Transcript Sikh History - Welcome | Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle

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Sikhism: An Introduction
THE BASICS
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Sikhism: A religion from what is today
northern India
Distinct from Hinduism and Islam
Has its own holy scripture, written by the
founder and succeeding Gurus
Approximately 533 years old
There are about 500,000 Sikhs in the U.S.,
and an equal number in Canada
22 million Sikhs worldwide
World’s fifth largest religion (World Almanac)
Historical Origins of Sikhism
CHINA
IRAN
• 22 million Sikhs worldwide
• 20 million Sikhs in India
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AFGHANISTAN
PAKISTAN
INDIA
INDIA
India & Pakistan
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Punjab in India & Pakistan, the birthplace of Sikhism
People in Punjab, including Hindus and Muslims, speak
Punjabi
16 million Sikhs presently living in Punjab, India
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Nanak born in 1469
near Lahore, Punjab
Nanak
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Guru Nanak
Established beliefs of
the Sikh faith
Guru means teacher
Guru Nanak
Sikh means disciple or
student
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Some Sikh Beliefs and Practices
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One God (monotheistic).
Equality between men and women.
Universal brotherhood – rejection of Caste.
Encourages service (sewa), worldliness.
No major dietary restrictions.
Alcohol and tobacco are forbidden.
No rituals, superstitions.
Defense of anyone weak or oppressed.
Location of the most sacred temple?
Golden Temple
Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
aka Harmandir Sahib (1588)
Holy Site founded by 5th Guru
Adi Granth
1430 pages
Adi Granth
Gurmukhi
Sikh Gurus
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Sixth Guru
Sixth Guru
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1606
Akal Takhat
Saint-Soldier
Tenth Guru
Guru Gobind Singh
1699—Khalsa
Initiation: Amrit
Articles of Faith: 5 “K”s
Singh/Kaur
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Sikh Articles of Faith
Five Articles of Faith
Mandatory for initiated Sikhs (called
Khalsa) and encouraged for others.
1. Kesh
Kara
- Uncut Hair
2. Kachha - Under-shorts
3. Kara
- Bracelet, made of steel
4. Kanga
- Comb, made of wood
5. Kirpan
- Sacred Sword -- defensive
Kanga
Kirpan
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Sikh Holy Scripture:
Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib (2)
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Guru Granth Sahib revered as living Master
Focus & fulcrum of worship, religious activities &
interpretations
© 1997, Maboli Systems, Inc.
Sikh Immigrants to U.S.
Early Sikh Immigrants:
Farmers in Canada,
California
Most Sikhs came to the U.S. after
1965; many are skilled
professionals
Today:
Sikhs Americans are proud and loyal citizens
Sikhs in the United States & New Jersey
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Sikh Americans join American society without
giving up religious beliefs and values
Sikh house of worship called “Gurdwara”
Several Gurdwaras in New Jersey (Glenrock,
Bridgewater, two in Carteret, East Windsor, Lawrenceville,
Deptford, Burlington Township)
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10,000 Sikhs in New Jersey
Visitors Welcome (covered head, shoes removed)
Aftermath of 9/11
Sikhs strongly condemn terrorism
Murder of innocents goes against the
fundamental principles of the Sikh faith, as it
does in all faiths.
Sikh Americans support the effort to bring the
terrorists responsible to justice.
Unfortunately, many Sikhs have been
harassed and attacked because of their
appearance – confused with Taliban.
The Sikh Turban
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Most Sikh men and some Sikh women wear
turbans.
Sikhs children may simply cover their heads
(patka)
Sikhs wear turbans as a sign of
humility (below God), but also
as a way of expressing commitment to the
community.
It is not a political statement.
Turbans
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Terrorists don’t wear turbans! They try not
to draw attention to themselves. Ordinary
Muslims in the U.S. also do not wear turbans.
In contrast, Sikhs are proud of their identity
and unique appearance.
99% of people wearing turbans in the U.S.
are Sikhs.
Please don’t judge by appearances.
Resources on the Internet
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www.Sikhs.org
www.SikhMediawatch.org
www.SikhCoalition.org
www.SikhEducation.org
www.Sikhnet.org
Sikh Sabha of New Jersey
www.come.to/sikhsabha
www.SikhFoundation.com (publications)
Thanks! 
Acknowledgments
This presentation takes elements of other
presentations on Sikhism. Thanks to Jasbir
Singh (of Maboli), Sikh Mediawatch and
Resource Task Force, and Sutinder Singh
Dhanjal, and Amardeep Singh.
This version of the presentation prepared by
Savraj Singh ([email protected]).