Download - © 2001, Sikh Communications Council Your Sikh Neighbors

© 2001, Sikh Communications Council

YourSikh

Neighbors


Who Are Sikhs?


Articles of Faith

Kesh - uncut hair: Sikhs do not cut hair or beards to remain in the image that god gave us Kuchha – under-shorts (boxers) to represent modesty and fidelityKanga - comb, made of wood - to keep uncut hair neat and clean Kara - bracelet, made of steel worn on right hand –a reminder of noble actions, a symbol of eternityKirpan - ceremonial small blunt knife symbolizing freedom, liberty and justice


Sikh Turbans

Mideast headcoverings different

99% of people with turbans in US are Sikhs, not Muslims or Hindus

Covers long, uncut hair

Approx. 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly around the head every time it is put on

Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and spirituality

Religious requirement - must be worn at all times in public


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 bodyIt is very insulting and disrespectful to a Sikh to remove his or her turban Turbans are a mandatory part of Sikh faithA turban is not a hat. It cannot be casually taken on and off. It must be carefully retied each time it is removedTreat the turban with respect


Historical Origins Sikhism

• 22 million Sikhs worldwide• 20 million Sikhs in India

INDIA

CHINA

INDIAAFGHANISTAN

PAKISTAN

IRAN


GuruGuru Nanak Nanak•Founded Sikhism

•Born in 1469

•10 Gurus provided

spiritual guidance

•Guru Nanak founded

Sikhism based on

equality and justice

for all


Golden Temple, Golden Temple, AmritsarAmritsarHarmandir Sahib—1588Harmandir Sahib—1588Fifth GuruFifth Guru

Sentiment of SikhsSentiment of Sikhs

Symbol of strength & Symbol of strength & enduranceendurance

Survived tyrannical raidsSurvived tyrannical raids

Golden Temple


Guru Gobind Singh•Father Martyred to protect

the Hindus

•Created the Sikh Nation:

Khalsa – legion of the pure

with Saint/Soldier qualities to

protect anyone from

oppression and injustice

•Amrit - Sikh Baptism

Ceremony in 1699

•Prescribed the 5 Articles of

Faith

•Declared Guru Granth Sahib

as the eternal Guru and

ultimate spiritual authority for

the Sikhs.


Beliefs of the Sikhs

One god/creatorAll humans created equal

Goal is to be one with god

Human life a precious blessing

All carry a spark of divine light: consequently no race, pigmentation, gender, is intrinsically superior to others

Defenders of social and spiritual justice,

Truth, fearless,non-hateful spirit are important in attaining salvation


Beliefs of the Sikhs

Freedom of speech, religionEqual rights in all walks of life for all persons of all faiths and external looksNote that many countries still ask require religion,

race, or nationality on employment applications• Elsewhere, people discriminate based on looks

Compensation based on merit rather than outward differences

Justice and liberty for allOrigin of universe is from one light sourceLife is by god’s evolutionThere are many planets, solar systems and galaxies


Values & PracticesSeva: Daily selfless service to humanity

Vand Chakna: sharing with others

Langar: Community Kitchen, An expression of service to community

Kirat Kamaiyee: Honest LaborHonest earnings by hard workDo not become burden on the

societyDaily Prayers & MeditationNo passive mediation

• Maintain channel of knowledge by actively engaging in the society.

• Prevent stagnation of social and intellectual skills

Introspection connect now, don’t wait for later

Bhai Kanyia

pioneer of the Red Cross &

humanitarian aide organizations


Respect for All

Protectors of social and spiritual justice for ALLBelievers of non-violenceEquality of all religionsGive relevance to god rather than religionBelievers of interfaith diversity

Equality of personsSocial, spiritual, political rights for all women


GURDWARA (Place of Worship)Guru Granth Sahib

Nishan Sahib

Architecture

© 2001 Sikh Communications Council, Inc.


Inside the Gurdwara

All welcome

Hymns

Heads covered

Shoes removed

Sit on floor; meditate

Community kitchen


Gurdwara Functions

Education Initially schools were started in Gurdwaras. Now Khalsa schools are held in

Gurdwaras, where religion, language, history, art, and other subjects are taught

Shelter for stomach, mind, and soulCommunity kitchen: shelter from hunger

Tranquility: safe place to stay to travelers Prayers, meditation, & introspection for soul

Implementation of equality4 doors: one on each side

• Open to all persons without from all directions, religions, • Even the holiest Sikh shrines are open to persons of all

faiths


September 11, 2001

Sikhs grieve with America. Like many, Sikhs lost friends, loved ones and colleaguesSikhs unequivocally condemn the recent terrorist attacksSikhs continue to donate blood, food, and money, and participate in memorial servicesAt the WTC, Sikh doctors were first on the scene helping save lives


First to Help

Dr. Navinderdeep Singh Nijher, a fourth year resident

Set up the first triage center at ground zero, just in front of one of the collapsed towers.

He also helped organize a makeshift morgue in the lobby of the American Express building.


An American Hero?

Dr Nijher stayed until 2 a.m., mostly treating injured firefighters who had been pulled from the rubble. From there, he went back to the hospital, slept for an hour, and reported for his regular shift at 6 a.m.


A Hero’s Welcome?

"Every person was staring at me" "People were saying 'There goes one of them now.'

Someone yelled 'Go back to your own country!'"


Mesa, Arizona

Balbir S. SodhiFormer Bay Area Resident

Small Businessman


Why?

"On Sept. 11, America was attacked from abroad," said Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley

"However, with the murder of Mr. Sodhi, we have now

been attacked from within."


Facts

More than 200 Incidents against Sikhs alonehave been reported since Sept 11th

Swaran Kaur Bhullar's car was idling at a red light when two men on a motorcycle pulled up beside her, yanked

open her door and shouted, "This is what you get for what you've done to us!"

And then, "I'm going to slash your throat!"

She was stabbed in the head at least twice before the men, hearing a car approach, sped off.


Victims of Sept 11

Victims: Sikhs have been victims of a hate backlash and harassment because of their appearance

Profiling: Sikhs have been victims of racial profiling at airports & on highways

Discrimination: harassment, racial profiling and employment discrimination is making it much harder for Sikhs to wear turbans and other articles of faith - a basic constitutional right

Mr. Balbir Sodhi was

killed in Arizona


Why Are Sikhs Targets?

HATE

BLIND RAGE

IGNORANCE

MISCONCEPTIONS


Similarities?

19 Terrorists0 with Turbans0 with Beards0 were Sikhs

Where is the cause for concern?


Similarities?

Head Coverings?

Compare the Turbans


Muslim Headcoverings

Mideast headcoverings different

Not a mandatory religious requirement

Very rarely seen in the western hemisphere

Viewed as passé by some Muslims


Summarizing


Questions?

Sikh Communications Council

can be reached at

[email protected]

650-473-9272

Download - © 2001, Sikh Communications Council Your Sikh Neighbors

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