Beliefs Flashcards
Mool Mantra: There is one God
The nature of God as expressed in the Mool Mantra
Ik Onkar
Mool Mantra: God is the Creator
The nature of God as expressed in the Mool Mantra
Karta Purkh
Mool Mantra: God is beyond time
The nature of God as expressed in the Mool Mantra
Akaal Moorat
Mool Mantra: God is realised through the Gurus grace
The nature of God as expressed in the Mool Mantra
Gur Prasaad
Importance of Mool Mantra
(3)
significance of the Mool Mantra
- it is the opening lines of the Guru Granth Sahib.
2.The first line of the Mool Mantra is “Ik Onkar”. This symbolises the importance of the belief in the oneness of all
- The Mool Mantra is part of Sikhs’ daily prayer and is taught to young Sikh children
God as separate to the universe
different aspects of God’s relationship with creation
Nirgun
He is ineffable, and transcendent
Nirgun quote
Different aspects of God’s relationship with creation:
He is the perfect transcendent lord
God shown in the universe
Different aspects of God’s relationship with creation:
Sargun
He is present within everything via the divine spark
Sargun quote
Recognise the Lords light is within all
Comparison of Sargun and Nirgun
Different aspects of God’s relationship with creation:
- Both the Sargun and Nirgun forms are equally powerful, as they belong to one God.
- Yet, the Nirgun form is the one which a devotee must meditate on in order to merge with God. You cannot reach sachkhand, as it does not involve physical dimensions
- Sargun recognises the oneness of humanity, as each person contains the divine spark.
Samsara
human life as an opportunity to unite with God
Birth, death and rebirth
The oppurtunity to reach Waheguru in mukti.
Term for* God centered*
human life as an opportunity to unite with God
Gurmukh
Meditating on Gods name
How to be Gurmukh
Nam Japna
Earning an honest living
How to be Gurmukh
Kirat Karna
Giving to Charity and helping others
How to be Gurmukh
Wand Chakna
Performing selfless service
How to be Gurmukh
Sewa
Three forms of Sewa
How to be Gurmukh
Tan- Physical
Man- Mental
Dhan- Material
Why is performing Sewa important
- it demonstrates the belief in equality and the importance of all people
- it serves others, showing humility
- it shows love for Waheguru, as you are showing love to his creation
- it stops Sikhs becoming manmukh, because their focus is on the needs of others rather than themselves
Evaluation of the three forms of Sewa.
All three aspects of sewa are equally important. Sikhs try to complete all three on a regular basis.
However, depending on their individual circumstances, a Sikh might be able to perform one type of sewa more than the others.
What is Daswandh
A form of Sewa.
Giving a tenth of ones income, in the name of the Guru.
Reminds people to deter from worldly possesions and the importance of equality (supporting others)
Not the same as Dhan, as this is for maintenance of gudwara.
6 of the Sikh Virtues
the development of Sikh virtues
1.Truthful living
2.Compassion
3.Contentment
4.Humility
5.Love
6.Wisdom
Truthful living impact
the development of Sikh virtues
Sikhs believe that Waheguru is truth and so truthful living will enable them to get closer to God.
- Living an honest life
- Ensuring injustice in the world is dealt with
Compassion impact
the development of Sikh virtues
Waheguru cares for all of creation and so Sikhs believe it is their duty to be compassionate towards others.
- Support those who are suffering (Langar)
- Tolerance to all, no prejudice
Contentment impact
the development of Sikh virtues
Sikhs believe that because everything is Hukam (God’s will), they should be content.
- SHould focus on Waheguru not material possesions
- Believe contentment leads to happines
Humility impact
the development of Sikh virtues
Self-control, or temperance, is important to Sikhs because it allows them to remain focused on Waheguru, and reminds them of equality.
- Regular prayer ( Nam Simran)
Love Impact
the development of Sikh virtues
Sikhs believe that Waheguru is omnibenevolent and loves his creation.
- All of humanity dserves to be treated with dignity and respect
Wisdom impact
the development of Sikh virtues
Sikhs it is important to understand the importance of keeping their mind on Waheguru at all times. Developed through living a Gurmukh life.
- Learn about Waheguru and the faith
Wisdom Quote
The development of sikh virtues
spiritual wisdom does not enter into their hearts; they are like dead bodies in the world.
Importance of Sikh virtues quote
With your mind, body and mouth praise the virtues of God;.
How many reincarnations do some shabads suggest the atma goes through
Reincarnation
8.4 million
8.4 million Quote
They go through the cycle of 8.4 million reincarnations, and they are ruined through death and rebirth.
What is the atma also recognised as
Reincarnation
The divine spark
What determines the body the atmas (of both humans and animals) are born into
The Karma gained in the previous life.
What is Karma
The consequences of a persons actions and words
What happens to the atma if a human has gained bad Karma
They are reborn into the body of an animal
What happens if an animal/human has gained good Karma
They are born into the body of a Human, considered the highest possible being on earth
How does Karma contribute to mukti
Can be done by building up good Karma via two ways:
- Accepting the Wahegurus grace and love (The first Khand)
- Good deeds: Kirat Karna, Wand Chakna and Nam Japna.
Karma Quote
The body is the field of karma and in this age; whatever shall plant, you shall harvest.
What is Mukti
Liberation and reunion with Waheguru.
The ultimate goal.
Three beliefs about Mukti.
