Unit 9 Sikhism - Professor Kinsey Hall PDF

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Professor Kinsey Hall...

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Sikhism Historical Background: - Originated in the 16th century CE in Punjab (NW India) - Sikhs view their religion as a new and independent faith based on revelations of Guru Nanak - Scholars and historians often explain Sikhism as a dialogue between Hinduism and Islam - Rejects both the Vedas and Quran - Rejects both the ceremonial and ritual aspects of Hinduism and Islam Founder: Guru Nanak: - Nanak (1469-1539) seen as the founder of Sikhism - Born to Hindu parents in Punjab, close to the city of Lahore - Rejects sacred threat (rite of Hindu passage) - Eventually becomes successful accountant - Has vision of God at age 30 - God speaks to him while he is meditating in the forest - Nanak is appointed by God as his Supreme Guru and prophet of the true religion - Became forest dweller, people thought he was insane - Nanak proclaims “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim” - Began preaching, wore mixed garb (Hindu on bottom, Muslim on top) - Followers became known as Sikhs (Punjabi word for “disciple”) - Guru = “leader” or “spiritual leader” - Named successor before death to avoid enmity Nature of the Self and View of the Sacred: - Humans are souls in bodies - Monotheistic - God is one, called The True Name (Ek or Ik Onkar) - God can be known directly by experience - God is the creator of the universe and humans the supreme creation - rejects doctrine of ahimsa Ethics and Teachings: - Salvation (the ultimate goal) is reached by communion with God - Human will plays an important role in reaching salvation - God is the ultimate Guru - Hukam: God’s divine law/command through which he expresses truth - Sikhs deny the caste system and believe in equality between men and women - Belief in reincarnation - Don’t believe in asceticism, family life is encouraged Historical Development: The Gurus: - Guru Nanak and his first three successors adhered to pacifistic ideal - Change occurred during ascension of the 5th Guru, Arjan

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Arjan usually attributed with engendering a military aspect to Sikhism - greater persecution arose during this time, prompting military action - Beginning of the compilation of official scriptures which would become the Adi Granth took place during his leadership - Martyred for his faith Last of the Gurus, Guru Gobind Rai (Singh) organized and prepared Sikhs for self defense and war, a great deal of persecution during his time (from Muslims and Hindus) - Proclaimed there would be no gurus after him, worshiped should be turned to the Adi Granth - Developed an elite class of warrior-esque Sikhs known as Singhs (lions) - Baptism ceremony that continues for Khalsas today - Singhs not allowed to use wine, tobacco, or any other stimulants - encouraged to eat meat for strength - Open to men of all castes

The Khalsa: - Sikh men and women who have undertaken baptism and been initiated into this group with Sikhism - Singhs, now more commonly known as Khalsa, are distinguished in appearance by: 1. Kesh: long hair, uncut on head and face 2. Kangha: comb to adorn the hair 3. Kach: short pants 4. Kara: steel bracelet 5. Kirpan: sword/dagger Scripture: Adi Granth - Punjabi meaning “first book” - Collection of hymns and sacred writings (from Nanak and other Gurus) - Plays central role in Sikh devotional and ritual life - Ritually honored, read daily - Authority based on its revealed nature (infallible), and the answers to all moral questions can be answered through it - Another work of guidance: Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) - Guru Granth Sahib = highest authority within the community Iconography: The Khanda: - The symbol for Sikhs/Sikhism - Represents Sikh concepts - Name derived from word for double edged sword (khanda); metaphor for divine knowledge - Circle around Khanda = Chakar - Endless circle symbolizes perfection and eternal quality of God - Chakar surrounded by two curved swords (kirpans), representing Meeri and Peeri (temporal and spiritual authority)

Death: - Funeral ceremony, then cremation - Soul is believed to be eternal - If goal is reached, upon death the soul will merge with God - If the goal is not reached, soul will be reborn into another body Modern Sikhism: - Around 30 million Sikhs worldwide - Most modern Sikhs are found in India, however there are many Sikh communities all over the world - Human body is good - can eat meat and vegetables but avoid tobacco, alcohol, and stimulants - Khalsa: forbids the removal of hair, adultery, taking intoxicants; commands eating the meat of animals slaughtered only in the proper Sikh fashion - Force can be used to defend in warfare/civil life - Gurdwaras: “gateway to the Guru” - place of congressional worship - Tensions between modern Sikhs and Hindus/Muslims continue...