Sikhism: Difference between revisions
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Theo was ere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Theo was ere![[Image:Amritsar-golden-temple-00.JPG|thumb|320px|right|The [[Harimandir Sāhib]], known popularly as the Golden Temple, is a sacred shrine for Sikhs]] |
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'''Sikhism''' ([[International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA]]:{{Audio-IPA-nohelp|Seekism.ogg|['siːkɪz(ə)m]}} or {{Audio-IPA-nohelp|Sikism.ogg|['sɪk-]}}; {{lang-pa|ਸਿੱਖੀ}}, ''{{IAST|sikkhī}}'', [[International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA]]: {{Audio-IPA-nohelp|Sikkhi.ogg|['sɪk.kʰiː]}}) is a religion that found its genesis in sixteenth century [[Northern India]] with the teachings of [[Nānak]] and nine successive human [[The Sikh Gurus|Gurus]]. This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally ''the teachings of the Gurus'') or the Sikh Dharma. ''Sikhism'' comes from the word ''Sikh'', which in turn comes from the [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] word ''{{unicode|sikkh}}''. ''Sikkh'' comes from its [[Sanskrit]] root ''{{unicode|śiṣya}}'' meaning "disciple" or "learner", or ''{{unicode|śikṣa}}'' meaning "instruction", via the equivalent [[Pāli]] word ''{{unicode|sikkhā}}''.<ref>{{cite book | last=Singh | first=Khushwant | authorlink=Khushwant Singh | year=2006 | title=The Illustrated History of the Sikhs | publisher=Oxford University Press | location=India | id = ISBN 0-195-67747-1 | pages=15}}</ref><ref>{{pa icon}} {{cite book | last=Nabha | first=Kahan Singh | year=1930 | language=Punjabi | title=Gur Shabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh/{{lang|pa|ਗੁਰ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਰਤਨਾਕਰ ਮਹਾਨ ਕੋਸ਼}}| url=http://www.ik13.com/online_library.htm#mahankosh | accessdate=2006-05-29 | pages=720}}</ref> |
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The principal belief in Sikhism is faith in one God — [[Waheguru|Vahigurū]] — represented using the sacred symbol of {{unicode|[[Ek Onkar|ik ōaṅkār]]}}. The followers of Sikhism are ordained to follow the teachings of [[The Sikh Gurus|the Ten Sikh Gurus]] and the select works of fifteen earlier [[Sikh Bhagats|bhagats]] as scripted in the [[Guru Granth Sahib|Gurū Granth Sahib]]. The text was decreed by {{unicode|[[Guru Gobind Singh|Gōbind Siṅgh]]}} as the final guru of the {{unicode|[[Khalsa Panth|Ḵẖālsā Panth]]}}. A [[Dharmic religion|dharmic religion]], Sikhism advocates the pursual of [[salvation]] through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God. The religion shares its philosophy with that of the [[Bhakti movement]] and [[Sufism|Sūfīsm]]. Some consider Sikhism to be a [[Syncretism|syncretic]] religion, although this is not a widespread belief held by Sikhs; the Sikh gurus maintained that their message had been revealed directly by God. |
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Sikhism's traditions and teachings are distinctly associated with the history, society and culture of the [[Punjab region|Punjab]]. Adherents of Sikhism are known as Sikhs (''Students'' or ''Disciples'') and number over 23 million across the world. However, most Sikhs live in the [[Punjab (India)|state of Punjab]] in [[India]]; prior to [[Partition of India|partition]], millions of Sikhs used to live in what is now the [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab province]] of [[Pakistan]]. Sikh scriptures are written in the [[Punjabi language]], and the most sacred institutions are located in the Punjab region now divided between India and Pakistan. The {{unicode|[[Khalsa|Ḵẖālsā]]}} is the ideal brotherhood of all Sikhs, which developed in history as a community with a cohesive political and military leadership, and modern Sikh communities remains a vibrant and important participant in the politics, culture, economy and national life of India and other nations they inhabit. |
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== Philosophy and teachings == |
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{{main articles|[[Sikh religious philosophy]], [[Sikhism primary beliefs and principles]]}} |
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[[Image:Khanda.svg|150px|thumb|The {{unicode|[[khanda|khaṇḍā]]}}, a modern symbol of Sikhism.|right]] |
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One of the common views of Sikhism is that of a syncretic mixture of [[Hinduism]] and [[Islam]], but Sikhs maintain that their religious system comes from the word of God, and many historians and scholars maintain that such a description of syncretism is an over-simplification which is largely incorrect. However, Sikh religious philosophy have strong roots in the religious traditions of Northern India.<ref name="parrinderp259">{{cite book | last=Parrinder | first=Geoffrey | authorlink=Geoffrey Parrinder | year=1971 | title=World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present | publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-87196-129-6 | pages=259}}</ref> |
