Sikhism

1
Sikhism

• By
• Kelly Cross
• and
• Ricky Brown

2
What is Sikhism?

• SikhDisciple.
• Living a truthful life under one God, the
  Creator, Sustainer, and Destroyer.
• 5th largest religion in the world, 25 million
  followers.
• 10 Gurus and Holy Book.
• Mix of Hindu and Muslim theologies.
• Founded in India.

3
FounderGuru Nanak

• (April 15th 1469-1539).
• Born in West Punjab, India.
• Bedi class.
• Settled Kartarpur, in Punjab.
• Spoke hymns and wisdom.
• There is neither Hindu or Mussalmans (Duggal
  198014).
• Was chosen one according to sister.
• Parents, especially father, did not appreciate
  his religious seeking.
• Was intellectually stimulated, more than other
  kids his age.

4
The Gurus

• 1st Guru Nanak
• 2nd Guru Angad
• 3rd Guru Amar Das
• 4th Guru Ram Das
• 5th Guru Arjan Dev

• 6th Guru Hargobind
• 7th Guru Har Rai
• 8th Guru Harkrishan
• 9th Guru Tegh Behadur
• 10th Guru Singh

5
History

• Founded in 15th century India.
• Broke from caste system.
• Started a self-sufficient community.
• 10 Gurus, each had own influence of Sikhism.
• Under attacks by native militants.
• Two swords are symbolic of religion.
• Unaccepted by Emperor in 1600s.

6
The Symbol

• Khanda-a vertical double edged sword with a broad
  blade.
• Kirpans-curved sword.
• Miri and piri by Guru Hargobind.
• Chakker
• Xena Warrior Princess

7
Doctrine of Group

• Central emphasis of Sikhism fuses Hindu and
  Muslim thoughts, yet rejects these in light of an
  enlightened understanding of God and creation.
• Monotheism- One God, Creator, Destroyer.
• God cannot take human form.
• Five cardinal vices Kam (lust), Krodh (anger),
  Lobh (greed), Moh (worldly attachment), and
  Ahankar (pride).
• Rejection of fasting, vegetarianism,pilgrimages,
  superstitions, yoga, and idol worship (including
  Gurus).
• Today Holy Text acts as modern Guru.
• Community Service and charity are very important.
  

8
Spiritual Evolution

• Manmukh- a person who is self-centered and only
  thinks about himself and the material world
  around him and is totally oblivious to God.
• Sikh- anyone who sets out on the path of learning
  and meets the specific definition of a Sikh as
  appears in the Reht Maryada.
• Khalsa-total dedication to Sikihism. One who has
  shed his ego and personality and truly honors the
  memroy of Guru Gobind Singh through his actions
  and deeds.
• Gurmukh-one who has achieved mukhti (salvation)
  and is totally God-centered.

9
Physical Articles of Faith

• Kesh
• Dastar
• Kangha
• Kara
• Kachna
• Kirpan

10
Women in Sikhist Community

• Equality stressed by Guru Nanak.
• Ideology of women.
• Broke from tradition.
• Equal to men.
• Worship as equals.
• Worked in community.
• No female Gurus.

11
Community

• Communal kitchen.
• Family life encouraged.
• Human dignity.
• Daily devotions/hymns.
• Honest living/wage.
• Charity.
• Honorable acts.

There is Only One God. Ik Onkar symbol.
12
Analysis

• Durkheims Functionalist Theory
• Work is elevated to sacred status.
• Work as an expression of Gods love.
• Service to others paralleled to faith in God.
• Sikh attire distinguishes a Sikh from other
  peoples.
• Use of sword developed to serve the religions
  cultural situation.

13
Analysis

• Role of Community
• Designate sacred and profane.
• Legacy of founder.
• Use of equality in Sikhism.
• Breaking for native chaste system.
• Personal and Public worship/devotion.
• Mediation practices, prayer, and devotions to God
  strengthen personal ties.

14
Gurdwara
15
Sikh in Communal Kitchen
16
A Sikh monumentGurdwara

• Sikhs praying in a Sikh temple

17
Conclusion

• Sikhism is rooted in Indian traditions.
• Distinctions of this religion brought military
  conflict with other religions.
• Changed as such uprisings began.
• 1984 attack on the Golden Temple Complex by Hindu
  militants.
• Sikhs hold hope for real peace.
• Recent events have aided in a revival of
  ancestral teachings.

18
So where exactly are the Sikhs?
19
Are there Sikhs in the United States?
Good question! Lets take a look!
And the answer is YES.
20
Contrary to popular belief there ARE Sikhs in
Canada!
21
Bibliography

• Duggal, Kartar Singh. The Sikh Gurus. Advent
  Books, Inc. New York. 1980.