Sikhism: History, Beliefs, and Cultural Significance
Sikhism
Location
•
Punjab
•
Today part of
northwestern India and
eastern Pakistan
•
Region has a history of
religious conflict
between Hindus and
Muslims. Sikhism has
been nurtured in the
midst of conflict and
exhibits elements of both
groups.
Nanak
•
Founder of Sikhism is
Nanak, born in 1469.
•
Grew up in a Hindu
Family, had two children
and had several jobs as
both a herder and clerical
assistant to a Sultan.
•
Created a devotional
association with a
Muslim Friend
Nanak’s Beliefs
•
Insisted there is no “Hindu” and there is no “Muslim”
that the true name of God is experienced. He reached
this conclusion through a revelation.
•
Nanak wanted to spread his understanding so he left
his family and home to preach and seek disciples. Sikh
means disciple.
•
On his journey Nanak wore a Hindu
dhoti
, with a
Muslim coat and cap. His forehead was adorned with
Hindu religoius markings.
•
Nanak is commonly called Guru Nanak and is
recognized as the first of a line of ten Sikh gurus.
Sikhism
•
Although historically a blend of Hinduism and
Islam, today scholars see Sikhism as a totally
unique religion.
•
Guru Nanak accepted a belief in reincarnation and
karma.
•
Humans were seen as a composite of body and
spirit. The body and physical world bind and limit
the spirit. The spirit must overcome physicality as
it seeks freedom and absorption in the divine.
Sikhism-
Elements of Other Religions
•
Rejected Hindu Ritual- belief that it took
human attention away from God
•
Rejected Hindu devotion to images of various
gods and goddesses.
•
Acceptance of meat eating (Islam)- Animal
world created for the use of human beings.
Sikhism and God
•
God is beyond personhood.
•
God has personal qualities such as knowledge,
love, a sense of justice and compassion.
•
God can be approached personally by the
individual.
•
God is the primary Guru
•
God dwells within each individual and can be
contacted with the human heart.
Historical Development
•
Originally Sikhism was not defined as a distinct
religion, just a religious movement that sought
coexistence.
•
Result of self-protection and self-definition:
adoption of a book, city, and clearly defined
religious practices.
•
Sikhism moves beyond land of origin and make
converts in other areas of the world.
Scripture- Adi Granth
•
Primary book divided into three parts.
•
First and most important part is the Japji a
long poem by Guru Nanak that summarizes the
religion.
Canticle by Nanak
Wonderful Your word, wonderful Your knowledge;
Wonderful Your creatures, wonderful their species;
Wonderful their forms, wonderful their colors;
Wonderful their animals which wander naked;
Wonderful Your wind; wonderful Your water
Wonderful Your nearness, wonderful Your
remoteness; Wonderful to behold You present.
Sikh Khalsa
•
Typically associated with
turbans.
•
Turbans are only worn by
those who have entered
the Khalsa (special Sikh
military order)
Five K’s
•
Kesh:
uncut hair and beard. In association
with the lion and its power, the hair on the head
is worn in a topknot and covered with a turban
or cloth.
•
Khanga:
hair comb- to hold long hair in
place.
•
Kach:
special underwear- to indicate
alertness and readiness to fight
•
Kirpan:
sword- for defense
•
Kara:
bracelet of steel- to symbolize
strength
Sikhism Today
•
Due to military training Sikhs were employed
by the British as soldiers during imperial rule.
•
2 million left Pakistan to avoid conflict with the
Muslim majority, most settled in northwestern
India and today some hope to create an
independent state.
•
Many have settled outside of India
Sikhism, originating in Punjab amidst Hindu-Muslim conflicts, was founded by Guru Nanak in 1469. Rejecting elements of Hinduism and Islam, Sikhism is a unique religion emphasizing oneness with God, karma, and reincarnation. Central beliefs include the unity of humanity, God's presence in all individuals, and spiritual liberation. The historical development led to Sikhism evolving as a distinct religion, spreading beyond its origins.
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Presentation Transcript
Location Punjab Today part of northwestern India and eastern Pakistan Region has a history of religious conflict between Hindus and Muslims. Sikhism has been nurtured in the midst of conflict and exhibits elements of both groups.
Nanak Founder of Sikhism is Nanak, born in 1469. Grew up in a Hindu Family, had two children and had several jobs as both a herder and clerical assistant to a Sultan. Created a devotional association with a Muslim Friend
Nanaks Beliefs Insisted there is no Hindu and there is no Muslim that the true name of God is experienced. He reached this conclusion through a revelation. Nanak wanted to spread his understanding so he left his family and home to preach and seek disciples. Sikh means disciple. On his journey Nanak wore a Hindu dhoti, with a Muslim coat and cap. His forehead was adorned with Hindu religoius markings. Nanak is commonly called Guru Nanak and is recognized as the first of a line of ten Sikh gurus.
Sikhism Although historically a blend of Hinduism and Islam, today scholars see Sikhism as a totally unique religion. Guru Nanak accepted a belief in reincarnation and karma. Humans were seen as a composite of body and spirit. The body and physical world bind and limit the spirit. The spirit must overcome physicality as it seeks freedom and absorption in the divine.
Sikhism- Elements of Other Religions Rejected Hindu Ritual- belief that it took human attention away from God Rejected Hindu devotion to images of various gods and goddesses. Acceptance of meat eating (Islam)- Animal world created for the use of human beings.
Sikhism and God God is beyond personhood. God has personal qualities such as knowledge, love, a sense of justice and compassion. God can be approached personally by the individual. God is the primary Guru God dwells within each individual and can be contacted with the human heart.
Historical Development Originally Sikhism was not defined as a distinct religion, just a religious movement that sought coexistence. Result of self-protection and self-definition: adoption of a book, city, and clearly defined religious practices. Sikhism moves beyond land of origin and make converts in other areas of the world.
Scripture- Adi Granth Primary book divided into three parts. First and most important part is the Japji a long poem by Guru Nanak that summarizes the religion.
Canticle by Nanak Wonderful Your word, wonderful Your knowledge; Wonderful Your creatures, wonderful their species; Wonderful their forms, wonderful their colors; Wonderful their animals which wander naked; Wonderful Your wind; wonderful Your water Wonderful Your nearness, wonderful Your remoteness; Wonderful to behold You present.
Sikh Khalsa Typically associated with turbans. Five K s Kesh: uncut hair and beard. In association with the lion and its power, the hair on the head is worn in a topknot and covered with a turban or cloth. Turbans are only worn by those who have entered the Khalsa (special Sikh military order) Khanga: hair comb- to hold long hair in place. Kach: special underwear- to indicate alertness and readiness to fight Kirpan: sword- for defense Kara: bracelet of steel- to symbolize strength
Sikhism Today Due to military training Sikhs were employed by the British as soldiers during imperial rule. 2 million left Pakistan to avoid conflict with the Muslim majority, most settled in northwestern India and today some hope to create an independent state. Many have settled outside of India