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The synthesis which is fundamental to the teachings of Nānak is rooted in the ''[[Sant Mat|Nirguna Sampradaya]]'' - the diverse ''Sant'' traditions of northern India. One of its most significant exponents, and especially important to the connection with Sikhism were the teachings of the saint [[Kabīr]]. Sikhism is also inspired by the emphasis on devotion to God in the traditions of [[Vaishnavism]], especially through the ''[[Bhakti]]'' movement, as well as influences of [[Sufism|Sūfīsm]]. However, Nānak's teachings diverge significantly from Vaishnavism by its rejection of idol worship, the doctrine of [[Avatara|divine incarnations]] and a strict emphasis on inward devotion, professed to be a harder personal pursuit than ''[[Bhakti]]''.<ref name="p252">{{cite book | last=Parrinder | first=Geoffrey | authorlink=Geoffrey Parrinder | year=1971 | title=World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present | publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-87196-129-6 | pages=252}}</ref> The evolution of Nānak's thoughts on the basis of his own experiences and study have also given it a distinctly unique feature. |
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=== God === |
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The Sikh term for God is ''[[Waheguru|Vahigurū]]'' and Nānak describes him as ''{{unicode|[[nirankar|niraṅkār]]}}'' (from the Sanskrit ''nirākārā'', meaning ''formless''), ''[[akal|akāl]]'' (meaning ''eternal'') and ''[[Alakh Niranjan|alakh]]'' (from the Sanskrit ''alakśya'', meaning ''invisible'' or ''unobserved''). At the very beginning of the first composition of Sikh scripture is the figure "[[1 (number)|1]]" — signifying the unity of God. Nānak's interpretation of God is that of a single, personal and [[transcendental]] creator with whom the devotee must develop a most intimate faith and relationship to achieve [[salvation]].<ref name="p252"/> Sikhism advocates the belief in one God who is [[omnipresent]] and has infinite qualities. This aspect has been repeated on numerous occasions in the Gurū Granth Sāhib and the term ''[[Ek Onkar|ik ōaṅkār]]'' signifies this. In the Sikh teachings, there is no gender for God. When translating, the proper meaning cannot be correctly conveyed without using a gender definition, but this distorts the meaning by giving the impression that God is masculine, which is not the message in the original script. |
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Nānak further emphasizes that a full understanding of God is beyond human beings.<ref name="p252"/> However, Nānak also describes God, who in his fullness is unknowable, is not wholly unknowable. God is ''[[sarav viāpak]]'' (''omnipresent'') in all creation and visible everywhere to the spiritually awakened. Nānak stresses that God must be seen from "the inward eye," or the "heart" of a human being - that [[meditation]] must take place inwardly to achieve enlightenment progressively. Nānak emphasizes this revelation in creation as crucial, as its rigorous application permits the existence of communication between God and human beings.<ref name="p252"/> |
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=== Pursuing salvation === |
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[[Image:Sikh.man.at.the.Golden.Temple.jpg|260px|right|thumb|A Sikh man at the [[Harimandir Sāhib]].]] |
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Nānak's teachings are founded not on a final destination of [[heaven]] or [[hell]], but a spiritual union with God which results in [[salvation]]. His teachings strongly carry a message for social and personal transformation along with the message of God. The chief obstacles to the attainment of salvation are social conflicts, divisions and an attachment to worldly pursuits, which commits men and women to an endless cycle of birth and death owing to their ''[[karma]]''. ''[[Maya (illusion)|Māyā]]'' (also ''māiā'') — defined as illusion or "unreality" — is one of the core deviations from the pursuit of God and salvation. However, Nānak emphasized māyā as not a reference to the unreality of the world, but of its values. The influences of ''{{unicode|[[ahankar|ahaṅkār]]}}'' ([[ego]]), ''[[krodh|krōdh]]'' ([[anger]]), ''[[lobh|lōbh]]'' ([[greed]]), ''[[moh|mōh]]'' ([[attachment]]) and ''[[kam|kām]]'' ([[lust]]) — known as the '''Five Evils'' — are to be particularly striven against. Accepting the pursuit of worldly values, especially believing them to compose of ''[[satya|satiā]]'' (''truth'') binds mankind to suffering and re-births. The fate of such persons is a separation from God, and the situation may be remedied only after intensive and relentless devotion to God.<ref>{{cite book | last=Parrinder | first=Geoffrey | authorlink=Geoffrey Parrinder | year=1971 | title=World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present | publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-87196-129-6 | pages=253}}</ref> |
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Nānak describes God's revelation — the path to salvation — with terms such as ''[[nam|nām]]'', the divine ''Name'' and ''[[shabad|śabad]]'', the divine Word to emphasize the totality of the revelation in that anything that can be affirmed of God is an aspect of the divine Name and Word. Nānak designates the word ''guru'' (meaning ''teacher'') as the very voice of God, which is the source and guide for knowledge and salvation. The term ''hukam'' (meaning ''divine order'') expresses the nature of the revelation in both physical and psychical terms, to which the striving believer must bring himself or herself into harmony.<ref name="p254">{{cite book | last=Parrinder | first=Geoffrey | authorlink=Geoffrey Parrinder | year=1971 | title=World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present | publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-87196-129-6 | pages=254}}</ref> |
