Sikhism

Question 1

how many Sikhs are there?

Answer 1

25 million

Question 2

what does Sikh mean?

Answer 2

Disciple in Punjabi

Question 3

how did Sikhism begin?

Answer 3

as a reform movement within India in 16th century CE
- there was a clash between Hinduism and Islam, which led to Sikhism

Question 4

fore-runner of the founder of Sikhism

Answer 4

Kabir: 1440-1518 CE
- great: born muslim and though god could be worshipped in many ways but also believed that god is ONE
- author/poet

Question 5

founder of Sikhism and his story

Answer 5

• Nanak (1469-1538)
• born Hindu but had Muslim teacher
• at 30 years old, he went in river and resurfaced 3 days later with prophetic mandate : No Hindu, No Muslim

Question 6

Nanak taught a synthesis of Muslim and Hindu Beliefs:

Answer 6

• God is One (The true name) , but can be worshipped in variety of ways
• reincarnation, but God helps free from this cycle
• karma, but God helps this process

Question 7

Sikhism rejected 4 things:

Answer 7

• No caste system
• No ahimsa (non-harm to animals: the eat meat)
• no excessive rituals
• no violence (since Sikhism arose out of violence between Hindu and Muslims)

Question 8

historical development: the four….

Answer 8

Gurus: they followed the ways of Guru Nanak

Question 9

how did Arjan Dev, the 5th Guru, change things?

Answer 9

• Adi Granth: sikh scriptures
• gradual militarization of Sikhism

Question 10

who was the last Sikh Guru

Answer 10

Gobind Singh
- forfeits pacifism: violence is a way to defeat injustice
- initiation rites: baptism of the sword where you drink sweet liquid stirred by dagger
- establishes the final Guru: Adi Granth
- establishes the Khalsa

Question 11

what is the Khalsa?

Answer 11

the Pure Ones: group within Sikhism of soldier saints
- males: Sing (Lion)
- females: Kaur (princess)

Question 12

what are the 5 initiation practice of the Khalsa AKA the Five Ks

Answer 12

• uncut hair
• comb in hair
• undergarmet
• bracelet
• dagger

Question 13

daily rituals of Sikhism today

Answer 13

morning bath
reading of hymns and prayers (AM and PM)

Question 14

congregational worship in Sikhism today

Answer 14

Gurdwara: Guru’s door
- no set day for worship, but usually on Sundays
- Langar = dining hall
- group gathers for communal meal at least 1x a week

Question 15

motto of Sikhism today

Answer 15

no fear, no hate

Question 16

5 thieves of time

Answer 16

lust
anger
attachment to material things
greed
arrogance