SIKHISM

The Sikh religion started as a means of creating harmony between Hinduism and
Islam which were at war in India around 712 CE.

established in North India

founded by Nanak Dev Ji (later known as Guru Nanak)

teachings based on love; loving one another and God

Holy book called Guru Granth Sahib Ji

succeeded by 10 teachers

The Ten Gurus (Teachers)

1. Guru Nanak studied Hinduism & Islam - traveled widely to spread ideas
2. Guru Anggad Dev (son of Guru Nanak) - Developed guru Mukhi i.e. alphabet.

3. Guru Amar Das(follower of the 2nd Guru) - wrote down thoughts - forbade killing of
female babies & suttee(burning of
widows with their dead husbands)
4. Guru Ram Das (son-in-law of the 3rd Guru) - founded town of Amritsar in Punjab
- encouraged people to dig wells for
- irrigation
5.Guru Arjan Dev (son of the 4th Guru) - built place of worship in Amritsar
6. Guru Hargobind (son of the 5th Guru) - fought with Moghuls as they invaded Punjab
7. Guru Har Rai (grandson of the 6th Guru) - developed Skhism and increased Sikh army
8. Guru Har Krishan (son of the 7th Guru) - became Guru at 5 and died at 8

9. Guru Teg Bahadur (youngest son of the 6th Guru) - became a martyr in Delhi.
10. Guru Gobind Das (son of the 9th Guru ) - In 1699 , established rules on way of life of
Sikhs introduced adoption of name
Singh(lion) for male & Kaur(princess) for
followers
- organised the khalsa (brotherhood of the
pure).

Khalsa
A child at birth is not yet considered a Khalsa even though his parents are Sikhs. It is only
when that child grows up, understands the rules and regulations, and receives the Amrit
(sugar water) that he becomes a Khalsa.

Identity of a Sikh (5 Ks)

Each has to wear the 5Ks.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Kesh:
Kanggha:
Kara:
Kirpan:
Kashera:

Uncut hair including moustache and beard

Wooden comb placed within the turban
Steel wrist bangle
Dagger worn at the waist
White shorts worn under the trousers

Beliefs
A Sikh is any human being who faithfully believes in
- One Immortal Being
- Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak 1 to Guru Gobind Singh
- The Sikh Holy Book: Guru Granth Sahib Ji
- The utterances and teachings of the Ten Gurus
- Wearing the five symbols of the Sikhs
- Abolishment of the feelings of the caste system
- Not worshipping idols

Teachings of Sikhism based on Holy Book focused on

The need for human development-human can be trained

Relationship among human beings-interaction with virtuous person forms virtuous
character

existence of the soul-virtuous person is a peace with himself

 Holy books tells humans to open up their minds so as to adapt to conditions around
them so that they will think wisely, justly & moderately-adapt to ones surrounding

Values
Dharam khand-Be prepared to bring change & progress to oneself through sacrifice &
social duties

Gian khand-Look for knowledge by equipping oneself with wisdom

Saram khand-look for harmony & tranquility in oneself, appreciate beauty of nature &
oneself
Karam khand-become altruistic,i.e improve oneself internally, reject houmai(egoism) &
always fulfill moral & social obligations
Sach khand-strive to attain the highest level, unite wisdom,value conciousness &
internal happiness in oneself

Main branches of Sikhism

1. Udasis: An order of ascetics and holy men, often active as missionaries.
2. Sahajdharis: Clean shaven, follow some, but not all, Sikh customs
3. Khalsa: Follow all Sikh traditions

Main Festival
Vasakhi Day (Establishment of the Khalsa community)
- celebrated on 14th of April every year