Sikhism Flashcards
What do Sikhs mean by ‘Mukti’?
spiritual liberation from the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
What do Sikhs mean by the ‘Mool Mantra’?
The ‘basic teaching’ of Sikhism which are the first statements of each section of the Guru Granth Sahib.
What do Sikhs mean by ‘sangat’?
- The congregation or community.
- Those in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.
What do Sikhs mean by ‘sewa’?
Acts of service towards others.
Acts of charity.
What do Sikhs mean by ‘gurdwara’?
This is the name given to a Sikh place of worship; it means ‘gateway to the Guru’
What do Sikhs mean by ‘Amrit Sanskar’?
The ceremony that initiates Sikhs into the khalsa.
What do Sikhs mean by ‘Vaisakhi’?
Harvest festival
The festival that marks the formation of the first khalsa (community of initiated Sikhs).
What do Sikhs mean by ‘Gurpurbs’?
The celebrations of the anniversary of the birth or death of a Guru. Gurpurbs is also a celebration of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib in 1604
Describe Sikh beliefs about the nature of God.
God is one (Ik Onkar)
Eternal truth is His name (sat nam)
God is the creator (karta purakh)
God is without fear (nir bhau)
God is without hate (nir vair)
God is immortal (akal) and beyond form (murat)
God is beyond birth and death (ajuni)
God is the enlightener (saibhang)
God can be reached through the mercy and grace of the Guru
(gurprasaad)
’He permeates the winds and the waters.’
’He is neither a woman, nor a man’
’we are the children of the One God.’
God as the creator
Karta purakh (mool mantra)
‘we are the children of the One God’
‘the entire creation came from God’
God’s relationship with human life
He created us ‘we are the children of the One God’
He is part of all of us as he ‘permeates the winds and the waters’
Waheguru is omnibenevolent
Everything is Hukam ( God’s will)
Beliefs and teachings about the equality of all human beings
- Women and men can lead the religious service as Granthis.
- The majority of people on committees responsible for running a gurdwara are men.
- Only one woman has been president of the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee).
- Men and women are different beings and have different roles within the family/community.
- Women are not allowed to play Gurbani Kirtan at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).
- Women might not form part of the panj piares (beloved five) or be allowed to carry the Guru Granth Sahib while parading the text through the streets to mark key festivals.
- Women and men have equal hereditary rights.
- Initiation into the khalsa is open to both men and women.
- Women have played a key role throughout Sikh history. E.g. 52 female missionaries sent by Guru Amar Das, Guru Gobind Singh’s wife involved in first Vaisakhi initiation.
- Importance in teachings of the Oneness of Humanity.
- Importance in teachings of equality through words and actions of Gurus.
- The ten human Gurus were men.
from women ‘kings are born’
‘there is no hindu there is no muslim’
Describe how a Sikh can become God-centred (gurmurkh).
- They can follow the 5 Khands – Piety, Knowledge, Effort, Grace and Truth.
- Meditating on God’s name. (naam japna)
- Recite daily payers (Nitnem) e.g. Japji Sahib and the Jap Sahib, the Ten Swayyas, the Sodar Rahiras and the Sohila.
- They need to be praising the Lord daily.
- They reject the five evils: anger (krodh), Lust (kam), greed (lobh/ lobdh), worldly attachment (moh) and pride (ahankar).
- Stop being self-centred (Manmukh) and prideful (Haumai), this will lead to misery and reincarnation.
- They follow the acts of Sewa (Tan, Man and Dhan), serving the sangat in all ways.
- Contribute one-tenth, (Daswandh) of their income for religious purposes.
- Join the Khalsa and become amritdhari.
- Follow the Sikh codes from the Rehat Maryada e.g. wear the 5ks, worship one God and accept the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Daswandh
form of seva a person should donate 10% of their income to the sangat or charities such as Khalsa Aid
Explain how a Sikh might overcome haumai (pride/ego).
- Through acts of selfless service (sewa).
- Through acts of donations in the name of God (daswandh).
- Becoming God-centred (gurmukh).
- Keeping God in mind at all times (Naam japna).
- Calling God’s name to mind (Nam simran).
- Living an honest, truthful life and avoiding immoral actions (kirt karna).
- Sharing one’s wealth with others through charitable donations (vand chhakna).
- Overcoming delusion (maya) and no longer focusing on material priorities.
- Through rejecting the 5 thieves/vices, lust (kama), anger (krodh), greed (lobh), attachment (moh) and pride (ahankar).
Importance of Sangat
- Brings a sense of unity.
- Preserves the faith.
- Helps people to become a gurmurkh.
- Provide sewa with langar.
- The sangat continue the traditions that were laid down by the 10 Gurus.
- Learn from the Guru Granth Sahib together.
- Guru Nanak rejected an ascetic life, therefore, worshipping and being part
of a community is important. - Worship God together.
- Develop spiritual and moral values by learning from Amritdhari Sikhs.
- The Individual can learn from the Guru Granth Sahib on their own.
- A Sikh can become God-centred by meditating on God’s name, earning money honestly and doing sewa without being part of a sangat.
- Membership of the sangat is not necessary in order to avoid the 5 evils.
Explain Sikh beliefs about rebirth.
- Our rebirth is a result of our actions in our previous life (karma)
-‘By the karma of past actions, the robe of this physical body is obtained. By His Grace, the Gate of Liberation is found.’ - Liberation from rebirth can be obtained through the grace of God
- Those who are man-centred (manmukh), as opposed to God-centred
(Gurmukh), will suffer rebirth
‘The self-willed manmukhs are miserable forever.’ - Those who serve God will eventually be liberated from the cycle of rebirth.
