Sikhism Flashcards

Question

Explain the importance of meditating on the name of God.

Answer 1

* Naam japna is a core Sikh practice. * Meditating on the name of God links to Naam Simran – constantly having God in one’s mind. * Become more aware of the Ultimate Reality – Waheguru. * Aids a person in becoming Gurmurkh. * Aids them getting out of reincarnation and reaching Mukti. * Aid a Sikh to become a Jivan mukti. * Sing Shabads (hymns), can aid in this meditation, which is an expression of love to Wahguru. * They can understand who Waheguru is and learn how to act upon his teachings. * Meditating on the name of God is one of the key virtues of a Sikh, alongside living an honest life and doing sewa (charity). * Meditating on God is being in touch with the spark of Waheguru that lives within us. * By putting God at the centre of a Sikh’s life they are more likely to do service to God and others (Sewa).

Answer 2

Akand Path is the continuous, front to back, reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It usually takes almost three days to read. This reading is an important and extremely meaningful meditative practice for Sikhs. It is the ultimate in Sikh Worship. Akand Parts form part of every festival from Vaisakhi to a simple Gurpurb. Akand Paths are also read in honour of major life events like marriages, funerals, and births. They are important community events and conducted either buy a team of granthis who take turns reading for long periods of time or can be helped by community members who take turns reading for smaller time slots. The GGS is read day and night. Any sangat can attend. The continuous reading takes the reader and the listener on a beautiful journey

Answer 3

* May take place within 40 days after the child is born in order to fulfil the instructions for the ceremony that are in the Rahit Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct). * It will take place at the Gurdwara so it is in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. * A prayer (ardas) is recited which asks for blessings of good health and a long Sikh life. * The Guru Granth Sahib is opened at random by the Granthi (priest) and the first letter of the first word at the top of the left page is used as the first letter of the baby’s name so that the newborn is symbolically connected to the words of the Guru Granth Sahib. * The hymn from the top of the opened page is read aloud as an act of worship. * Parents may choose a name immediately or they may involve the family to help choose the name as they would like a meaningful name. * Initiated Sikhs add suffixes to their baby’s name; ‘Singh’ for a boy or ‘Kaur’ for a girl to show their dedication to the Khalsa. * Sikh names given during the naming ceremony have a religious meaning to show their connection and dedication to the faith. * Names may not be gender specific to act on the ideals of equality promoted by the words and actions of the human Gurus of Sikhism. * Karah Prashad, a sweet dish made from flour, semolina and sugar, is distributed amongst those present perhaps as a reminder of the sweetness of the gift of life. * Anand Sahib (hymns) are recited to demonstrate devotion to God. * The family may provide offerings and a new rumalla (silk or cotton cloth for the Guru Granth Sahib) as a sign of respect.

Answer 4

* It is a rite of passage. * A Sikh may consider it important as the instructions are found in the Sikh code of conduct (Rehat Maryada). * It is a baptism into the community of the ‘pure’ (khalsa). * Sikhs who are undergoing the Amrit Sanskar are reminded of the principles of the Sikh faith. * The preparation of the sugar water (amrit) and recitation of prayers allows the initiate to become more spiritually involved. * The recitation of ‘The Khalsa is God’s, the victory is God’s’ reminds the initiate of the importance of the Khalsa for God. * It is following in the footsteps of the ‘beloved five’ (Panj Piares) who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith. * Sikhs become known as Guru Gobind Singh’s Khalsa, once initiated, and followers show devotion through following his requirements for his Khalsa Sikhs. * Initiated Sikhs are considered to be children of Guru Gobind Singh and his wife, Mata Sahib Kaur, and thus part of one family. * Completion of Amrit Sanskar shows loyalty to Guru Gobind Singh and his predecessors. * The adoption of the names Singh and Kaur, following Amrit Sanskar, represent a rejection of caste-specific names and therefore promotes equality.

Answer 5

* Khalsa Sikh is an Amritdhari – Amrit Sanskar initiation; making a public declaration of their faith. * Continuing the traditions that Guru Gobind Singh conducted. * Khalsa Sikhs are more likely to preserve the faith. * Khalsa Sikhs are more likely to follow the morals of the Rehat Maryada. * Khalsa Sikhs show they are Sikhs by wearing the Five K’s. * Khalsa Sikhs feel they have an obligation to represent the community and religion. * Khalsa Sikhs are more likely to become a Gurmukhi and attain Jivan Mukti. * Khalsa Sikhs should not regard themselves as a superior Sikh. * Sahajdhari (slow adopters) still accept the teachings and practices of the Sikh faith. * Sahajdhari believe in the teachings and in Waheguru, then they must be a Sikh. * Sahajdhari are still part of the sangat – Sikh community. * The original Sikh followers were not part of the Khalsa. * Guru Nanak was not part of the Khalsa.

Answer 6

* Importance of worshipping with other members of the global Sikh community. * Importance of bathing in the ‘pool of nectar’ at Amritsar and the removal of sin when doing so. * The significance of the symbolic meaning of the Golden Temple as a rejection of varna (caste) and a symbol of equality. * The Golden Temple is considered the centre of spiritual and cultural identity for Sikhs. * The opportunity to hear the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. * A Sikh may take part in sewa, through helping out at one of the largest langars in the world. * There is no direct instruction to visit. * A Sikh might find it preferable to stay at home and spend their money on selfless service (sewa) or donations in the name of God (daswandh). * The Nankana Sahib, built in Guru Nanak’s birthplace, may be considered more significant as a place of pilgrimage. * Acts of worship, devotion and social concern are considered more important than travelling to a place of pilgrimage. “The faithful do not follow empty religious rituals.”

