Basics of Sikhism Sikh Greeting Sat Sri Akal

Basics of Sikhism Sikh Greeting Sat Sri Akal Truth is Eternal Sikh Foundation of Virginia 7250 Ox Road, Fairfax Station VA 22039 703 -323 -8849 1

Origin of Sikhism ➢Guru Nanak – 1 st Sikh Guru (1469 -1539 CE) ➢Guru Nanak founded Sikhism, based on ‘One God’ , and one humanity. Thus, equality and justice for all ➢ Originated in Punjab, in North-west India. “Truth is high; still higher is truthful living” - Guru Nanak 2

Sikh Gurus Sikhs follow their 10 Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib, our Holy book, which contains divine revelations (Shabad, the ‘Word’). We consider Guru Granth Sahib as our eternal Guru. ✓“Guru” means “Spiritual teacher” who dispels ignorance. ✓“Granth” (holy book) – the Sikhs’ Scripture. ✓“Sahib” is added as a mark of respect. 3

Guru Granth Sahib ✓The Guru Granth Sahib is the sole Sikh scripture ✓Its 1430 pages contain Gurbani, the original, actual words, (‘revealed’ or ‘inspired’) teachings of the Gurus (and of several Hindu and Muslim saints whose teachings strongly resonated with Sikh beliefs) ✓Hymns (in 31 ragas, melodies) are meant to be sung, read, understood, and followed ✓Ordained as Eternal Guru of the Sikhs in 1708 (by the 10 th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh) ✓Sikhs worship the Shabad in the Scripture. They honor 4 and respect the Guru Granth Sahib - but not as an idol.

The Sikh Creed ➢ We call it The ‘Mool Mantar’ (Basic Beliefs) There is one God The Creator Universal God All-pervading Truth is God’s Name Is Without Fear Has no Enemy - Is Without Hate Eternal - Is there forever Grace of God - We become closer to God by doing honest deeds meaning by living a TRUTHFUL Life 5

Sikhs in the World ➢Sikhism is world’s 5 th largest religion ➢~ 26 million Sikhs worldwide ➢ ~ 20 million in India ➢ ~ 1 million in North America (rough estimate) ➢Most of the people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs. However, not all Sikhs wear a turban. 6

Sikhism - Overview ➢Sikh: Disciple or seeker of The Truth (Sat) ➢Belief in: Only the One God (the Universal Creator of us all, Akaal Purkh) ➢Scripture: Guru Granth Sahib (the only Holy Book of the Sikhs). ➢Message: Love and Equality For the One God For all mankind For all women and all men 7

Sikhs Respect all Religions ➢Sikhs believe in the Unity of God, and the unity of mankind; i. e. , God makes no distinctions amongst all His children. ➢Sikhs believe that Akaal Purkh (God) has revealed a way of addressing the diverse religions He Himself has created. ➢In their daily prayers, Sikhs pray for the wellbeing of all, not just the Sikhs (‘Sarbat da Bhala’). 8

The Sikh Way of Life 1. Naam Japna - always remember the sole Creator (Akaal Purkh; God) 2. Kirt Karni - always live an honest life and earn a just living 3. Wand Chakna - always share your blessings with the less fortunate. This means: Do Simran (meditative remembrance of the One God) and Seva (serve the community). 9

CREATION OF THE ‘KHALSA’ ● On 30 March 1699, the 10 th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, called his followers (Sikhs) for a special gathering. ● He asked for volunteers, ready to sacrifice themselves, to protect their beliefs and to fight for truth and justice for all ● By administering ‘Amrit’ to those Sikhs who volunteered to be ‘initiated’ into the new ‘Khalsa’ Order, he created a select 10 community of ‘saint-soldiers’.

Khalsa Initiation ➢ After initiating the ‘Panj Piaras’ (the ‘Five Beloved Ones’ who first became the Khalsa), the Guru knelt before them and requested that they initiate him. ➢ He gave the names Singh (‘Lion’) to the men and Kaur (‘Princess’) to the women who joined the Khalsa Order. ➢ He instructed that ‘Khalsa’ Sikhs (‘Amritdhari’ Sikhs) wear the ‘ 5 Ks’. 11

The ‘ 5 Ks’ - Articles of Faith 1. Kesh - Uncut hair (of head, face, whole body; to retain God-given form). [By extension – Turban for the head, for males] 2. Kangha - Comb, made of wood (to keep uncut hair neat and clean) 3. Kara - Bracelet, of steel, worn on right hand (to do noble actions; a symbol of eternity) 4. Kirpan - A Sword (generally a small replica; to symbolize protecting freedom, liberty, and justice for all) 5. Kachehra - Under-shorts (boxers; to ensure modesty, fidelity, virtuous character). 12

SIKH IDENTITY – THE TURBAN �Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and spirituality �For a Sikh, wearing a turban asserts a public commitment to maintaining the values and ethics of the tradition, including service, compassion, and honesty. �The Turban makes a Sikh “standout” in a crowd. 13

SELFLESS COMMUNITY SERVICE • In Sacramento, Sikhs opened their Gurdwara doors to Oroville Dam evacuees — and strangers came pouring in • Homeless Detroiters got a helping hand from members of the Sikh community • Sikhs are helping areas hit by hurricanes Harvey and Irma • Served food to thousands of federal employees affected by Government Shutdown 14

Inside a Gurdwara 1. Sangat: Community prayer through readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, and singing of hymns (kirtan). We believe that God’s presence can be felt in the Sikh congregation or Sangat; and that Akal Purkh (God) is pleased by the act of serving the Sangat. 2. Pangat: A sense of equality, with everyone seated on the floor, at the same level. The Sikh religious service follows traditions started by Guru Nanak, the 1 st Guru, to promote remembrance of Akaal Purkh (the One God), and equality and respect for all. 15 3. Langar: Community (vegetarian) meal for all.

In the Darbar Hall • Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a raised platform which is always covered by a canopy • Bow in front of Guru Granth Sahib • Sit on the floor with everyone • Listen to Gurbani • Stand during Ardaas • Listen to Hukamnama • Take Karah Parshad (sacred food) with both hands There are no idols, statues, or religious pictures in a Gurdwara, because we regard God as having no physical form. 16

Thank You Thanks for your interest in the Sikh religion Questions and Comments? 17