SIKHISM

THE RELIGION OF THE SIKHS

©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA

 What is Sikhism ?
• Sikhism represents a spiritual path to God and a just
social order for all.
• It is based on a Guru (Teacher) - Sikh (Disciple)
relationship. The teachings that the Gurus gave to this
world came to them direct from God.
• Founded in India by Guru Nanak in the form of ten Gurus
(1469-1708 A.D.). The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh
proclaimed the eleventh and the last Guru as the Guru
Granth Saheb, which is the Holy Book of the Sikhs.

©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA

 What is Guru Granth Saheb ?
• It is the Holy Book of the Sikhs.
• This Holy Scripture was written by the Gurus during their
lifetime and hence it is authentic. Almost all other religious
scriptures were written by the devotees long after their
masters had gone.
• This Scripture does not narrate the life story of the Gurus
but is wholly dedicated to the Glory of God only.
• This Holy Book teaches about God and creation and
about how man can seek enlightenment and salvation.

©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA

 Who is a Sikh ?

• A true Sikh believes in the institution of the ten Gurus and

in the teachings of the Guru Granth Saheb. He/She
believes in only ONE God.
• The true Sikh must take ‘Amrit’ (a ceremony similar to
Baptism) and must wear the five symbols all the time.
Each one begins with the letter ‘K’ and are thus called the
5 K’s.

©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA

 The 5 K’s: Symbols Worn by a Sikh
1. Kes (hair) - Sikhs do not cut their hair or shave. They
keep their long hair covered at all times.
2. Kangha (comb) - is the symbol of cleanliness.
3. Kara (steel bracelet) - the sign of eternity.
4. Kacchehra (short breaches) - is the symbol of action
and goodness, hygiene, and modesty.
5. Kirpan (sword) - is a sign of military and spiritual
power.

©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA

 Singh and Kaur
Every Sikh male has ‘Singh’ (meaning
Lion) as his last name and every Sikh
female has ‘Kaur’ (meaning princess)
as her last name. So you can never go
wrong calling a Sikh “Mr. Singh”. The
whole Sikh Community is collectively
called as “Khalsa Panth”, Khalsa
meaning “Belonging to God”.
©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA
What Does Sikhism Stand For ?
• Sikhism is free from any claims and dogmas.

• To attain salvation, Sikhism rejects all rites, rituals, and fasts. It

rejects the claims of mortification of body, self-torture, penance or
renunciation. It does not believe in worship of gods and goddesses,
stones, statues, idols, pictures, tombs or crematoriums.
• Guru Nanak preached Sikh religion strictly as monotheistic -
requiring belief in none other than One Supreme Being only.
• Sikhism is universal in its appeal to welcome all men and women
alike, rich and poor, high or low, irrespective of caste, creed, sex, race,
color, religion or nationality. The doors of Sikh Temple (called
Gurudwara) are wide open for everybody in this world without
prejudice or social discrimination.

©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA

 A Sikh’s Relation to Others

• For beyond one’s personal relationship with God, the

Sikh expresses his/her faith through selfless service to
humanity.
• Regardless of one’s position, a Sikh is always conscious
of the needs of others. Whether it’s the basic amenities of
food, clothing, and shelter, or a basic right that is being
denied, a Sikh is ever prepared to give his/her time and
money to guarantee these requirements are met.

©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA

 Sikh Philosophy
• According to the Guru’s teachings, during the present
span of life, one’s goal is to seek God, to realize Him and
ultimately to merge with Him. If this chance is lost, one
would fall under the cycle of transmigration.
• God is everywhere and is within us too but a veil of ego
separates us from Him and it hides the Truth from us.
Unless this veil of ego is broken we cannot meet Him, we
cannot realize Him.
• When Naam (His Name/Word) enshrines the mind, one’s
soul becomes realized, it becomes blessed.
• Only God and His grace can save our sinful soul and
none else.
©Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh studies, Maryland USA