Sikhism Flashcards
How many followers and where are they situated?
5th largest - 23 million followers India, uk usa canada
Who founded Sikhism and when?
youngest of all world religions, founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji who was born in 1469 in Talwandi and the punjab during a time of conflict between hinduism and islam
he created sikhism to educate his followers about a different way to discover god
Who were the gurus and what did they do?
For 250 years, the position of Guru was passed down 9 times, until in 1708 Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared that the authority of guru would pass into a sacred book: Guru Granth Sahib Ji
What is the Mool Mantar?
belief and truths that there is only one god ‘wonderful lord’
repeated daily
‘Ik onkar’ = there is only one god
What is the cycle of rebirth in Sikhism?
cycle can only be broken when human because of decisions, once it happens soul returns to god
What is langar?
eating area inside for everyone attending the Gudwara
helps develop selflessness providing for other people
What is symbolism in Sikhism?
every gudwara has the khanda flag
centre: double edged sword - stir sugar and water during service {amrit}
surrounding: kara - bangle worn by sikhs as a reminder of their unity with god
outside: two curved swords representing spiritual and worldly power
What are the religious symbols?
1699 ninth Guru, Gobind Singh Ji spoke to a
gathering of Sikhs in Anandpur at foot of
Himalayas.
Guru asked for five volunteers who would give up their life for their faith.
each man went in then didnt return, and guru came with blood on sword
however, tent was opened and guru showed that each man was alive and well
This event marked the founding of the Khalsa – the
community of the pure. It is celebrated annually at the
festival of Baisakhi
What are the five K’s (Panj Kakka) ?
kesh: uncut hair - some wear turban or topnot
kangha: a comb used to keep hair in placed, must be washed daily - discipline to god
kara: bracelet of iron or steel - represents the khalsa connection with god and sikh
kachera: short undergarment trousers - symbol of modesty and purity
kirpan: short sword - not worn as weapon but as symbol of protecting the weak and faith in god
What is Khalsa?
community of the pure
What should male and females be named?
males: singh - lion
females: kaur - princess
males must follow Panj kakka, five ks
What is an example of controversy around Sikhism?
france banned wearing of religious garb and symbols inside state schools, and in 2011 banned from public places
Who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Also referred to as Baba Nanak (‘father Nanak’), was the founder of Sikhism and the
first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
What is the Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs
as the final, sovereign and eternal living Guru following the lineage of the ten human
Gurus of the religion.
What is the Mool Mantar?
The Mool Mantar is the Sikh statement of belief. It is the basis of the whole of Sikhism and
contains the key beliefs about Waheguru.
