Practices Flashcards
The bed in which the GGS is placed on
The manji
The throne in which the GGS is placed on
The takht
The dome structure over the takht
The palki
How do Sikhs show their respect for the GGS
(4)
- Covered by Ramallas when not in use
- Fanned with a chauri
- The GGS is always above everyone
- at the end of the day the GGS is carried by the head of the khalsa to its rest room
What is the Akhand path
Continous 48 hour reading of GGS
Sikh worship quote
Worship in adoration that True Lord; everything is under his power.
Where does Sikh worship happen
Worship can happen anywhere as Sikhs believe God is present everywhere.
However special reverence is shown to the Gudwara.
What can worship include
Listening, meditating, singing, reciting, working and servicing people
How do Sikhs show respect within the Gudwara (3)
- Remove shoes and cover heads
- Wash hands and feet
-Bow before the GGS
How do Sikhs worship in the Gudwara
- Worship begins and ends with Ardas prayer
- Hukam (random reading from GGS)
- Also includes Kirtan (hyms)
Who leads the worship
Can be lead by any sikh, male or female.
What music is used in worship
The Kirtans are based on shabads from the GGS.
Believed to nourish the soul and encourage listeners to focus on God.
How is the end of the service marked
Karah prashad is given to everyone.
This symbolises equality amongst all
Origins of Langar
- Created by Guru nanak to demonstrate his teachings of equality
- Continued by the second Guru (Guru Angad)
- Guru Gobind singh (the last guru) was believed to have said on his death bed to [keep the langar ever open]
What does langars origins show
That it is a central part of the Sikh faith
Example of a Langar today
The Guru SIngh Sabha Gudwara in London serves around 5000 meals a day.
What are other forms of Langar
Food banks and programmes to feed the homeless.
Langar lasting forever quote
The kitchen of the Gurus has been opened, and its supplies never run short
Importance of Langar
- Selfless service to others (sewa)
- Sewa is a form of worship
- Demonstrates important of community
- Demonstrates belief that the resources of the world shall be shared.
What is the prayer book used at home called
Gukta
How do Sikhs prayer in the morning
- Sikhs should bathe to remind God is all around them
- Recite the Japji
- Pass mala beads through fingers and recite Waheguru
How do Sikhs prayer in the evening
- At dusk, Rahiras prayer should be recited
- When going to bed, Sohila prayer should be recited
Importance of praying throughout the day quote
One who meditates on my Lord.. that GurSukh becomes pleasing to the Gurus mind
Gudwara as a place for the local community
- Guest rooms
- Library
- Prayer hall
- The langar
- Rooms for meditating and education
What is the Granthi
Memebers of the Khalsa which live by the code of Rehat Meryada
What does the Granthi do
- Lead Kirtan
-Arrange daily services - care for the GGS
What takes place during Vaisakhi
The Akhand path
- The taking down of the Nishan Sahib and replaced with a new one (purity and cleanliness)
- Large community meals
- Wearing new clothes
Importance of Vaisakhi (4)
- Remembers GGS establishing Khalsa
- Many take part in the Amrit Sanskar ceremony to become a member of the Khalsa
- Remembers killing of Sikhs in 1919
- Opportunity for community celebration
How is Diwali celebrated
- Bonfires and fireworks
- Presents are given
- Homes are cleaned and lit up
- Akhand path
- Many travel to the golden temple in Amrister
What is remembered at Diwali
Guru Hargobind and Bhai Mani Singh
Diwali: Guru Hargobind
He saved 52 Hindu princes from Mughal authorities, they said the princes would only be able to leave if they could hold onto his cloak. He cut his cloak into 52 tassels
He became known as Bandi Chhor
Diwali: Bhai Mani Singh
He stopped the gathering of Sikhs for a celebration of Diwali after discovering the emporor was intending to kill many of the sikhs.
The emperor ordered his death
How are the Gurpurbs celebrated in India
- Take place on the actual date, many schools close
- Large processions with firework displays
How are the Gurpurbs celebrated in GB
- celebrated on nearest weekend
- Quieter and more local
Name two Gurpurbs
Guru nanaks birthday and The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Gurpurbs: Guru Nanaks B-day
Candles are lit in Gudwaras, offices and homes.
Children are gifted new clothes and have a holiday from school
Gurpurbs: Guru tegh bahadur
He refused to become muslim and tried to stop the killing of Sikhs, he was excecuted.
Importance of Gudwara having 4 entrances
All are welcome
Features of the Golden temple
- 4 entrances
- Steps go down in the temple, humble.
- The original Adi Granth is there
What do visitors do at the Golden temple
- Bathe in sacred waters
- Eat at the langar
-Reflect and meditate on god
Importance of Pilgrimage to sikhs
- They are putting the effort into understanding God
- Deepening their faith
- Gain wisdom from visiting historical places
Pilgrimage quote
There is no sacred shine equal to the Guru
What happens in the naming ceremony for a baby
- Parents take karah prashad to share with congregation
- Mool mantra is said to give thanks for new life
-Baby is given spoonful of amrit
New life quote
The true guru has truly given a child
How is a babys name chosen
The granthi opens random page of GGS and reads top left hand side section. The first letter of the first sentence shall be the first letter of the childs name.
How do Sikhs prepare for the initiation into the Khalsa
- Must bathe and wash hair
- Wear 5 ks
Who is present at the initiation of the Khalsa
5 other amritdhari and the the granthi
What happens in the ceremony initiating sikhs (5)
- Asked questions to ensure it is the right decision
- Hyms are sung
- The Panj Piere sprinkle amrit on the persons eyes and hair five times
- They are given a sikh name
- Everyone eats a share of Karah Prashad
Requirements for becoming a member of the Khalsa
- only cohabit with husband or wife
- No alcohol or tobacco
-Wear 5 ks - Must not eat meat which has been ritually slaughtered