- The body is the clothing for the soul and this is discarded at death.
- It is believed an individual may be reborn as either an animal or another
human being depending on their previous actions. - Souls have to travel through many rebirths before their divine spark
(Atma/Atman) is able to re-join God (Waheguru). - Rebirth is a result of God’s will (Hukam).
- It is only through being reborn as a human that a person is able to reach liberation (mukti).
- Several characteristics can stop us from reaching liberation and lead to rebirth e.g. greed, desire, attachment to the world etc.
‘Karma is the most important teaching for Sikhs.’
Karma affects future birth.
Belief in a divine spark within, a soul, (atman) which is part of God and will return to be with God when released from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Accumulation of positive and negative karma.
Gaining positive karma through spiritual actions.
The importance of the beliefs in God.
The importance of the beliefs about the nature of God.
The importance of gurmukh – without gurmukh one cannot achieve
liberation before death (jivan mukti).
The importance in the understanding of haumai (ego-centred acts) which, when rejected, will enable mukti.
Belief that everything which happens is down to the will of God (hukam).
The importance of the teachings regarding the oneness of humanity.
The importance of sewa (acts of charitable service).
The importance of the three foundations.
Bhatra Sikhs
These Sikhs mostly originated from the very North of India (which is now in Pakistan). Many
converted to Sikhism from the Hindu Brahmin caste in the 17th Century. In the UK they mostly
settled in seaport cities having arrived by boat as early as the 1910s. One of the first Gurdwara’s
was formed by this community in London. They largely live in some of the UKs Largest cities like
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff, Swansea, Newcastle, Liverpool. Many early Bhatras
were very enterprising, from being pedlars to running their own businesses. Most Bhatras were
traditional and did not allow their women to work outside of the home. Many of their Gurdwaras
actually state they are for the Bhatra community, but will welcome anyone.
Ramgarhia Sikhs
They originated from Northwestern Punjab in India. They were named after Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
(born 1723-1803), they are also known as Tarkhans. Jassa was a leader of a group that protected
the Golden Temple – Harminder Sahib from attacks. Early Ramgarhia Sikhs were very skilled. In
the UK they settled in London, Birmingham, Leicester and Reading . During British rule of Africa
Sikhs were taken to East Africa, for cheap carpentry labour, over 90% were Ramgarhia Sikhs.
Many Ramgarhia Sikhs came to the UK in the 1970s when Idi Amin expelled them from Uganda.
Ugandan Ramgarhia Sikhs settled in cities like Swindon and Bristol and took skilled jobs such as
motor engineers and semi skilled work such as taxi/bus drivers. Many of their Gurdwaras state they
are for the Ramgarhia community, but will welcome anyone.
Describe the features of the Harmander Sahib (Golden Temple) in
Amritsar.
- Akal Takht (throne of the Timeless One).
- Amrit Sarovar (Pool of nectar).
- Ragis (musicians).
- Granthi (a person reading the GGS).
- 4 doors.
- Booths – carry Karah Prashad.
- Nihang Sikhs present distributing Amrit.
- Langar.
- Golden dome.
- Guru’s bridge.
- Adi Granth (first book).
- Rest Room.
ITEMS IN THE DIWAN/DARBAR HALL
Chanani = canopy above the GGS
Chauri = flywhisk/fan waved over the GGS
Golak = box to collect donations
Palki = the overall space the GGS is placed in
Manji Sahib = the actual base/wooden DIAS the GGS is placed upon,
Rumalla = beautiful cloths given as donations as covers for the GGS
Describe two internal features of a gurdwara
- The prayer hall (diwan hall) is often upstairs and does not have religious images or icons.
- There is a free kitchen (langar), which provides food to anyone who
attends. - There is a sink in the reception foyer to allow worshippers to wash their hands before they enter the prayer hall.
- There is a bedroom for the Guru Granth Sahib.
- There is a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib installed.
- The Guru Granth Sahib is kept on a throne (takht/manji sahib) at the front of the prayer hall.
Describe how a Sikh might pray at home.
- A Sikh may follow the Sikh code of conduct (Rehat Maryada), which
states they are to wake 3 hours before sunrise to begin worship. - A Sikh might bathe before meditating on the name of God (Waheguru).
- A Sikh might recite Guru Nanak’s composition, (the Asia di Var) in the early hours of the morning.
- A Sikh might recite or sing set prayers before breakfast (Guru Nanak’s Japji – the mool mantra).
- A Sikh might recite set prayers (Sodar Rahiras) in the early evening.
- A Sikh might sing a set selection of hymns (collectively known as Sohila), in the late evening before they go to sleep.
- A Sikh may recite the command of the day (hukam) before their breakfast.
- A Sikh might read from their Adi Granth at home.
Explain the importance of meditating on the name of God.
- 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).
Importance of Akand Path
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
Explain the significance for Sikhs of a birth and naming ceremony.
- 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.
Explain the significance of Amrit Sanskar for Sikhs.
- 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.
The different views of khalsa and non-khalsa (sahaj-dhari) Sikhs
- 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.
‘Every Sikh should visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar.’
- 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.”
Describe how Sikhs celebrate gurpurbs.
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.
Explain the importance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
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.
KANGA
⬧ 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
KESH
⬧ 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.
KARA
⬧ 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
KACHERA
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
KIRPAN
- 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)
Events of Vaisakhi
- 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 –
Importance of Vaisakhi
- 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
Diwali
- 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