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The path to knowledge and salvation is only attainable through rigourous and disciplined devotion to God. Nānak distinctly teaches the irrelevance of outwardly observations such as temple rites, mosque worship, pilgrimages or asceticism. Nānak emphasizes that the devotion and communication with God must take place through the heart, with the spirit and soul, with the voice of God speaks the message of God. Nānak stressed ''[[kirat karō]]'', that a Sikh should balance work, worship, and charity, and should defend for the rights of all creatures, and in particular, fellow human beings. They are encouraged to have a "''{{unicode|[[caṛdī kalā]]}}''," roughly translated as "buoyant hope," an optimistic view of life. Sikh teachings also stress ''{{unicode|[[vaṇḍ chakkō]]}}'': share with others in need, free food ({{unicode|[[langar|laṅgar]]}}), donate income and time in doing work to better humanity. |
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The key practice to be pursued with discipline is ''{{unicode|[[Nām Japō|nām simraṇ]]}}'' — remembrance of the divine Name. The verbal repetition of the name of God or a sacred syllable is an established practice in religious traditions in India, but Nānak 's interpretation emphasizes the absolutely ''interiority'' (entirely personal, inward observance) of the devotion and construes the extension from a single word to a developed doctrine of meditation. Nānak 's ideal is total exposure of one's being to the divine Name, and a total conforming to the divine Order which is expressed in the divine Name. Nānak describes the result of the disciplined application of ''{{unicode|nām simraṇ}}'' as a "growing towards and into God" through a gradual process of five stages. The last of these is ''{{unicode|[[Sach Khand|sac khaṇḍ]]}}'' (''The Realm of Truth'') — the final consummation or union of the spirit with God.<ref name="p254"/> |
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== The Ten Gurus == |
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{{main|Sikh Gurus}} |
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The term [[guru]] comes from the [[Sanskrit]] ''gurū'', meaning teacher, guide or mentor. The traditions and philosophy of Sikhism was established by ten such gurus from [[1469]] CE to [[1708]] CE. Each guru added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting in the creation of the Sikh religion. [[Guru Nanak Dev|Gurū Nānak Dēv]] was the first guru and appointed a disciple of his as a successor. {{unicode|[[Guru Gobind Singh|Gurū Gōbind Siṅgh]]}} was the final guru in human form. Before his death, {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} decreed that the [[Gurū Granth Sāhib]] would be the final and perpetual guru of the Sikhs. <ref name="granthfinalguru">{{cite book | last=Mann | first=Gurinder Singh | year=2001 | title=The Making of Sikh Scripture | publisher=Oxford University Press | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-195-13024-3 | pages=21}}</ref> |
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{{List_of_Sikh_Gurus}} |
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After Nānak's death, the most important phase in the development of Sikhism came with the third successor, Amar Dās. Nānak's teachings emphasized the pursuit of salvation, and had significant but loose followings. Amar Dās began building a cohesive community of followers with initiatives such as sanctioning distinctive ceremonies for birth, marriage and death as well as the ''manji'' (diocese) system of clerical supervision. Three festivals associated with Hinduism were designated also as Sikh festivals, and the Guru's residence in the town of [[Goindval|Gōindvāl]] became a centre of pilgrimage.<ref name="p254"/> |
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Amar Dās's successor and son-in-law Rām Dās founded the city of [[Amritsar]], which is home of the [[Harimandir Sāhib]] and regarded widely as the holiest city for all Sikhs. When Rām Dās's youngest son Arjun Dēv succeed him, this established the line of male gurus from the ''Sodhi Khatri'' family, with all succeeding gurus being direct descendants of this line. Arjun Dēv was responsible for compiling the Sikh scriptures, and was captured by Mughal authorities who were suspicious and hostile to the religious order he was developing.<ref>{{cite book | last=Parrinder | first=Geoffrey | authorlink=Geoffrey Parrinder | year=1971 | title=World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present | publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-87196-129-6 | pages=255}}</ref> His persecution and death inspired his successors to promote a military and political organisation of Sikh communities to defend themselves against the attacks of Mughal forces. |
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== History == |
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{{main|History of Sikhism}} |
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[[Image:Guru.Nanak.with.Hindu.holymen.jpg|350px|thumb|right|[[Guru Nanak Dev|Gurū Nānak Dēv]], the founder of Sikhism, with Hindu holy men.]] |
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[[Guru Nanak Dev|Gurū Nānak Dēv]] (1469–1538), the founder of Sikhism, was born in the village of [[Nankana Sahib|Rāi Bhōi dī Talvaṇḍī]], now called Nankana Sahib, near [[Lahore]] (in what is present-day [[Pakistan]]).<ref>{{cite book | last=Singh | first=Khushwant | authorlink=Khushwant Singh | year=2006 | title=The Illustrated History of the Sikhs | publisher=Oxford University Press | location=India | id = ISBN 0-195-67747-1 | pages=12-13}} Also, as according to the Purātan Janamsākhī (the birth stories of Nānak).</ref> His father, Mehta Kalian Das Bedi was a [[Patwari]]—an [[accountant]] of land revenue in the government. He worked for the [[Muslim]] landlord of the village, Rai Bullar. Nānak's mother was Tripta Devi and he had one older sister, [[Bibi Nanki|Nānakī]]. His parents, Mehta Kalian Das and Tripta Devi were [[Hindu]]s of the [[Khatri]] [[caste]]. As a boy, Nānak was fascinated by religion, and his desire to explore the mysteries of life eventually led him to leave home. It was during this period that Nānak was said to have met [[Kabir|Kabīr]] (1440–1518), a saint revered by people of different faiths. |
