KEY BELIEFS - SIKHISM Flashcards
When was Sikhism founded?
In 1499CE in India by Guru Nanak making it the youngest of the 6 world religions.
Where does the word Sikh come from?
The Indian word for ‘Learner’, ‘Disciple’ or ‘Student’.
How do Sikhs believe their religion was revealed to them?
Directly revealed to them from God through their ‘Guru’ (‘Teacher’) Nanak.
What other religions have influenced Nanak’s teachings?
Hinduism and Islam
Name 3 Hindu influences present in Sikhism?
- The emphasis on DEVOTION to God (Bhakti)
- Belief in REINCARNATION
- Achieving ENLIGHTENMENT through meditation
Name 2 Islamic influences present in Sikhism
- The desire for social equality
2. The dislike for idols - like Muslims, Sikhs believe that since God is infinite it is impossible to make images of him
What else did Sikhism seek to achieve?
It grew out of trying to change what was perceived as some of Hinduism’s and Islam’s more negative sides.
What 2 things has Sikhism always argued for?
- Total equality between men and women
2. The differences in people’s social background are totally unimportant in God’s eyes
What did Guru Nanak say during conflict in his lifetime between some Hindus and Muslims and on him becoming enlightened?
“There is no Hindu. There is no Muslim’.
Guru Nanak said, “There is no Hindu. There is no Muslim’.
What did he mean by this?
Only the spirit of these religions was true and that their differences were not really important.
What do Sikhs mean by God is ‘omnipresent’?
That their ONE God is EVERYWHERE.
How do Sikhs believe that they can come to know God?
Sikhs believe that as God is omnipresent, He lives within them in their hearts and in the hidden centre of all things.
How did Nanak teach that seeing God was possible?
Through the strong practice of meditation.
What practice did Nanak think was pointless?
All ‘outward’ shows of religion were pointless.
What 2 things did Nanak feel was important in religious life?
- Devotion to God in the heart
2. Seeing God with the ‘inner’ eye
