Welcome to Sikhism

GURU NANAK DEV

(1469 TO 1539)

Sikhism was founded in the 16th century in the Punjab district of what is now India and

Pakistan. The word “Sikh” in the Punjabi language means „disciple‟, Sikh are the disciple

of God who follow the writing and teaching of the Ten Sikh Gurus. Its founder, Guru

Nanak, was born in 1469.He expressed the reality that there is one God and many paths

and that over true identity is infinite. Nanak spread a message: We are all one with the

on Creator of all Creation. The Sikh religion is strictly monotheistic believing in one

supreme Creator, free of gender, absolute, all pervading, and eternal. Sikhisms view life

not as a fall from grace but a unique opportunity to discover and develop the divinity in

each of them.

Prophets

The First Master Guru Nanak (1469 - 1539)-The founder of the Sikh religion

The Second Master Guru Angad (1504 - 1552)

Third Master Guru Amar Das (1479 - 1574)

The Fourth Master Guru Ram Das (1534 - 1581)

The Fifth Master Guru Arjan (1563 - 1606)

The Sixth Master Guru Hargobind (1595 - 1644)

The Seventh Master Guru Har Rai (1630 - 1661)

The Eighth Master Guru Harkrishan (1656 - 1664)

The Ninth Master Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621 - 1675)

The Tenth Master Guru Gobind Singh (1666 - 1708)

The lifestyle of Sikhism

While practicing, the Sikh lifestyle helps one overcomes temptations and desires. Sikh lifestyle helps one to make right decisions in life.

Keep God in mind all the time.

Pray in the morning and evening.

Wear five Ks (five articles of faith)1.Kesa(long hair, which is never

cut)

2. Kanguh(comb)

3. Kacha(short pants

4. Kara(metal braclets)

5. Kirpan(a ceremonial dagger)

Get rid of five vices: lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment, and ego.

Keep diet simple and vegetarian.

Live a simple life, be honest, and do not lie, cheat or steal.

Have a monogamous marriage between a man and a woman.

Not to cut hair and live the way God made us Not to drink smoke or do drugs.

Not to fast, perform ritual or go on pilgrimages.

Not to believe in superstitions.

Not to harm your body to please God.

Share with others.

Help the less fortunate.

Protect the weak and the oppressed.

Families in Sikhism

Many Sikhs live in extended families. Sikh families often face social

challenges. Because of their distinct appearance, Sikh children encounter

discrimination in school and adults may experience difficulties with bias in

the workplace. Parents and grandparents are vital role models in the Sikh

family.

A mother nurtures her family providing

both material and spiritual

sustenance. Mother is the first teacher

and a model of righteous living.

A Sikh father takes an active role in

family life and in the upbringing of

children. Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's

holy scripture, compares the

relationship of the creator and

creation to that of father and child.

Symbols

Khanda is commonly called the Sikh coat of arms, or "Khalsa Crest“

The Khanda is displayed proudly by Sikhs in a variety of ways:

•Adorning the nishan sahib, the Sikh flag.

•As a pin worn on the turban.

•Embroidered on clothing.

•In poster, wallpaper etc.

Ik Onkar means "God is One." It is made up of two characters, the Punjabi

character for the number 'one' and the Punjabi letter 'Urha' for 'Onkar'

meaning 'God'. It is a symbol of the unity of God in Sikhism

The Nishan Sahib is the Sikh flag and plays an important role in the Sikh

community. Nishan means a seal or stamp, a mark of identity and Sahib is

added for respect

Holidays and Celebrations

Sikh holidays are commemorative occasions celebrated with worship and festivities such as parades. The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture, is paraded through streets on a palanquin or float in a musical procession with devotional singing known as nagar kirtan. The panj pyare, or five beloved ones, march ahead of worshipers.

Guru Gobind Singh's(tenth Guru) Birthday - January 5

Maghi - January 14(

Hola Maholla - March 26(Hola (or Holla) Maholla is a mela celebrated in Anandpur on the Indian festival of Holi in memory of Guru Gobind Singh.)

Vaisakhi - April 14(Vaisakhi, in April, began as a Hindu festival of thanksgiving but for Sikhs, marks the founding of the Khalsa in 1699)

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan - June 16 (Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru, was tortured and killed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1606)

Guru Granth Sahib –September(commemorates the completion of the Sikh holy text in 1606.

Diwali – Varies(Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights that was appropriated by the Sikhs to celebrate the release from prison of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, from prison in 1619)

Guru Nanak's Birthday - November 15 (Also in October is Guru Nanak's birthday celebration. He was born in 1469 in modern-day Pakistan)

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur -November 24(Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, was executed in November 1675 by the emperor Aurangzeb)

Major philosophies/ideas

Sikhs believe in one God. He is the same for all people of all religions.

Sikhism teaches equality of all people. Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. Sikhism teaches the full equality of men and women.

Sikhism emphasizes daily devotion to the remembrance of God. One should remember God at all times.

Sikhism teaches religious freedom. All people have the right to follow their own path to God without condemnation or coercion from others.

Sikhism emphasizes a moral and ethical life. A Sikh should represent moral responsibility and righteousness.

Sikhism rejects all forms of rituals such as idol worship, pilgrimages, fasting, and superstitions.

Sikhism teaches service to others. The primary task in life should be to help the poor, needy, and oppressed. The Sikhs have a long heritage of speaking out against injustice and for standing up for the defenseless.

Sikhs are supposed to be saints, scholars, and soldiers.

The word Sikh means disciple or student. Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus.

Sikh Holy book

The Sikh scripture is a book called the Guru Granth Sahib. The tenth Guru,

Guru Gobind Singh declared that there would be no other living Gurus but

instead Sikhs could look to their holy scriptures for guidance, so the holy

book became the 'Guru' (teacher). The holy book is kept on a raised

platform under a canopy in the place of worship. Sikhs take off their shoes

in the presence of the holy scriptures and also never turn their back on

them.