What is Sikhism?A 500 year old, monotheistic religion of Northwest India, followed by some 20 millionSeeks to make religion a uniting rather than dividing forceAll people – male and female, Brahmin and Shudra, Hindu and Muslim – are united as brothers and sisters in devotion to the one God:

"there is no Muslim, there is no Hindu; all are equal human beings because they are the children of the same Father, God.“ – Guru Nanak

The founder of the faithGuru Nanak (1469-1538) Hindu by birth and upbringingInfluenced by the Bhakti and Sant tradition of medieval northwest IndiaA disciple of both Hindu and Muslim mysticsComposing and singing devotional songs (kirtan)Drew his own disciples (“sikhs”) following a mystical realization in 1499 - Sikhs are disciples of the gurus and of the ultimate (wahe) guru, God

Nanak’s teachingPreached a unifying message that overcame religious differences, uniting both Hindu and Muslim in common devotion to the same GodRecognized that behind all human names and forms for God, is one True God (Sat Nam – the “true name”)Rejected meaningless ritual, images and idols of gods in favor of simple, heartfelt devotion

BeliefsOne God (whom people call by many names)

Sat Nam (“true name”), Waheguru (“great guru”)Equality of all human beings (reject caste distinctions)Karma and reincarnationReject asceticism (no monastic life in Sikhism)The spirit of the guru (Nanak) continued for 200 years through a succession of ten human gurus…

Development of the faith2nd guru (Angad Dev) developed written form of Punjabi language for recording hymns3rd guru (Amar Das) instituted the community kitchen (Langar) to feed all in need 4th guru (Ram Das) built the Sikh holy city of Amritsar (in Punjab)5th guru (Arjun Dev) built the Golden Temple in Amritsar as the center of the Sikh world; also compiled hymns of the earlier gurus, creating the Sikh holy book: Adi Granth

Martyrdom and defense5th guru was martyred, 6th guru (Har Gobind) began a tradition of training Sikhs in martial arts to protect those persecuted for their religion (Sikh, Hindu or otherwise)7th guru (Har Rai) best known for opening hospitals and offering free medical treatment to those in need8th guru (Har Krishan) was just a child but continued caring for the sick (died at age 8)9th guru (Tegh Bahadur) worked to combat religious persecution, ultimately became the 2nd Sikh martyr

The 10th Guru – Gobind SinghWrote hymns and completed the compilation of the Adi GranthIn 1699, Initiated the Sikh Khalsa (“brotherhood”) as a military defense forceDeclared the end of the line of human gurus, transferring guruship to the Khalsacommunity and the holy book, nowknown as “Guru Granth Sahib”Died 1708

The KhalsaToday, the Khalsa is simply the community of the faithfulAmrit ceremony as baptism andinitiation into the Khalsa (maleand female, must be at least16 years of age)Khalsa members take a new last name: Singh (“lion”) for men, Kaur (“princess”) for womenKhalsa members wear the “Five K’s” as symbols of their faith…

The Five K’sKesh: Long, uncut hair (both men and women)

Men wear a turban to cover their hair

Kangha: a comb to keep the hair clean and presentableKara: a steel bracelet worn on the right wrist as a reminder to think of God and do one’s dutyKachh: undergarments as a reminder of chastity (outside of marriage) and purityKirpan: a defensive sword symbolic of God’s power and the Sikh duty to protect the weak and persecuted

Other Sikh symbolsThe Khanda: the double edged sword represents God’s power, the circle is for continuity, the two outer swords for spiritual and political balance“Ek-Onkar” meaning “one God”The Golden Temple: a place of worship, pilgrimage, and seat of worldwide Sikh leadership; open on four sides for access by all people; surrounded by a pool of water for purification rites

The Gurdwara – the Sikh temple

“Door to the Guru,” housing andhonoring the Guru Granth Sahib

A “Granthi” (priest) is caretaker of the Gurdwara and the holy book as well as spiritual leader of the community

The Gurdwara – the Sikh temple

Contains a kitchen and dining hall (for Langar) and prayer hall for singing of Kirtan (hymns) from the holy book

Open daily (in India) with continuous reading and singing from holy book,serving food to all who come

Following worship, all partake in theLangar, sitting (on the floor) and eatinga meal together (equality)

Sikh holy days and ceremoniesVaisakhi: April 13th, anniversary of founding of the KhalsaGuru Nanak’s birthday (November)Baby namingAmrit/Baptism (Initiation into Khalsa)Marriage (Anand Karaj): takes place in the Gurdwara with the communitybefore the Guru GranthDeath: cremation of body

The Sikh way of lifeMediation and personal prayer morning and eveningHonest and hard workCharityService to humanity, God, and guruStrong family valuesStrong identity with the Sikh communityKhalsa members abstain from smoking, drinking and illicite drugs

Sikhism on the Web:The Sikhism Home Page: http://www.sikhs.org/topics.htmThe SikhNetwork: a virtual worldwide Sikh community (includes areas for on-line discussion and live chats with Sikhs from around the world) http://www.sikhnet.com/