Post on 07-Jan-2016
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The Sikh Culture
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Sikhism was founded in Punjab, India about 540 years ago by Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs.
The word “Sikh” means the student and the word “Guru” means the teacher or enlightener.
Sikhs worship ONE almighty God, who created and maintains this universe and its diverse beings.
Basic Sikh Facts
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Sikhism is the 5th Largest Religion in the World
1. Christianity – 2 billion2. Islam – 1.3 billion3. Hinduism – 900 million4. Buddhism – 360 million5. Sikhism – 22 million6. Judaism – 14 million
Source: www.adherents .com
Sikhism respect the rights of all people to follow their religion
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Sikhism developed a High Moral Code of Conduct
Dos Earn living by honest means
Equality of all Humanity
Freedom, Liberty and Justice for all
Compassion and Sharing
DONTs Smoking
Drugs
Alcohol
Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh scripture)
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Defend Rights (Key Aspects of Sikhism)
Saint-SoldierDefender of Rights and Fighter of Oppression
Use weapons only when all peaceful means fail
Sikh Gurus gave their lives to defend the rights of the people
Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Guru sacrificed his life to defend the rights of other people to follow their religion
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru taught Sikhs to stand up for their rights and the rights of the weak and if necessary use weapons against opperaion
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Service (Key Aspects of Sikhism)
Community Kitchen 24/7/365 - Free
Signifies sharing and universal brotherhood
CompassionBhagat Puran Singh started a
free hospitals for the poor(Father Teresa)
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Equality (Key Aspects of Sikhism)
Equality of Women“Women are equal” – Guru
Nanak (16th Century)
Gurdwara( Sikh Temple)Four Doors – always open to all
religions
All people irrespective of their race, religion, caste or
national origin are equal under Sikhism. Guru Nanak
rejected the caste system“Singh” and “Kaur”
Mai Bhago
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Balanced Life (Key Aspects of Sikhism)
MeditationRemembrance of God
Martial Arts (Gatka)Sword Fighting
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Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing discipline and spirituality
All Sikhs should wear 5 Articles of Faith
Uncut Hair (Kesh)Uncut Hair (Kesh)SPIRITUALITYSPIRITUALITY
Comb (Kanga)Comb (Kanga)CLEANLINESSCLEANLINESS
Sword (Kirpan)Sword (Kirpan)PROTECTIONPROTECTION
Long Underpants (Kachera)Long Underpants (Kachera)SELF DISCIPLINESELF DISCIPLINE
Iron Bracelet (Kara)Iron Bracelet (Kara)GOOD DEEDSGOOD DEEDS
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99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs
• Sikhs wear Turbans
• Sikhism is a very “visible religion