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Sikh tradition states that at the age of thirty, Nānak went missing and was presumed to have drowned after going for one of his morning baths to a local stream called the ''Kali Bein''. Three days later he reappeared and would give the same answer to any question posed to him: "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim" (in Punjabi, "''nā kō hindū nā kō musalmān''"). It was from this moment that Nānak would begin to spread the teachings of what was then the beginning of Sikhism.<ref>{{cite book | last=Shackle | first=Christopher | coauthors= Mandair, Arvind-Pal Singh | year=2005 | title=Teachings of the Sikh Gurus: Selections from the Sikh Scriptures | publisher=Routledge | location=United Kingdom | id = ISBN 0-415-26604-1 | pages=xiii-xiv}}</ref> |
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Although the exact account of his itinerary is not certain, he is widely acknowledged to have made four major journeys, spanning many thousands of kilometres. The first tour being east towards [[Bengal]] and [[Assam]], the second south towards [[Ceylon]] via [[Tamil Nadu]], the third north towards [[Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]] and [[Tibet]], and the final tour west towards [[Baghdad]] and [[Mecca]].<ref>{{cite book | last=Singh | first=Khushwant | authorlink=Khushwant Singh | year=2006 | title=The Illustrated History of the Sikhs | publisher=Oxford University Press | location=India | id = ISBN 0-195-67747-1 | pages=14}}</ref> |
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In 1538, Nānak chose {{unicode|Lahṇā}}, his disciple, as a successor to the guruship rather than his son. {{unicode|Lahṇā}} was named {{unicode|[[Guru Angad Dev|Gurū Aṅgad Dēv]]}} and became the second guru of the Sikhs.<ref>{{cite book | last=Shackle | first=Christopher | coauthors= Mandair, Arvind-Pal Singh | year=2005 | title=Teachings of the Sikh Gurus: Selections from the Sikh Scriptures | publisher=Routledge | location=United Kingdom | id = ISBN 0-415-26604-1 | pages=xv}}</ref> The event happened at a town called Kartarpur on the banks of the river [[Ravi]], where Nānak had finally settled down after his travels. Angad continued the work started by Nānak and is widely credited for standardising the [[Gurmukhī script]] as used in the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. [[Guru Amar Das|Gurū Amar Dās]] became the third Sikh guru in 1552 at the age of 73. [[Goindval|Gōindvāl]] became an important centre for Sikhism during the guruship of Amar Dās. He continued to preach the principle of equality for women by prohibiting [[purdah]] and [[sati (practice)|sati]]. Amar Dās also encouraged the practise of {{unicode|[[langar|laṅgar]]}} and made all those who visited him attend laṅgar before they could see him.<ref>{{cite book | last=Duggal | first=Kartar Singh | year=1988 | title=Philosophy and Faith of Sikhism | publisher=Himalayan Institute Press | id = ISBN 0-893-89109-6 | pages=15}}</ref> In 1567, [[Emperor Akbar]] sat with the ordinary and poor people of Punjab to have {{unicode|laṅgar}}. Amar Dās also trained 146 apostles of which 52 were women, to manage the rapid expansion of the religion.<ref>{{cite web | last=Brar | first=Sandeep Singh | year=1998 | title=The Sikhism Homepage: Guru Amar Das | url=http://www.sikhs.org/guru3.htm | accessdate=2006-05-26}}</ref> Before he died in 1574 aged 95, he appointed his son-in-law {{unicode|Jēṭhā}} as the fourth Sikh guru. |
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{{unicode|Jēṭhā}} became [[Guru Ram Das|Gurū Rām Dās]] and vigorously undertook his duties as the new guru. He is responsible for the establishment of the city of Ramdaspur later to be named [[Amritsar]]. In 1581, [[Guru Arjun Dev|Gurū Arjun Dēv]] — youngest son of the fourth guru — became the fifth guru of the Sikhs. In addition to being responsible for building the [[Harimandir Sāhib]] (often called the Golden Temple), he prepared the Sikh sacred text known as the [[Adi Granth|Ādi Granth]] (literally ''the first book'') and included the writings of the first five gurus. In 1606, for refusing to make changes to the Granth and for supporting an unsuccessful candidate to the throne, he was tortured and killed by the [[Mughal]] ruler, [[Jahangir]].<ref>{{cite book | last=Shackle | first=Christopher | coauthors= Mandair, Arvind-Pal Singh | year=2005 | title=Teachings of the Sikh Gurus: Selections from the Sikh Scriptures | publisher=Routledge | location=United Kingdom | id = ISBN 0-415-26604-1 | pages=xv-xvi}}</ref> [[Guru Har Gobind|Gurū Hari Gōbind]], became the sixth guru of the Sikhs. He carried two swords — one for [[spirituality|spiritual]] and the other for [[secularism|temporal]] reasons (known as ''mīrī'' and ''pīrī'' in Sikhism).<ref>{{cite book | last=Mahmood | first=Cynthia | year=2002 | title=A Sea of Orange | publisher=Xlibris | location=United States | id = ISBN 1-401-02856-X | pages=16}}</ref> From this point onward, the Sikhs became a military force and always had a trained fighting force to defend their independence. In 1644, [[Guru Har Rai|Gurū Hari Rāi]] became guru followed by {{unicode|[[Guru Har Krishan|Gurū Hari Kriśan]]}}, the boy guru, in 1661. No hymns composed by these three gurus are included in the Sikh holy book.<ref>{{cite book | last=Shackle | first=Christopher | coauthors= Mandair, Arvind-Pal Singh | year=2005 | title=Teachings of the Sikh Gurus: Selections from the Sikh Scriptures | publisher=Routledge | location=United Kingdom | id = ISBN 0-415-26604-1 | pages=xvi}}</ref> |
