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Sikhism. A 500 year old, monotheistic religion of Northwest India, followed by some 26 million World’s 5 th largest religion “There is no Muslim, there is no Hindu; all are equal human beings because they are the children of the same Father, God.“ – Guru Nanak. The founder of the faith.
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A 500 year old, monotheistic religion of Northwest India, followed by some 26 million • World’s 5th largest religion • “There is no Muslim, there is no Hindu; all are equal human beings because they are the children of the same Father, God.“ – Guru Nanak
The founder of the faith • Guru Nanak (1469-1538) • Hindu by birth and upbringing • Influenced by the Bhakti and Sant tradition of medieval northwest India • Drew his own disciples (“sikhs”) following a mystical realization in 1499 - Sikhs are disciples of the gurus and of the ultimate (wahe) guru, God
Nanak’s teaching • Preached a unifying message that overcame religious differences, uniting both Hindu and Muslim in common devotion to the same God • Rejected meaningless ritual, images and idols of gods in favor of simple, heartfelt devotion • Monotheistic
Beliefs • One God (whom people call by many names) • Sat Nam (“true name”), Waheguru (“great guru”) • Equality of all human beings (reject caste distinctions) • Karma and reincarnation • The spirit of the guru (Nanak) continued for 200 years through a succession of ten human gurus…
Place of Worship • The Sikh place of worship is called a gurdwara, which means house of God. Wherever Sikhs go, they build a gurdwara as a place to worship and meet each other. • Sri Harimandir Sahib, commonly referred to as the "Golden Temple," is the world's most famous gurdwara.
Sikhs Articles of Faith • Sikhs have a way to show their commitment to their religion: they wear five articles of faith, called kakkars or "5 K's.“. • Kachhera: The kachhera, a cotton undergarment, reminds Sikhs of their modesty. • Kanga: The kanga, a small wooden comb, represents cleanliness and taking care of yourself. • Kara: a steel bracelet. Symbolizes strength and integrity
Sikhs Articles of Faith • Kes: Sikhs do not cut their hair in order to maintain the way their bodies were given to them. Most men and some women wrap their long hair in a turban. Almost all people you see wearing turbans in the United States are Sikhs. • Kirpan: The kirpan, a small religious sword, represents a commitment to justice.
Holy Days • Vaisakhi: April 13th, anniversary of founding of the Khalsa • Guru Nanak’s birthday (November)