Moral Studies Presentation

SIKHISM
Fong Kok Leong Prasad Sathasivan Surendar Vejayan

 Sikhism is a religion founded during 15th century in the Punjab by Guru Nanak Dev. It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with approximately 30 million Sikhs.

Punjab, India is the only region in the world with a majority Sikh population.
Sikhs are expected to embody the qualities of a "SantSiph"a saint-soldier The principal beliefs of Sikhi are faith in Waheguru.

History

The Founder - Guru Nanak (14691539)

Born at Nankana Sahib (Pakistan) As a boy, Nanak was fascinated by God and religion. He will meditate alone. His desire to explore the mysteries of life eventually led him to leave home and take journey of life.

On the day he arrived, he declared: "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim" Nanak begin to spread the teachings of Sikhi. Five major journeys, 1st- Bengal and Assam 2nd -Andhra and Tamil Nadu

3rd Kashmir, Ladakh, and Tibet

4th- Baghdad and Mecca In his last and final tour, he returned to the banks of the Ravi River to end his days.

11 Sikh Gurus
Guru Nanak Dev Guru Angad Dev Guru Amar Das Guru Ram Das Guru Arjan Dev Guru Har Gobind Guru Har Rai Guru Har Krishan Guru Tegh Bahadur Guru Gobind Singh Guru Granth Sahib

Sikh man at Golden Temple, Amritsar (Harmandir Sahib)

Guru Nanak

Scripture of Sikhism

The principal Sikh scripture is the Adi Granth (First Scripture)

Commonly known as the Guru Granth Sahib.

The second most important scripture of the Sikhs is the Dasam Granth.

The 'Guru Granth Sahib' is the living Guru of the Sikhs

 The 'Guru Granth Sahib' is regarded very highly.

Not permitted to be translated because any translation would necessarily compromise some of its meaning.
It is a collection of teachings and writings by Guru Nanak and other Gurus as well as Sikh, Hindu and Muslim saints. This is because the Sikh Gurus taught that there are many different ways of achieving a connection with the God.

What do Sikhs believe?

 One God All Are Equal

-Men and Women have the same rights/responsibilities

Meditation

-Remember God

 Live Honestly
-Sikhs are supposed to work hard and live honestly

Share with Others

-Give to the needy

Articles of Faith (Panj Kakkar)

The 5 Ks:
Kesh (uncut hair) spirituality
Sikhs do not cut their hair but let it grow as a symbol of their faith

Kangha (comb) cleanliness

a spiritual reminder to shed impurities of thought

Kara (steel bracelet) Good deeds

circular shape reminds a Sikh that the Creator (God) is infinitewithout a beginning and without an end

 Kirpan (sword) Protection

symbolises the protection of the weak by Sikhs

Kaccha - Kachhera (soldiers shorts) Self discipline

the need for self-restrain over passions and desires

Festivals In Sikhism

 Parkash Utsav Dasveh Patshah

Literally means the birth celebration of the 10th Divine Light birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth sikh guru

Holla Mohalla
gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles

Celebrated as the Sikh Olympics with competitions of swordsmanship, horse riding, Gatka (sikh martial arts), falconry and others by Nihang Singhs.
occasion for the Sikhs to reaffirm their commitment to the Khalsa Panth

 Vaisakhi celebrated on the 13 April every year the day of establishment of the Khalsa brotherhood (the Pure Ones) originally celebrated to mark the beginning of the New Year

Celebration observed in Gudwaras with prayers and performances

Diwali to express the joy at the return of the sixth Guru to Amritsar after imprisonment

 Maghi Commemorate the sacrifice of forty Sikhs, who fought for Guru Gobindh Singh Ji Recital of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and religious rituals in all the Sikh Gurudwaras Pilgrims take a holy dip in the sacred waters

Largest assembly takes place at Muktsar (Punjab) where big fairs are organized

Gurpurbs Improtant anniversaries of the lives of the Gurus Akand Path (Sri Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan (musical recitation) and katha (lectures on Sikhism)

Ethical Teachings in Sikhism

 Ethical teachings of Sikhism focus on discovery and perfection of human soul. The highest aim of ethical system of Sikhism is the performance of ones duties to man and God.

Morality in Sikhism is in the teachings of Guru Nanak.

Inspired Optimism (Chardi Kala) Everything should be faced and accepted in cheerful spirit as the Will of God Sharing (Wand Chhakna)

Share with others who are less forrtunate

Contentment (Santokh)

Having no ambition, envy, greed or jealousy

 Non-Injury (Ahimsa) According to Guru Nanak, when a man commits a sin, if it does not harm the social balance, we should over-look it Charity (Daan) Giving away things without any expectation or reward Harmony (Sahaj) Ethical ideal of Sikhism is to maintain the harmony between religion and life Purity (Shuddhi)

Purity of body and mind. Inner purity is more important than the purity of the body.

References
1.) Singh, Khushwant (2006). The Illustrated History of the Sikhs. India: Oxford University Press. p. 15 2.) Dilgeer, Dr Harjinder Singh (2012), Sikh History ,publisher Sikh University 201012. http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/sikh/blfaq_sikh_ script.http http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/god/sikhr evelationrev2.shtml http://resources.woodlandsjunior.kent.sch.uk/homework/religion/sikhism.html