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[[Image:GuruTeghBahadurJi FreedomOfReligion2.jpg|thumb|right|300 px|{{unicode|[[Guru Teg Bahadur|Gurū Tēġ Bahādur]]}} meeting the [[Kashmiri Pandit]]s.]] |
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[[Guru Teg Bahadur|Gurū Tēġ Bahādur]] became guru in 1665 and led the Sikhs until 1675. Tēġ Bahādur was [[Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadar|executed]] by [[Aurangzeb]] for helping to protect Hindus, after [[Kashmiri Pandit]]s came to him for help when the Emperor condemned them to death for failing to convert to Islam.<ref>{{cite book | last=Rama | first=Swami | year=1986 | title=Celestial Song/Gobind Geet: The Dramatic Dialogue Between Guru Gobind Singh and Banda Singh Bahadur | publisher=Himalayan Institute Press | id = ISBN 0-893-89103-7 | pages=7-8}}</ref> He was succeeded by his son, Gobind Rāi who was just nine years old at the time of his father's death. Gobind Rāi further militarised his followers, and was baptised by the {{unicode|[[Panj Piare|Pañj Piārē]]}} when he formed the {{unicode|[[Khalsa|Ḵẖālsā]]}} in 1699. |
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This was a considerable transformation of the Sikh community from the time of Nānak, when it was a loose collection of followers who focused entirely on the attainment of salvation and God. Even though the core Sikh religious philosophy was never affected, the followers now began to develop a political identity. Conflict with Mughal authorities escalated during the lifetime of Tēġ Bahādur and Gōbind Siṅgh. The latter founded the {{unicode|Ḵẖālsā}} in 1699. The {{unicode|Ḵẖālsā}} is a disciplined community that combines its religious purpose and goals with political and military duties.<ref name="parrinderp259"/> From here on in he was known as {{unicode|[[Guru Gobind Singh|Gurū Gōbind Siṅgh]]}}.<ref>{{cite book | last=Singh | first=Khushwant | authorlink=Khushwant Singh | year=2006 | title=The Illustrated History of the Sikhs | publisher=Oxford University Press | location=India | id = ISBN 0-195-67747-1 | pages=37-38}}</ref> After Aurangzeb killed four of his sons, {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} sent Aurangzeb the [[Zafarnama|Zafarnāmā]] (''Notification/Epistle of Victory''). |
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Shortly before passing away {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} ordered that the [[Guru Granth Sahib|Gurū Granth Sāhib]] (the Sikh Holy Scripture), would be the ultimate spiritual authority for the Sikhs and temporal authority would be vested in the {{unicode|Ḵẖālsā Panth}} – The Sikh Nation/Community.<ref name="granthfinalguru"/> The first scripture was compiled and edited by the fifth guru, Arjun Dēv in AD 1604. |
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===After the Gurus=== |
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[[Banda Bahadur|Bandā Bahādur]], a former-ascetic, was charged by {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} with the duty of punishing those who had persecuted Sikhs and murdered his sons. After the guru's death, Bandā Bahādur became the leader of the Sikh army and was responsible for several attacks on the Mughal empire. He was executed by the emperor [[Jahandar Shah]] after refusing the offer of a pardon if he converted to Islam.<ref>{{cite book | last=Singh | first=Khushwant | authorlink=Khushwant Singh | year=2006 | title=The Illustrated History of the Sikhs | publisher=Oxford University Press | location=India | id = ISBN 0-195-67747-1 | pages=47-53}}</ref> |
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The Sikh community's embrace of military and political organisation made it a considerable regional force in medieval India and it continued to evolve after the demise of the gurus. After the death of Bandā Bahādur, a loose confederation of Sikh warrior bands known as ''[[misls]]'' formed. With the decline of the Mughal empire, a Sikh empire arose in the Punjab under {{unicode|[[Maharaja Ranjit Singh|Mahārājā Raṇjīt Siṅgh]]}}, with its capital in [[Lahore]] and limits reaching the [[Khyber Pass]] and the borders of [[China]]. The order, traditions and discipline developed over centuries culminated at the time of {{unicode|Raṇjīt Siṅgh}} to give rise to the common religious and social identity that the term "Sikhism" describes.<ref name="parrinderp256">{{cite book | last=Parrinder | first=Geoffrey | authorlink=Geoffrey Parrinder | year=1971 | title=World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present | publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-87196-129-6 | pages=256}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Hargobind_Singh.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Mid-nineteenth century miniature of Gurū Hari Gōbind.]] |
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After the death of {{unicode|Raṇjīt Siṅgh}}, the Sikh kingdom fell into disorder and eventually collapsed with the [[Anglo-Sikh Wars]], which brought the Punjab under [[British Raj|British rule]]. After the peace treaty, large contingents of Sikhs joined the [[British Indian Army]] and remained a progressive and prosperous force in Indian society. However, Sikh alienation from British rule began with the [[Jallianwala Bagh massacre]] in 1919 and the formation of the [[Gadar party]]. Sikhs supported and participated in the [[Indian National Congress]], but also formed the [[Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee]] and the [[Shiromani Akali Dal]] to preserve Sikhs religious and political organization. |
