2012)

Formation

• Developed over a period of 200 years.

• Started with hymns of Guru Nanak (role of Mardana).

• Role of Guru Angad in writing down the hymns.

• Development of Gurmukhi alphabet.

• Compilation of Adi Granth by Guru Arjan.

• Hymns of Guru Ram Das.

• Additions by Guru Gobind Singh.

Examine the formation and content of the Guru Granth Sahib. (JUNE 2012)

Content

• The introductory section that consists of the Mul Mantra, Japji and Sohila

composed by Guru Nanak.

• Collection of devotional hymns and poetry for meditation on the True Guru (God).

• Moral and ethical rules for development of the soul, spiritual salvation and unity with God.

• Divided into fourteen hundred and thirty pages known as Angs (limbs) .

• The composition is divided on the basis musical notes called Ragas. The Ragas or musical notes in Guru Granth

Sahib are centered around different moods and times of the day and year. They are arranged by order of the Sikh

Gurus and Sikh Bhagats.

• In addition to the Ragas, there are twenty two compositions of Vars (Traditional ballads).

• Compositions of Guru Tegh Bahadur

• Non Sikh sources 938 shabads

Both formation and content needed for levels above 5.

(30 marks) AO1Religious Studies - AQA GCE Mark Scheme 2012 June

‘The Guru Granth Sahib is of little importance for many Sikhs today.’ Evaluate this claim. In support Not all can read the Guru Granth Sabib Sikhs today take their values and identity from cultural traditions rather than specific teachings in Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib is only of importance for amritdhari Sikhs. Other influences including historical events in the development of the Sikh community, cultural practices and stories about the gurus which show their particular qualities are more important. Many Sikhs today are more secularised and not concerned about applying teachings from previous centuries and culture to contemporary situation. Other views It is regarded as a living guru and contains all the teachings and guidance that Sikhs require. From this book all other practices and beliefs flow. This is one source of belief and action that all Sikhs accept and follow. Centrality in Gurdwara (15 marks) AO2

‘Hearing the words of the Guru Granth Sahib is more important than understanding what they mean.’ Assess this view. In support The attitude of faith and devotion to the words of the gurus and the general nature of the teachings is

more important than intellectual understanding. The sound and music of the words especially when sung by musicians give an experience of spiritual

upliftment which is the main purpose of the scriptures. The Guru Granth Sahib is a living teacher and each person will receive their own meaning from it. Attending the gurdwara and participating fully in the worship and the community experience is more

important than analysis of meaning. In refutation Unless the meaning is understood the teachings will not be known and followed . The purpose of the

Guru Granth Sahib is to communicate truth which must be understood and acted upon. The meanings can be interpreted in various ways but in order to be a true Sikh one must learn and

understand the scriptures and incorporate them into ones life. Its teachings have real meaning to guide and inspire Sikhs. In the gurdwara it is treated like a living person and shown the utmost respect. It is so significant and fundamental to Sikh life and faith that it is supremely real as a living teacher. (15 marks) AO2

‘The Guru Granth Sahib is listened to but not understood by most Sikhs.’

Assess the truth of this claim. (2009)

In support

It is written in gurmukhi script so most young Sikhs not able to read it. Still

much value

and importance in reciting it and singing hymns from it as the general meaning

can be understood. It is a devotional act to recite it and listen to it. Understood

in a poetic and devotional way.

Other views

Many translations available and often used. Sermons and lectures based upon

it at diwan in gurdwara.

Guru Granth Sahib has wider significance can than just to be understood. It is

a living guru.

