History/Founder/important persons/saints: Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded the Sikh religion in the fifteenth century as an attempt to reconcile the Hindu and Islamic religions. Guru Nanak was a revolutionary in those times- his teachings that women and men were equal, that caste was unimportant, and that there are many paths to God- were ahead of their time.
Current leader/governing body: There are no central governing bodies in the Sikh religion.
Number of Adherents: About twenty three million worldwide, with the majority in India's Punjab region. Clergy: Sikhs have no clergy, believing an established clergy to invite corruption. A clergy also establishes rank, which is in direct opposition to the Sikh theology of the equality of all. Sikhs do not recognize castes.
Churches/Temples: A Sikh temple is called a Gurdawara, meaning "house of the Guru, " or "door to the Guru."
Requirements to join: A special initiatory rite is required to join the Khalsa, or brotherhood of Saints, although one does not have to be Khalsa to be Sikh. The Khalsa were once a militia, but are now recognized as the devout initiates of the religion. Initiated Male Khalsas adopt the mandatory last name "Singh," meaning "Lion;" females take the name "Kaur," meaning "Princess." The Khalsas historic mission was to fight oppression and injustice.
Scripture: Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Adi Granth- the writings of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion.
Required observances, dietary restrictions: Sikhs (Khalsas) follow strict traditions of dress including the observance of five dress rituals, also called Khalsas:
Kesa, or uncut hair, as a reminder to do no harm to the body. Male Sikhs wear their hair in a turban. Kacha, a special undergarment, as a symbol of marital chastity. Carrying: The Kanga, a wooden comb, symbolizing cleanliness. The Kara, a steel bracelet, signifying devotion to truth. The Kirpan, or ceremonial dagger, symbolizing a vow to protect the weak and helpless. Holidays and observances: Sikh holidays include many traditional Hindu holidays, such as Diwali.
Basic teachings and Beliefs of Sikhism: Sikh beliefs are an interesting amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim ideas. Like Hindus, Sikhs believe in Dharma, (the law of Karma) reincarnation, and Samsara (the Hindu cycle of life and death). Like Muslims, they believe in a single deity, and eschew idolatry. Code of Conduct: The Sikh religion prohibits idolatry, the observance of a caste system, and the use of alcohol or tobacco. Sikhs also avoid meat that is not humanely slaughtered, and prefer a vegetarian diet. Kosher and Halal meats are forbidden because they are believed to be inhumanely slaughtered.
Misconceptions: Unfortunately, due to the events of September, 2001, many Sikhs have been misidentified as Muslim extremists because their dress is similar to to that affected by Osama bin Laden. Many have been harassed, assaulted, or even killed. Sikhism bears no resemblance to fanatical Islamic sects, and Sikhs believe in the equality of all human beings, regardless of gender, religion, race, or social status.
Symbols of Sikhism: The universal Sikh symbol is a glyph (called a Khanda) composed of a central, straight edged sword, symbozing truth surrounded by two curved swords representing temporal power and authority.
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