Answer 7

 Continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (Akand Path) ending on the morning of the gurpurb (anniversary being remembered).  Gurdwaras are decorated with lights, flowers and flags.  New or smart clothes are worn.  Poems recited in praise of the Guru being remembered.  Hymns are sung from the Guru Granth Sahib.  Attend lectures about Sikhism.  Guru Granth Sahib paraded through the village or city.  Five Sikhs lead procession of Guru Granth Sahib.  Free food/sweets offered to the public outside the gurdwara.  Blessed sweet substance (Karah Prashad) is served following the service.  Sending greeting cards is a newer tradition by western Sikhs.  Langar (free community kitchen) will be served at the gurdwara.

Answer 8

 A central place of pilgrimage for Sikhs.  A reminder of the support of Maharaja Ranjit Singh when the temple was vandalised.  A reminder of Sikh strength when the faith has come under attack in previous centuries.  Four entrances to the complex symbolise the rejection of varna and the welcome extended to all people regardless of gender, religion or race.  Four entrances to complex are an open invite to travellers from all directions.  Allows a person to bathe in the ‘pool of nectar’ and remove their sins.  Steps leading down to the Golden Temple shows humility toward the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib.  Uniquely at the Golden Temple, hymns (kirtan) are performed throughout the day, every day, as a sign of devotion  The place where the first Guru Granth Sahib was installed after being compiled by Guru Arjan in 1604.

Answer 9

⬧ Small comb worn in a Sikh’s hair. ⬧ Represents the importance of discipline and is used to keep the hair clean and untangled. ⬧ Promotes orderliness and spiritual discipline

Answer 10

⬧ Long unshorn hair. The keeping of hair in its natural state is regarded as living in harmony with the will of God. ⬧ An outward commitment.

Answer 11

⬧ Steel bracelet usually worn on the right hand, but not always. ⬧ A symbolic reminder of the commitment of a Sikh to God. ⬧ Signifies allegiance to the Khalsa ⬧ Circle is also a symbol of restraint – a constant reminder to be good/truthful ⬧ Symbol of unity/equality

Answer 12

Long boxer-like underwear – breeches. * Represents the commitment of a Sikh to monogamy and sexual restraint. * Symbolises high moral character - modesty * Practical in those times/useful. * Emphasised the importance of cleanliness

Answer 13

* Symbol of courage, dignity and honour * By wearing a Kirpan a Sikh makes a commitment to stand up for the Truth and against oppression (self-defence/power and freedom)

Answer 14

- started in Anandpur in 1666 with Guru Gobind Singh - The festival of Vaisakhi was going on (harvest festival) - The Guru sent a message to all Sikhs to come to Anandpur - Over 20,000 Sikhs assembled in Anandpur - He asked “I need a head of a Sikh who claims faith in me and the Sikhi message” - 5 people from different castes and regions went inside each time he came out with a bloody sword - Then the Guru came out with the five Sikhs behind him all clothes in blue and saffron coloured clothes and turbans on their heads. - he had given the Sikhs a test – to test their faith and belief in a Sikh brotherhood or nation. - He stated that from that day onwards the five would be known as the PANJ PIARE (five beloved ones) and they were to be given the status of KHALSA SIKHS - This event started the brotherhood of Sikhs known as the Khalsa Panth - KHALSA means pure of heart - The five were given sweet water (amrit), mixed by the Guru’s wife, blessed by the Guru himself - The name SINGH (lion) were given as their surname so that they were EQUAL as men - Women were to be called KAUR – meaning princess – as women were to be treated equally and with respect too - The giving of the sweetened water became the INITIATION ceremony known as Amrit or Amrit Sanskar. - The Guru himself also changed his name from GOBIND RAI to GOBIND SINGH - 10,000’s of Sikhs were initiated/‘baptised’ on the day of Vaisakhi –

Answer 15

- it sealed the idea of Sikhism as a religion in its own right with its own method of baptism and belonging - it showed courage, bravery, power of faith, loyalty, love and determination - It introduced the powerful concept of KHALSA which is very significant to Sikhs, baptised and un-baptised all over the world today - It reinforced the idea of all Sikhs should be SAINT-SOLDIERS (Meeri-Peeri). - The idea of 5 Khalsa Sikhs is reinacted all over the world during Vaisakhi and the NAGARKIRTAN, which are huge processions that take place on that day in every major town and city all over the world there are Sikhs

Answer 16

- The Sikh celebration of the return of the sixth Guru, GURU HARGOBIND from detention in the Gwalior Fort - the sixth Guru had agreed to his release on the condition that the other fifty-two detainees, who were in prison with him would also be released. - The story of Divali for the Sikhs is a story of the Sikh struggle for freedom. - religious celebration lasts 3 days - poems about the Guru are sung - offering of cash and gifts made to Golden Temple - They in turn receive the Karah Parshad - many will sit in silent meditation and do naam japna - Gurdwaras will do an Akand Part - Firework displays are held