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===Independent India=== |
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The [[partition of India]] in 1947 would prove disastrous for the Sikh community, as millions of Sikhs were forced to leave their ancestral homes in [[West Punjab]], where the religion was born but now was a part of Pakistan. The Sikh intelligentsia believed that partition was grossly unfair to the Sikh community.<ref>{{cite book | last=Pandey | first=Gyanendra | year=2001 | title=Remembering Partition: Violence, Nationalism and History in India | publisher=Cambridge University Press | id = ISBN 0-521-00250-8 | pages=33}}</ref> Hundreds of thousands of Sikhs were killed in communal violence, and the number of Sikhs living in Pakistan today is virtually negligible. The mass displacement of Sikh communities is attributed to have given rise to a political demand for a Sikh-majority state to preserve Sikh political and cultural influence in India, led by [[Master Tara Singh]] and the Akalis. Indian Punjab was thus divided in 1966, with Hindu-majority areas forming [[Haryana]]. |
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Even though Sikhs enjoyed considerable prosperity in the 1970s with the [[Green Revolution]] making Punjab the most prosperous state in the nation, a fringe group led by cleric [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] began demanding greater rights for Sikhs and eventually an independent state named {{unicode|[[Khalistan|Ḵẖālistān]]}}. The wave of militancy that swept Northern India in the 1980s resulted in the government ordering the [[Indian Army]] to storm the [[Harimandir Sāhib]] in [[Amritsar]], which was the hideout of the separatists. The deaths of thousands of civilians and damage to the temple outraged Sikh communities across the world, and resulted in the assassination of India's prime minister [[Indira Gandhi]] in October 1984. This in turn led to [[1984 Anti-Sikh riots|communal violence]] between activists of the ruling political party Congress(I) and Sikhs in Delhi that left thousands dead. Calm and order returned to Punjab in the early 1990s, which had suffered from an environment of [[martial law]]. Although relations between Sikhs and Hindus suffered during this period of turmoil, the two communities still have strong bonds.<ref>{{cite book | last=Horowitz | first=Donald L. | year=2003 | title=The Deadly Ethnic Riot | publisher=University of California Press | id = ISBN 0-520-23642-4 | pages=482-485}}</ref> Sikh politics are generally divided between the [[Indian National Congress]] and the political factions of the [[Shiromani Akali Dal]]. In 2004, [[Manmohan Singh]] of the Congress Party became the first Sikh [[Prime Minister of India]]. |
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== Scripture == |
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[[Image:Dictation of the Guru Granth Saheb.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Guru Arjun Dev|Gurū Arjun Dēv]] dictating the Ādi Granth to [[Bhai Gurdas|Bhāī Gurdās]]. ]] |
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There are two primary sources of scripture for the Sikhs: the Gurū Granth Sāhib and the Dasam Granth. The Gurū Granth Sāhib may be referred to as the Ādi Granth — literally, ''The First Volume'' — and the two terms are often used synonymously in literature. However, in this context, the Ādi Granth is used to refer to the version of the scripture created by [[Guru Arjun Dev|Arjun Dēv]] in 1604. The Gurū Granth Sāhib is used to refer to the final version of the scripture created by {{unicode|[[Guru Gobind Singh|Gōbind Siṅgh]]}}. |
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=== Ādi Granth === |
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{{main|Ādi Granth}} |
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It is believed that the Ādi Granth was compiled primarily by [[Bhai Gurdas|Bhāī Gurdās]] under the supervision of [[Guru Arjun Dev|Arjun Dēv]] between the years 1603 and 1604.<ref>{{cite book | last=Trumpp | first=Ernest | year=2004 | origyear=1877 | title=The Ādi Granth or the Holy Scriptures of the Sikhs | publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers | location=India | id = ISBN 81-215-0244-6 | pages=1xxxi}}</ref> It is written in the [[Gurmukhi|Gurmukhī]] script, which is a descendant of the {{unicode|[[Laṇḍā]]}} script used in the Punjab at that time.<ref>{{cite book | last=Grierson | first=George Abraham | authorlink=George Abraham Grierson | year=1967 | origyear=1927 | title=The Linguistic Survey of India | publisher=Motilal Banarsidass | location=India | id = ISBN 81-853-9527-6 | pages=624}}</ref> The [[Gurmukhi|Gurmukhī]] script was standardised by Arjun Dēv for use in the Sikh scriptures and is thought to have been influenced by the {{unicode|[[Śāradā]]}} and [[Dēvanāgarī]] scripts. The impetus behind the creation of an authorative scripture was to protect the integrity of hymns and teachings of the Sikh gurus and selected bhagats. At the time, Arjun Dēv worked to prevent undue influence from the followers of [[Prithi Chand|Prithī Cand]], the guru's older brother and rival.<ref>{{cite book | last=Mann | first=Gurinder Singh | year=2001 | title=The Making of Sikh Scripture | publisher=Oxford University Press | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-195-13024-3 | pages=19}}</ref> |
