1 Mandeep Singh Bawa

GAISS Equity Education Director

SIKHISM

Who are the Sikhs?

3

Origin of SikhismWhat is a Sikh?What is a “Guru”?Birth of Sikhism & the 10 GurusBirth of the Khalsa & The “5 Ks”Sikh BeliefsThe Guru Granth SahibGurdwara & The Golden TempleImportance of IdentitySikh Dastar (Turban)Dastar Bandi & Anand KarajSikhs in North America

Agenda

4

INDIA

CHINA

INDIAAFGHANISTAN

PAKISTAN

IRAN

Origin of Sikhism

Sikh means “Student” or “Disciple”

Sikhism is world’s 5th largest religion, after Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism

26 million Sikhs worldwide

– 20 million in India

– 1 million in North America

99 % of the people wearing TURBANS in America are Sikhs

What is a Sikh?

6

Guru means “Spiritual Enlightener”

The term GURU implies descendant of divine guidance to mankind sent from God.Literally translated: GU–means darkness and RU means light.Thus, “Guru” means the Light that dispels darkness. Therefore, Guru Nanak was the embodiment of divine light.

What is a “Guru”?

7

Guru Nanak Dev Ji – 1st GuruBorn in 1469 during a time when:– Rich exploited the poor– Women had no role in

society– Land divided by religion– Caste system prevailed

Guru Nanak founded Sikhism based on equality and justice for all and taught us that all human beings regardless of skin color, wealth, caste, and gender are created equal.

“Truth is high; still higher is truthful living” - Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Birth of Sikhism

8

Naam Japo: Chanting the Holy Name and thus remembering God at

all times (ceaseless devotion to God).Kirat Karō: Earning/making a living

honestly, without exploitation or fraud.Vand Chakkō: Sharing with others, helping

those with less who are in need.

These principles became the FOUNDATION of Sikhism.

Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Principles

9

The 10 Gurus

10

The 10 GurusGuru Nanak Dev ji – Founded SikhismGuru Angad Dev ji – Introduced new alphabet known as Gurmukhi Script, started langarGuru Amardas ji – Embodiment of Seva (service)Guru Ramdas ji –Built the holy city of AmritsarGuru Arjan Dev ji – Compiled Guru Granth Sahib, built Golden Temple, First Sikh MartyrGuru Hargobind ji – Miri (Temporal Strength) and Piri (Spiritual Strength) Guru Har Rai ji – Opened Free hospitals for those in need,

“…man breaks flowers with one hand and offers them with the other, but the flowers perfume both hands alike. The axe cuts the sandal tree, yet the sandal perfumes the axe.” – Guru Har Rai Ji

11

Guru Har Krishan ji – Devoted his life to helping the sickGuru Tegh Bahadur ji - Championed religious freedom, martyred while fighting for religious freedomGuru Gobind Singh ji – Created Khalsa (comes from the Persian word “khalis” meaning “Pure”),

A splendid Divine Light shone in the darkness of the night. Pir Bhikan Shah, a Muslim mystic performed his prayers in that Easterly direction (instead of towards the West, contrary to his daily practice), and guided by this Divine Light, he traveled with a group of his followers until he reached Patna Sahib in Bihar, India.

The 10 Gurus

12

During the spring of 1699, the Guru called his followers for a special gathering. Symbolized a revitalization of the Sikh identity and the evolution of the Sikh community into saint-soldiers. After initiating the five "beloved ones" into the new order of the Khalsa, the Guru knelt before them and requested that they initiate him.Gave the names Singh (“Lion”) to men and Kaur (“Princess”) to women.Khalsa Sikhs identified with the 5 K’s.

‘Birth of the Khalsa’

5 K’s – mandatory articles of faith

Kesh - Uncut hair: Sikhs do not cut hair or beards to remain in the image that God gave us. Kachera - Under-shorts (boxers) to represent modesty and fidelity (virtuous character)Kanga - Comb, made of wood - to keep uncut hair neat and clean. Kara - Bracelet, made of steel worn on right hand –a reminder of noble actions, a symbol of eternity.Kirpan - Ceremonial small blunt knife symbolizing freedom, liberty and justice.

Articles of Faith

14

The Khanda: is the double edged sword that represents God’s power, the circle is for continuity, the two outer swords for spiritual and political balance.

Khanda

15

There is One God for all of creation, a

loving Creator attainable through the Grace

Goal is to be one with god

Selfless service towards the entire CreationTruth, fearless, non-hateful spirit are

important in attaining salvation

Absolute equality of humanity

Defenders of social and spiritual justice

Living a moral, truthful and hardworking existenceHumility and loving actionDefending the rights of the downtrodden and oppressed

Sikh Beliefs

Bhai Kanhiyapioneer of the Red Cross & humanitarian aide organizations

16

“Guru” means “Spiritual teacher” who dispels the ignorance.“Granth” implies a ‘Scripture containing divine knowledge’.“Sahib” is added as a mark of respect, which literally means “The Master” or “The Lord”.

