Sikhism Flashcards
1
Q
Stats
A
- Fifth largest religion in the world (26 million members) mostly concentrated in Punjab
- The word Sikh means DISCIPLE
- No denominations but distinction between those with membership in the Khalsa (the baptized) and those without it (no theological difference)
- Emerged in the 15th century where Muslims and Hindus had coexisted for centuries (influenced by Hindu bhakti and Muslim monotheism) BUT an existing cultural/religious environment does not necessarily lead to conscious syncretism
2
Q
Founder and History
A
GURU NANAK
- born in Hindu family of the Kshatriya caste
- Theophany in river or forest “No Hindu and no Mussulman”
- Miracle at his death and other wonder tales (unifier of faiths)
- 9 more gurus after Nanak
- The last guru, GOBIND SINGH, instituted the Khalsa (the pure), a society uniting righteousness and military force Ups and downs in recent history
3
Q
Scriptures
A
ADI GRANTH
- primarily including hymns written by Nanak and Arjun
- The Guru Granth Sahib, the 11th guru, the eternal guru
- The Granth is the living word of god, enthroned every day in Sikh’s places of worship
- The Granth must be present for important matters
- Role in birth and marriage
- Original in golden temple
4
Q
Beliefs
A
- ONE GOD, infinite, truth
- MUL MANTAR – the confession of faith
- “there is one creator, whose name is truth, creative being without fear, without hate, timeless whose spirit is throughout the universe, beyond the cycle of death and rebirth, self-existent by the grace of the guru. God is made known to humanity. Chant and meditate on His name. True in the beginning, true now, and says Nanak, will be true forever”*
- Acceptance of karma, samsara, maya
- The purpose of life is MUKTI, (or release from samsara) to be united with God or truth
5
Q
The Moderate Way
A
- Avoidance of the five vices and pursuit of the five virtues
- TWO FOUNDATIONS
- Service
- remembrance of God’s name
- THREE PILLARS
- Earning an honest & dedicated living
- singing & chanting the names of god
- giving & sharing
- Great focus on hospitality and sharing, the langar, found in every gurdwara (place of worship)
- Humans as God’s highest creation (no taboo on meat); violence acceptable in self-defense
- Religion and worship: a matter of the heart
6
Q
The Khalsa (pure)
A
A Mix of religious devotion and military initiation
- Initiation (baptism), taking of a new name (Singh & Kaur)
- Code of conduct, covenantal unity and single purpose underlined by standard clothing (as in the army), the 5 Ks
