Sikhism Theology

Guru Nanak

• Northern India, 1469• Vision of God• Transcends religion• Pluralism of Eastern

and Western ideas

Question:

• Can ideas or philosophies of God exist separate from Religion or does an idea about God automatically make it a religion?

Monotheistic

• Creator• Timeless• Un-Incarnated• Eternal

Reality of the World

• Not an Illusion• Not the source of

suffering• Opportunity

Spiritual Achievement

• Goal: escape self-will• Move beyond ourselves

to find God• Gurmukh

Union of Worldly and spiritual Lives

• Reject asceticism • Household Stage of Hinduism• Community important for

moving closer to God

Nam

• God dwells within us

Good Deeds, Not Rituals

• Judged by their actions towards others

Equality of Human Dignity

• Reject Hindu caste system

• Race, culture, Religion, education, wealthy, gender, do not add or take away human dignity

Humans are equal in dignity, regardless of whether their

outward appearance is attractive unattractive

A Just Society

Sikh Ethical Codes

A Just Society

• Nanek concerned with society’s well-being

• Compassionate society• Pray, eat, and work in

community• Equality of members

Social Responsibility

• God endowed humans with free will

• God also gave humans ability to know the difference between good and evil

• Evil does not originate from God• Call to Charity

Sikh Virtues and Vices

• Stems from belief all are equal

• Outside of marriage, treat all as brothers and sisters

• Contribute financially to the poor Love or Lust?

Sikh Virtues

• Truth• Contentment• Patience• Perfect Faith• Compassion

Sikh Vices

• Lust• Anger• Greed• Attachment• Pride

Family Life

• One should marry, if possible• Family life combined with

virtue, leads to God• Dating too young is not

encouraged

Sikh Rituals and Practices

Gurdwara

• Respect before entering• Contains Adi Granth• Community Centre

Gurdwara Services

• Offerings• Prayer, hymns, poems• Led by Granthi • Followed by Langar

Khalsa

• Kech - Hair• Kangha – Wooden Comb• Kachla – Short pants• Kara – Metal bracelet• Kirpan – dagar

Khanda