Initiated Sikhs (amritdhari) and others do study the Guru Granth Sahib and

use it as a daily guide in their life. (15 marks) AO2

Task: In your own words write down what Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee means to Sikhs

JUNE 2009 /11

Examine the various uses of the GGS Ji by

Sikhs today. (30 marks)

Question 11 The Guru Granth Sahib and the Gurdwara

Examine the various uses of the Guru Granth Sahib by Sikhs today. In all gurdwaras and many Sikh homes, the Granth is read every day. GGS Ji is the FOCAL POINT of a Sikh’s life ~ it is the living presence of God. No Sikh ceremony is regarded as complete unless it is performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. On a daily basis, Sikhs receive a hukam or divine order in the form of a hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib, either in a Gurdwara during diwan or at home. The hukam is the first hymn of the holy book from the left hand page when it is opened at random. At the end of a service, after the ardas, the Adi Granth is opened at random and a portion is read. It is used as source of teaching for ‘sermons’. Many Sikhs do this daily, regarding the verses as words from God which they will find helpful during the day. This is called vak lao, taking advice. On special occasions, the Granth Sahib is recited non-stop from cover to cover by a string of readers. This continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib is known as an akhand path. It is regarded as the highest and the noblest ceremony in the Sikh religion, and can be performed on any important occasion. It requires nearly 48 hours to complete the continuous reading. A saptahak path is a daily reading of Guru Granth Sahib to be completed in seven days. It is sometimes undertaken in private homes as a mark of supplication on special occasions. A sehaj path is a reading of Guru Granth Sahib that can be completed at any length of period beyond seven days. Used in rites of passage marriage and naming ceremonies. Festivals and Gurpurbs centre around the GGSJi. (30 marks) AO1

1. GUTKA 13. SAPTAHAK PATH

2. DASAM GRANTH 14. AGNS

3. GURUMURKHI 15. VARS

4. ADI GRANTH 16. SHABADS

5. RAGAS

6. VAK LAO

7. AKAND PATH

8. SADHARAN PATH

9. MOOL MANTRA

10. JAPJI

11. SOHILLA

12. ARDAS

Can you remember what these words mean?

What is the main Diwan Hall? Chanani is a canopy normally made of highly decorated cloth which covers the scriptures as is used as a mark of respect. The platform where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee is placed the the darbar sahib is covered on top with a rectangular canopy called a Chanani, which is a large covering made of rich cloth attached high above the Guru's seating near the ceiling secured to the roof of the hall or held high by 4 posts. Manji is a Punjabi word for a small bed and sahib is term to show respect for the item described in the preceding word. The term Manji sahib is used in the Sikh tradition for the small bed on which Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee is placed during the day in the main hall (Darbar Sahib) of the Gurdwara. Rumalla is a Punjabi term for a square or rectangular piece of silk or other cloth material used to cover the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee in the Gurdwara when it is not being read. Rumallas are sometimes brought as gifts when people attend the services at the Sikh Gurdwara. Palki is where the Guru resides, when the Guru is carried from one place to another.. The Guru Granth Sahib is placed on the Manji Sahib - a raised platform covered by the Palki - a canopy, to show its importance. The Guru Granth Sahib is covered by a piece of beautiful material called a Rumalla and flowers are placed round it. Around the top of the canopy may be engraved the word 'Waheguru' which means 'Wonderful Lord'. Nishan Its external distinguishing mark is the Nishan Sahib or the Sikh flag, saffron in colour, that flies day and night atop the building, or, more often, separately close to it.

JUNE 2012

‘the GGS is important only to a

minority of Sikhs’

Assess this view.

2 2 ‘The Guru Granth Sahib is important only to a minority of Sikhs.’ (JUNE 2012)

Assess this view.

In support

Only devout Sikhs (amritdhari) are fully aware of and understand all the teachings

hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Most other Sikhs just listen to the chanting of verses but do not analyse its meaning.

Most Sikhs are not pious but fully involved in the life of the gurdwara.

Other views

The Guru Granth Sahib is central to all members of the Sikh faith as it is the main

source of the faith, the teachings and inspiration.

It is a living guru in their lives; there is often a special place or room set aside for it in

Sikh homes.

It is used on many occasions and in various ways for festivals and rites of passage.

It is their holy book and highly respected by all Sikhs.

(15 marks) AO2

‘Hearing the words of the GGS Ji is more important than understanding what they mean.’