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The original version of the Ādi Granth is known as the ''{{unicode|kartārpur bīṛ}}'' and is currently held by the Sodhi family of Kartarpur. |
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=== Gurū Granth Sāhib === |
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[[Image:Sri_Guru_Granth_Sahib_Nishan.jpg|250px|thumb|Gurū Granth Sāhib folio with Mūl Mantra.|right]] |
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{{main|Gurū Granth Sāhib}} |
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The final version of the Gurū Granth Sāhib was compiled by {{unicode|Gurū Gōbind Siṅgh}}. It consists of the original Ādi Granth with the addition of {{unicode|Gurū Tēġ Bahādur's}} hymns. It was decreed by {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} that the Granth was to be considered the eternal, living guru of all Sikhs: |
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:[[Punjabi]]: {{lang|pa|ਸੱਬ ਸਿੱਖਣ ਕੋ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਾਨਯੋ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ।}} |
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:[[Transliteration]]: {{unicode|Sabb sikkhaṇ kō hukam hai gurū mānyō granth.}} |
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:[[English_language|English]]: All Sikhs are commanded to take the Granth as Guru. |
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It contains compositions by the first five gurus, {{unicode|Gurū Tēġ Bahādur}} and just one {{unicode|[[Shloka|śalōk]]}} (''couplet'') from {{unicode|Gurū Gōbind Siṅgh}}.<ref>{{cite web | last=Brar | first=Sandeep Singh | year=1998 | title=The Sikhism Homepage: Sri Guru Granth Sahib - Authors & Contributors | url=http://www.sikhs.org/granth2.htm | accessdate=2006-05-30}}</ref> It also contains the traditions and teachings of ''sants'' (''saints'') such as [[Kabir|Kabīr]], [[Namdev|Nāmdēv]], [[Ravidas|Ravidās]] and [[Sheikh Farid|Śēkh Farīd]] along with several others.<ref name="parrinderp256"/> |
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The bulk of the scripture is classified according to ''[[raga|rāg]]'', with each rāg subdivided according to length and author. There are 31 main rāgs within the Gurū Granth Sāhib. In addition to the rāgs, there are clear references to the folk music of Punjab as well. The main language used in the scripture is known as ''{{unicode|[[Sant Bhasha|Sant Bhāṣā]]}}'', a language related to both Punjabi and [[Hindi language|Hindi]] and used extensively across medieval northern India by proponents of popular devotional religion.<ref name="parrinderp259"/> The text further comprises over 5000 [[shabhad|śabad]]s, or hymns, which are poetically constructed and set to classical form of music rendition, can be set to predetermined musical [[Tala (music)|tāl]]s, or rhythmic beats. |
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The Granth begins with the [[Mul Mantra|Mūl Mantra]], an iconic verse created by Nānak: |
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:{{lang-pa|ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥}} |
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:[[ISO 15919]] [[transliteration]]: ''{{unicode|Ika ōaṅkāra sati nāmu karatā purakhu nirabha'u niravairu akāla mūrati ajūnī saibhaṅ gura prasādi.}}'' |
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:Simplified transliteration: {{unicode|Ik ōaṅkār sat nām kartā purkh nirbha'u nirvair akāl mūrat ajūnī saibhaṅ gur prasād.}} |
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:[[English language|English]]: There is One God, He is the supreme truth, He, the Creator, is without fear and without hate. He, the omnipresent, prevades the universe. He is not born, nor does he die again to be reborn. By His grace shalt thou worship Him. |
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All text within the Granth is known as [[Gurbani|Gurbānī]]. Gurbānī, according to Nānak, was revealed by God directly, and the authors wrote it down for the followers. The status accorded to the scripture is defined by the evolving interpretation of the concept of ''guru''. In the ''Sant'' tradition of Nānak, the ''guru'' was the voice, literally the word of God. The Sikh community soon transferred the role to a line of men who gave authoritative and practical expression to religious teachings and traditions, with socio-political leadership of its adherents. {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} declared an end of the line of human gurus, and now the Gurū Granth Sāhib serves as the eternal ''guru'', with its interpretation vested with the community.<ref name="parrinderp259"/> |
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=== Dasam Granth === |
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[[Image:Dasam.Granth.Frontispiece.BL.Manuscript.1825-1850.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A [[frontispiece]] to the [[Dasam Granth]].]] |
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{{main|Dasam Granth}} |
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The Dasam Granth is an eighteenth-century collection of miscellaneous works generally attributed to {{unicode|[[Guru Gobind Singh|Gurū Gōbind Siṅgh]]}}. The teachings of {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} were not included in Gurū Granth Sāhib, the holy book of the [[Sikh]]s, and instead were collected in the Dasam Granth. Unlike the Gurū Granth Sāhib, the Dasam Granth was never declared to hold the bastion of guruship. The authenticity of some portions of the Granth has been questioned in the past and the appropriateness of the Granth's content still causes much debate. |
