SIKHISM Questions 1 What is a Gurdwara 2

SIKHISM

Questions 1. What is a Gurdwara? 2. How many Gods do Sikhs believe in? 3. Who started the Sikh religion? 4. What did he teach? 5. What 2 things do you have to do before you enter a Gurdwara? 6. What is the Guru Grand Sahib? 7. What do Sikhs have after every service in the Gurdwara?

1. What is a Gurdwara? A Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship. It means the 'Gateway to the Guru’. In the UK, Sikhs usually go to the Gurdwara on Sundays.

2. How many Gods do Sikhs believe in? Sikhs believe in one God who guides and protects them. This God is called the Waheguru.

3. Who started the Sikh religion? Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak around 500 years ago. Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. Guru means ‘Teacher’.

4. What did he teach? They believe everyone, boys, girls, and adults are all equal before God. Talk about more Sikh beliefs later!

5. What 2 things do you have to do before you enter a Gurdwara? You must take your shoes off and cover your hair. Sikhs do this as a sign of respect.

6. What is the Guru Grand Sahib? Sikhisum is based on 10 wise teachings, from teachers known as Gurus. The Guru Grand Sahib is the book in which these teachings are written down. It is written in Punjabi and is greatly respected by all Sikhs as the living word of God. A Gurdwara is any building where the Guru Grand Sahib is kept.

7. What do Sikhs have after every service in the Gurdwara? The service ends in a langar (a shared meal). Everyone is welcome to share the meal. Which is a vegetarian – because in the Sikh religion they do not eat meat.

Sikh Beliefs ◦ Sikhs believe that your actions are important, and you should lead a good life. They believe the way to do this is: ◦ Always keep God in your heart and mind ◦ Live honestly and work hard (Kirat Karna) ◦ Treat everyone equally ◦ Be generous to those less fortunate than you (Vand Chakna) ◦ Serve others, serve the Sikh community and serve God (Sewa)

The Symbol of Sikhism - Khanda ◦ The Khanda - a double edged sword. This represents the belief in one God. ◦ The Chakkar - it is a circle representing God without beginning or end. ◦ Two crossed kirpans (swords) representing spirit.