Guru Granth Sahib ji

17

Guru Granth Sahib -the Sikh Scripture is purely monotheistic1430 pagesThe Gurus’ Experience of the DivineAlso included were a few hymns from Hindu and Muslim saints who believed in ONE GodThe main teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib are cultivating a real personal devotion to God, fostering compassion and service for people who are poor or suffering, and promoting equality and seeking harmony among all human beings The central theme of the Guru Granth Sahib is concerned with the creation of a just social order and the commitment to social and gender equality and peaceful coexistence

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru declared Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru and ultimate spiritual authority for the Sikhs.

Guru Granth Sahib ji

18

Gurdwara – Place of WorshipThe Sikh religious service follows the traditions started by the 1st Guru to promote equality and alleviate suffering. It has 3 components:

1. Sangat: Community prayer through readings from the Guru Granth Sahib and singing of hymns (Kirtan).

2. Pangat: A sense of equality with everyone seated on the ground - at the same level.

3. Langar: Community vegetarian meal for all.

Protocol to be observed in the Gurdwara:Heads coveredShoes removedSit on floorAll are WELCOME

19

Gurdwara – Place of Worship

20

The Golden Temple is the most sacred of places for the Sikhs. To enter one has to descend stairs – teaches

humility. There are doors on all fours sides, which signifies that

people from all over the world are invited irrespective of caste, color, religion, and race. 24/7 Langar.

The Golden Temple

21

Mandatory – not a social or cultural article.Covers long, uncut hair.Approx. 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly around the head.Boys wear ‘patka’ .Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and spirituality.Middle East head coverings different.99% of people wearing TURBANS in US are Sikhs, not Muslims or Hindus.

Sikh Dastar (Turban)

23

Types of Turbans

24

Sikh Dastar (Turban)

25

Sikhs feel severely humiliated if asked to remove their turban in public, as this breaks a sacred covenant with god and exposes an intimate part of the body.It is very insulting and disrespectful to a Sikh to remove his or her turban.Turbans are a mandatory part of Sikh faith.A turban is not a hat. It cannot be casually taken on and off. It must be carefully retied each time it is removed.Treat the turban with respect.

Importance of Identity

26

A very important and exciting event in the life of a Sikh boy comes when he starts tying the turban (Usually between 10-14 years of age).Family will have a special function to celebrate the occasion, which is called Dastar Bandi.The boy is is seated in front of Guru Granth Sahib ji and an elder ties the turban on his head.Prayers are said to invoke Guru's blessing for the boy.

Dastar Bandi

27

The Sikh marriage is called 'Anand Karaj' which means the ceremony of joy. The Sikh wedding is held in the morning in a Gurdwara in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

One Soul in Two Bodies  "They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together. Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies." (Guru Amar Das Ji, Pauri, pg 788, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

Anand Karaj

28

Arrived around late 1890’s Places – California, Oregon and

Washington– British Columbia

Farming & Lumber IndustryImmigration Barriers by 1920’s

San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 1899Vancouver Diamond Jubilee 1897 Hong Kong Regiment

Sikhs in North America

29

Gurbax Singh MahliFirst Turbaned Sikh in Canadian Parliament

Narinder Singh KapaniFather of Fiber Optics

Dr. Manmohan SinghIndian Prime Minister

Baltej Singh DhillonFirst Turbaned Sikh in Royal Canadian Mounted Police

T Sher SinghRecognized with the Order of Canada

Some Sikh Public Faces

30

Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Artists

Colonel SekhonUnited States Army

Bhagat Singh ThindUS Army 1912

Nuvraj Singh BassiUniversity of OregonFootball Player

Some Sikh Public Faces

31

Equality of all religions and people– Give relevance to God rather than religion– Believers of interfaith diversity

Sikhism believes that there are many paths to God. Anyone can achieve salvation irrespective of the religion that they follow if they endear God in their heart and daily actions

Respect for All

32

• SikhiWiki (www.Sikhiwiki.org)• SikhNet (www.sikhnet.com)• All About Sikhs (www.allaboutsikhs.org)• Sikh Council USA (www.sikhcouncilusa.org)• GAISS (www.guruangadinstitute.org)• UNITED SIKHS (www.unitedsikhs.org)• SALDEF (www.saldef.org)• Sikh Coalition (www.sikhcoalition.org)

References

33

ONE GOD IN ALL