the sikh culture

Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 1

The Sikh Culture


Sikhism was founded in Punjab, India about 540 years ago by Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs.

The word “Sikh” means the student and the word “Guru” means the teacher or enlightener.

Sikhs worship ONE almighty God, who created and maintains this universe and its diverse beings.

Basic Sikh Facts


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 respect the rights of all people to follow their religion


Sikhism developed a High Moral Code of Conduct

Dos Earn living by honest means

Equality of all Humanity

Freedom, Liberty and Justice for all

Compassion and Sharing

DONTs Smoking

Drugs

Alcohol

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


Defend Rights (Key Aspects of Sikhism)

Saint-SoldierDefender of Rights and Fighter of Oppression

Use weapons only when all peaceful means fail

Sikh Gurus gave their lives to defend the rights of the people

Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Guru sacrificed his life to defend the rights of other people to follow their religion

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru taught Sikhs to stand up for their rights and the rights of the weak and if necessary use weapons against opperaion


Service (Key Aspects of Sikhism)

Community Kitchen 24/7/365 - Free

Signifies sharing and universal brotherhood

CompassionBhagat Puran Singh started a

free hospitals for the poor(Father Teresa)


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

All people irrespective of their race, religion, caste or

national origin are equal under Sikhism. Guru Nanak

rejected the caste system“Singh” and “Kaur”

Mai Bhago


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 should 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


99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs

• Sikhs wear Turbans

• Sikhism is a very “visible religion

the sikh culture

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