Sikhism Flashcards
Founder of Sikhism?
Guru Nanak
How many gurus are there?
10
What is Sikhism’s message?
Devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, and equality
What role did the gurus have and who are they?
They are enlightened spiritual teachers who taught India to live spiritually fulfilling lives with dignity, freedom and honour
Meaning of Sikh?
Student/learner
Describe the origins
- Originated from the Punjab area (India/Pakistan)
- 500 years ago
- Guru Nanak grew up around Hindu/Muslim teachings
- Refused the sacred thread ceremony
- Worked for the government in Sultanpur, and was disgusted with the caste system and exploitation
- Bathed in a river, where God took him and said “There is no Muslim/Hindu, there is only one God”, returning three days later
- Vouched for the quality of humans, and disapproved of the caste system/ethnic and religious division
Place of worship? 3 functions?
Gurdwara
Kirtan: Singing of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib
Katha: Reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and explanations
Langar: Free community kitchen for all visitors
Place of worship protocols?
- Remove shoes, and cover bare heads
- Wash hands/feet
- Everyone sits on the floor (sign of equality)
- Open 24/7
Khanda?
Symbol of Sikhism, a double edged sword (belief in one God), chakkar/circle (God without beginning/end), crossed kirpans (spiritual authority/political power)
Five K’s?
Kesh, kara, kanga, kaccha, kirpan
Kesh?
Uncut hair
Kara?
Steel/silver bracelet
Kanga
Wooden comb
Kaccha
Cotton underwear
Kirpan
Steel sword
Vaisakhi?
A celebration of thanksgiving and prayer for future prosperity
- Float of Guru Granth Sahib (bowed to for respect)
- Free food
Two holidays Sikhs celebrate?
Diwali, Holi
Guru?
Teacher, spiritual guide to teach Sikhs
Karma?
Decides the life born into, but God modifies it to allow anyone to become a good person
Reincarnation?
Rebirth
Heaven?
Remerge with God (mukti), let go of ego
Hell?
Living on Earth
God? Name?
Only one God (Ik Onkar)
- Formless, genderless, universal
- All of reality
- Everyone has the same God
- Waheguru= Wondrous God
Major events surrounding the gurus?
Founder: Guru Nanak
- Passed it down
Guru Amar Das
- Complied the first version of the Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Hargobind
- Started the militarization of the Sikh
Guru Gobind Singh
- Founded the Kalsa
- Named Guru Granth Sahib
Why was the Guru Granth Sahib named the last guru?
Guru Godbind Singh thought that Sikhs didn’t need human leadership, and that the teachings in the book were enough
Maya?
Egoism. Sin, attracting us away from God
Milestones?
Birth, naming ceremony, marriage, death
Last names of every Sikh?
Singh, Kaur
