Sikhism

Question 1

When did Sikhism originate?

Answer 1

It was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century in the Northern Indian state of Punjab

Question 2

Is Sikhism polytheistic or monotheistic?

Answer 2

Monotheistic

- They believe in one God

Question 3

What is the Adi Granth?

Answer 3

The Sikh holy book to which all 10 Guru’s provided their teachings for future Sikhs to follow. This book would become the 11th and final Guru known as the “Guru Granth Sahib”

Question 4

How many Guru’s are there

Answer 4

11 Guru’s

• 10 human Gurus
• The Guru Granth Sahib

Question 5

Where is their central place of worship located?

Answer 5

The Golden Temple at Amritsar

- Located in Punjab, India

Question 6

What is a Gurdwara?

Answer 6

A Sikh temple of worship which houses a copy of the “Guru Granth Sahib”

Question 7

What is the Mul Mantra?

Answer 7

The words that open the morning prayer of Sikhs.

- They are the first words spoken by Sikhs every morning

Question 8

What are the central beliefs of Sikhism?

Answer 8

1. Monotheism
2. The Reality of the World
3. Spiritual Achievement in this life
4. Union of spiritual and worldly lives
5. Nam
6. Good deeds, not rituals
7. Equality and Human Dignity
8. A Just Society

Question 9

How many types of prayers do Sikhs perform?

Answer 9

There are two types of prayer

1. Ardas (Prayer during ceremonies)
2. Meditation (using mantras)

Question 10

How are Sikhs called to God?

Answer 10

Through two ways:

1. Gurbani (listen to hymns and Ardas from Sikh sacred scriptures)
2. Mukti (meditate on the name of God)

Question 11

What is the “Waheguru?”

Answer 11

A type of mantra that is done during meditation to reflect back on God and their lives

Question 12

What is the Khalsa?

Answer 12

means “pure”

- Khalsa’s are Sikhs which have undergone the sacred Amrit Ceremony and are warriors to the faith

Question 13

What physical articles do all Khalsa members wear?

Answer 13

There are six items:

1. Kesh (long hair)
2. Dastar (the turban)
3. Kangha (Comb)
4. Kara (Steel bracelet)
5. Kachha (Pants)
6. Kirpan (Ceremonial Sword)

Question 14

What are the four spiritual stages of life for Sikhs?

Answer 14

1. Manmukh (person who is self-centred and is oblivious to God)
2. Sikh (one who sets out the path to learning)
3. Khalsa (total dedication to Sikhism)
4. Gurmukh (One who has achieved mukhti (salvation), and is totally God-centred)