copyright 2001-2010, sikh communications council 1 the sikh culture

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 1

The Sikh Culture


99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs

• Sikhs wear Turbans

• Sikhism is a very “visible religion


Sikhism is the 5th Largest Religion in the World

1. Christianity – 2 billion2. Islam – 1.3 billion3. Hinduism – 900 million4. Buddhism – 360 million5. Sikhism – 22 million6. Judaism – 14 million

Source: www.adherents .com


Sikhism is the Newest Major Religion in the World

2000 BC 2000 AD1000 BC 0 1000 AD

Hinduism

Judaism

Jainism

Buddhism

Taoism

Shinto

Christianity

Sikhism

Source: Experiencing World Religions, M Malloy

Hinduism

Judaism

Jainism

Buddhism

Taoism

Shinto

Christianity

Sikhism


1469: Guru Nanak - Birth of a Revolutionary

At that time Land divided by Hindu/Islam religions Ruled by invaders from Persia & Afghanistan Rich exploited the poor Strict Castes (Untouchables had no rights) Women had no role Superstitions & Rituals

Guru means “Spiritual Enlightener” Spread the revelation across 8000 miles on foot Defender of human rights and equality Tolerant of other’s perspective and freedom of choice Often used metaphor and analogy to communicate


The Ten Gurus (1469-1708)

1. Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469-1539)- one god, freedom, equality

2. Guru Angand Dev ji (1504-1552– Gurmukhi Script, Gyms, Food “Langar” halls

3. Guru Amar Das ji (1479-1574)– Women’s rights (anti Sati, veil, child marriage)

4. Guru Ram Das ji (1534-1581)– city of Amritsar, international trade, marriage ceremony

5. Guru Arjan Dev ji (1563-1606)– wrote Guru Granth Sahib, tithe tradition, executed by Emperor Jehangir

6. Guru Hargobind ji (1595-1644)– Saint-Soldier, formed military, first war with muslim ruler

7. Guru Har Rai ji (1630-1661)- 360 Sikh Centers

8. Guru Har Krishan ji (1656-1664)– Delhi presence, healthcare

9. Guru Tegh Bahadur ji (1621-1675)– sacrifice for Hindu religion

10. Guru Gobind Singh ji (1666-1708)– the Khalsa, 5 articles of faith, many wars


Sikhism has a High Moral Code of Conduct

DOs Equality of all Humanity

Men and Women have same rights Freedom and Liberty for all

Protect yours and others rights Selfless Service and Sharing

Strong work ethic Follow the Guru’s Path

Spiritual, Mental and Physical balance

DONTs Smoking Drugs Alcohol

Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh scripture)


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

No Caste System“Singh” and “Kaur”

Mai Bhago


Defend Rights (Key Aspects of Sikhism)

Saint-SoldierDefender of Rights and Fighter of

Oppression


Service (Key Aspects of Sikhism)

Community Kitchen 24/7/365 - Free

Signifies sharing and universal brotherhood

Free Hospitals and Clinics

Bhagat Puran Singh (Father Teresa)


Balanced Life (Key Aspects of Sikhism)

MeditationRemembrance of God

Martial Arts (Gatka)Sword Fighting


Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing discipline and spirituality

All Sikhs wear 5 Articles of Faith

Uncut Hair (Kesh)Uncut Hair (Kesh)SPIRITUALITYSPIRITUALITY

Comb (Kanga)Comb (Kanga)CLEANLINESSCLEANLINESS

Sword (Kirpan)Sword (Kirpan)PROTECTIONPROTECTION

Long Underpants (Kachera)Long Underpants (Kachera)SELF DISCIPLINESELF DISCIPLINE

Iron Bracelet (Kara)Iron Bracelet (Kara)GOOD DEEDSGOOD DEEDS


After the Gurus 1670 - 1850

1670-1716 Banda Bahadur Most respected and feared General of the Sikhs 40,000 strong army;

1718-1783 – Jassa Singh Ahluwalia United Sikhs all over

1762 – Sixth Afghan Invasion The great Holocaust (30,000 Sikhs killed)

1780 – 1839 – Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ruler of Punjab – only area independent of

British Empire; included Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir

First Modern Indian Army – The Sikh Khalsa army; artillery; European generals; exists even today as most highly decorated army in the world

Focused on Art, Equality, abolished death penalty


British Occupation and World Wars 1850-1945

1845 1st Anglo-Sikh War 1849 2nd Anglo-Sikh War 1857 Sikh Mutiny 1860 onwards – relative peace World War I (1914-1918)

Sikhs liberated France as part of British Army; fought in Africa and Turkey

World War II (1939-1945) Sikhs fought against Japan and Germany

Kesur SinghQueen’s Army, 1897


Independence from British 1947

1947 India and Pakistan Punjab split in HALF 1 million dead; 10 million

injured; 30 million homeless


Sikhs came to America over a 100 years ago

• Sikhs came from India• There are half a million Sikhs today in North America• Sikhs live in over 60 countries

San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 1899


Sikhs are– doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, and athletes

Nuvraj Bassi, 6’6”, 290 lbs, Defensive Tackle, Univ of Oregon,

Oregon

Simran Singh, Captain SoccerO’Connor High School,

Texas


World Marathon Record Holder Fauja Singh – 99 years old


Hollywood, MTV, Jazz

Rabbi ShergillWaris

Ahluwalia

Snatam Kaur

LonnieSmith


Modern Day Sikhs Continue the Tradition of Global Peacekeepers


Festivals and Cultural Events

Baisakhi (Spring Festival)

Sikh New Year

Guru Nanak’s BirthdayDecember


The Turban - encapsulates the spirit of saint-soldier and the values a Sikh aims to live by

Mandatory – not a social or cultural article. Symbolic of sovereignty of humans. Always be recognized and duty bound to

offer help. Sikhs wearing it for the last 500 years. Removal of turban in public is tantamount

to a strip search. Stand for social justice of all people.

Tell All I uphold truth I uphold justice I have discipline I have integrity I am humble I am spiritual


Sikh Americans –Freedom and Equality for all


Questions and Answers

1. Why do you wear a turban?

2. How long is the turban and does the color mean anything?

3. When do you have to wear a turban?

4. How long is your hair?

5. Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR?

6. Do you have any other religious restrictions?


Questions and Answers

1. Why do you wear a turban? Sikhs wear turbans to cover their long hair which is a requirement

of their religion2. How long is the turban and does the color mean anything?

A turban is 10-15 feet long and is tied every time. You can wear any color.

3. When do you have to wear a turban? You can wear a turban wherever and whenever. For sports a

smaller scarf-like turban, sometimes called a mini-turban, is worn. 4. How long is your hair?

Hair length varies from shoulder length to waist length. Hair stops growing after a while.

5. Why are so many people named SINGH and KAUR? Equality!

6. Do you have any other religious restrictions? Smoking, drugs and alcohol are prohibited for obvious reasons.

copyright 2001-2010, sikh communications council 1 the sikh culture

Documents

sikh communications

guru hargobind ji

guru ram

guru amar

sikh scripture slide

sikh culture slide

guru nanak dev ji

guru angand dev ji