- In order to reach it Sikhs must rid themselves of all bad Karma, and gain only good Karma
- It is ineffable. It cannot be explained only experienced
- Mukti can be achieved whilst someone is alive; Jivan Mukti
Mukti Quote
I crave not for a Kingdom, nor even for mukti, what I long for is the lotus feet of the Lord.
What are the negative and positive aspects of Mukti
Positive: The Virtues
Gurmukh
Negative: The Five evils
Manmukh
What are the five evils
- Pride
- Anger
- Lust
- Greed
- Worldly attatchment
Manmukh quote
Manmukh does not remember the Lord, and shall regret and repent hereafter
Maya
Negative aspects of mukti
The belief that material possesions in the world are permanent and valuable when they are not
Haumai
Negative aspects of Mukti
Excessive pride and ego, making the person to manmukh to see God.
Haumai Quote
Negative aspects of Mukti
Egotism is opposed to the name of the Lord
Two Key beliefs about the Five Khands
- Sikhs believe that they have to go through several stages (khands) to reach mukti
- they usually do not happen in one lifetime, but over several lifetimes
First Khand
Piety
All humans are born into piety, opportunity to accept waheguru
- Begin to devote their lives.
The Second Khand
Knowledge
This is gained by devoting time to Waheguru and learning about him
- Become spiritually aware of Waheguru.
The third Khand
Effort
To devote yourself to God, the have made develop themselves spiritually and help for others.
- realise the importance of Kirat Karna, Wand Chakna and Nam Japna
- Become disciplined in daily acts of worship
The fourth Khand
Grace
This is only reached when God takes part in this persons development.
- They have overcome the five vices
Fifth Khand
Truth
Finding God in his completeness, it cannot be described only experienced.
Oneness of humanity
Two Quotes
The nature of human life
Ik Onkar
Recognise the Lords light is within all
Why do Sikhs believe in the oneness of humanity
The nature of human life
Sikhs believe that everyone was created by God (Waheguru), and also that all humans have the divine spark of God within them.
What is the signfiicance of Guru Nanak rejecting the Hindu Sacred Thread ceremony
Key events: Guru Nanak
Displays that he rejected idolaltry.
- Sikhs now do not have pictures to represent Waheguru, the only symbols sikhs use are the Khanda and the Ik Onkar
What is the significance of Guru Nanak giving food to holy men instead of selling it for profit.
Key events:
He undesrtood the imporatnce of helping those who had nothing, and that this was more important than profit.
- Kirat Karna
- Donate to others through Dhan and Dasvandh.
Guru Nanak
River Bain
Equality quote
* God is neither Hindu nor Muslim*
* God is neither Hindu nor Muslim*
Significance on Sikhs today
They welcome all beings into the Gudwara and offer food from the Langar.
- The perform Sewa and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
What was Guru Nanaks thoughts on the Caste system
Thought it was irrelevant as to how people relate to God
What did Guru Nanak do that established the langar
On his travels, he shared food with everyone, which established the langar.
He shared with everyone regardless of their occupation, class, caste, gender or wealth.
What were the first five members of the Khalsa called
Guru Gobind Singh,
Panj Pyare
How does Guru Gobind Singhs formation of the Khalsa influence sikhs today.
- The story shows the rejection of the caste system and the belief in the oneness of humanity, because all five men were from different castes.
- The names Singh and Kaur represent equality and fairness within all humanity. These names are given to all individuals who enter the Khalsa today to reflect this belief.
How did Guru Angad display equality
Guru Angad set up schools to help young people to read and write Gurmukhi.
How did Guru Amar Das display equality
Made sure that those who came to consult him about religious matters were always treated to a meal before the talks began, everyone was given the same meal.
How did Guru Amar Das display gender equality
appointed 52 women missionaries to spread the message of Sikhism.
Sangat
The formation of people in the presence of the GGS, to worship and learn about Waheguru.
What does the Sangat do when gathered in the Gudwara
- Sing Kirtans
- Nam Japna
What is the role of the Sangat
- provides a community in which Sikhs can worship collectively
- Gives Sikhs the oppurtunity to partake in Nam Japna
- Ensures Sikhs stay on Gods path with the influence of others.
- Reenforces equality, as anyone is welcome.
What did Guru nanak say about the Sangat
The sangat is important as it helps Sikhs to follow God’s path.
Sangat Quote
renounce your ego in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy.
How does the Sangat benefit the community.
- help with the running of the gurdwara
2.help to teach children Punjabi
3.help in the langar
What is Nihang
Someone whom lives life with fear.
An order of fighting Sikhs, famous for their military victories.
Nihang quote
Being fearless, he becomes a ‘Nihang’
How the actions of the Nihang considered Sewa.
They are defenders of the Sangat
They are expected to display high moral charecter and be generous.
They devote their lives selflessly and live by the sikh virtues.
What is the Singificance of the GGS
- Believed to be the infallible word of God
- It is considered as the Living Guru, because the Gurmukhi scripture is considered the word of God and therefore treated with the respect a human would be.
What is the significance of who wrote the Adi Granth
The Adi Granth is a compilation of hyms and prayers written by both Sikh and Muslim writers who were from lower castes
Adi Granth quote on Gender equality
Why should we talk ill of her…there is none without her.
Equality in the Langar
- All gudwaras offer langar
- The food is always vegetarian to be accesible
- both genders prepare, cook and serve the food
- All eat together
