Sikhism

  • general facts about Sikhism
  • Guru Nanak
  • The Khalsa
  • The Five Ks
  • The Gurdwara
  • Guru Granth Sahib
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General facts about Sikhism

  • Sikhism began in India in the 15th Century
  • Began by Guru Nanak (Guru=respected teacher)
  • Guru Nanak was first of 10 Gurus
  • Sikh Holy Book - Guru Granth Sahib
  • Sikh place of worship - Gurdwara (Guru's door)
  • Sikhs often call God Satnam (true name)
  • Raheguru - wonderful Lord
  • 20 million Sikhs in world today
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Guru Nanak

  • He was the first Guru
  • Born in 1469 CE in a village called Talwindi
  • His parents were Hindus
  • His work colleagues were Muslims
  • He married when he was 19. Had two sons.
  • He disappeared for three days. When he returned the first thing he said was 'There is neither Hindu nor Muslim, only God's path. I shall follow God's path.'
  • He had a vision. He had been told by God to spend the rest of his life teaching people.
  • He spent 20 tears travelling.
  • His message was that you find God in the way you live and what you believe.
  • Guru Nanak chose the next Guru by dropping a cup into a muddy ditch. His sons refused to pick it up, only Angad would.
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The Khalsa

  • Khalsa means 'the pure ones'
  • the members were called the 'panj piare' - the beloved ones
  • the khalsa was created during the time of the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh
  • Sikhs were being persecuted and killed for their faith so they needed a fighting force to defend the faith.
  • Members of the Khalsa all had to drink 'amrit' from the same bowl to show they were equal
  • Amrit is a mixture of sugar and water stirred with a two edged sword the 'khanda'
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The five Ks

  • Kesh - uncut hair, this includes not shaving and combing hair twice a day
  • Kangha - a small wooden comb, is a symbol of cleanliness
  • Kirpan - a short sword that reminds Sikhs that it is their duty to fight against evil
  • Kara - plain steel bangle worn on right wrist, shows one God and one truth without beginning or end
  • Kachera - short trousers worn as underwear(http://www.akj.org.au/The_five_Ks.jpg)
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Gurdwara

  • Sikh place of worship is called the Gurdwara.
  • Gurdwara means gods house.
  • when you go in the gurdwara you haveto take off your shoes and socks and wash your feet.
  • Sikhs meet and worship in diwan hall.
  • takht means throne andmanji is the special stool forthe guru granth sahib.
  • the langer is a meal following the service.
  • services in a gurdwara are usely held in punjabi.
  • The ardas- is a special prayerwhich lasts about 15 at the end of the service.
  • the person reading the granth sahib is called granthi
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Guru Granth Sahib

  • Its the most important sikhs holy book
  • The holy book was started by Guru Nanak and finshed by Guru Gobind Singh. it contains hymns written by all the Gurus.
  • The first copy was printed in 1852.
  • Every copy of Guru Granth Sahib has 1430 pages and same hymns on the same pages.
  • Many sikhs have a smaller copy of the Guru Granth Sahib called a Gutka.
  • Manji- stool for ther Guru Granth Sahib
  • Chauri-its a fan made of hair or feathers.
  • Rumalas- special cloth to cover the Guru Granth Sahib.
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