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The entire Granth is written in the [[Gurmukhī script|Gurmukhī]] script, although most of the language is actually [[Brij Bhasha|Braj]] and not [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]. Sikh tradition states that {{unicode|[[Bhai Mani Singh|Manī Siṅgh]]}} collected the writings of {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} after his death to create the Granth.<ref>{{cite book | last=McLeod | first=WH | year=1993 | title=Studying the Sikhs: Issues for North America | chapter=The Study of Sikh Literature | publisher=SUNY Press | id = ISBN 0-791-41425-6 | pages=60-61}}</ref> |
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From [[1892]] to [[1897]], scholars assembled at the {{unicode|[[Akal Takht|Akāl Taḵẖt]]}}, [[Amritsar]], to study the various printed Dasam Granths and prepare the authoritative version. They concluded that the Dasam Granth was entirely the work of {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}}. Further re-examinations and reviews took place in [[1931]], under the ageis of the Darbar Sahib Committee of the [[Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee]] they too vindicated the earlier conclusion and its findings have since been published.<ref>{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Kirpal | year=2002 | title= Sri Dasam Granth Sahib - About the Dasam Granth | url=http://www.dasamgranth.org/dasamgranth/about.shtml | accessdate=2006-05-30}}</ref> |
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===Janamsākhīs=== |
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{{main|Janamsākhīs}} |
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The Janamsākhīs (literally ''birth stories''), are writings which profess to be biographies of Gurū Nānak Dēv. Although not scripture in the strictest sense, they provide an interesting look at Nānak's life and the early start of Sikhism. There are several — often contradictory and sometimes unreliable — Janamsākhīs and they are not held in the same regard as other sources of scriptural knowledge. |
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==Observances== |
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[[Image:GuruGranthSahib-HarimandirSahib.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A man reading the Gurū Granth Sāhib at the [[Harimandir Sāhib]].]] |
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Observant Sikhs adhere to long-standing practices and traditions to strengthen and express their faith. The daily recitation of appointed passages from the Gurū Granth Sāhib, especially the ''Japu'' (or ''Japjī'', literally ''chant'') hymns from memory is recommended immediately after rising and bathing. A family custom of observance is the reading of passages from the scripture, as well as attendance at the [[gurdwara]] (also ''gurduārā'', meaning ''the doorway to God''). There are many gurdwaras prominently constructed and maintained across India, as well as in almost every nation where Sikhs reside. The most sacred shrine is the [[Harimandir Sāhib]], famously known as the ''Golden Temple'' in Amritsar. |
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The pattern of worship which is followed within a gurdwara consists chiefly of singing of passages from the scripture. Sikhs will commonly enter the temple and touch the ground with the forehead before the holy scripture and make an offering. The recitation of the eighteenth century ''[[ardās]]'', an important prayer is also customary for attending Sikhs, and recalls past sufferings and glories of the community, invoking divine grace.<ref name="p260">{{cite book | last=Parrinder | first=Geoffrey | authorlink=Geoffrey Parrinder | year=1971 | title=World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present | publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-87196-129-6 | pages=260}}</ref> Groups of Sikhs regularly visit and congregate at the Harimandir Sāhib in Amritsar. On specific occasions, groups of Sikhs are permitted to undertake a pilgrimage to Sikh shrines in the province of [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] in Pakistan, especially at [[Nankana Sahib]] and the ''[[Samadhi]]'' (place of cremation) of {{unicode|Mahārājā Raṇjīt Siṅgh}} in Lahore. |
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== Festivals == |
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Festivals in Sikhism mostly center around the lives of the Gurus, Sikh Martyrs as well the Sacred Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which was ordained as the perpetual Guru of the community. However, three important festivals of the Hindu Calendar are celebrated by Sikhs as well, although for entirely different reasons. These are [[Diwali]], [[Holi]] and Rakshabandhan. |
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=== Gurpurabs === |
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Since the Gurus have been instrumental in shaping the faith, their birthdays (known as ''Gurpurabs'') are celebrated. Guru Nanak Dev's Birthday, which falls on a ''purnima''(full-moon night) usually falls in the months of October or November. It is also known as ''Guru Nanak Jayanti''. |
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The Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh usually falls in the month of January. |
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=== Parkash Purab === |
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The day when the Ādi Granth, compiled by [[Bhai Gurdas|Bhāī Gurdās]] under the supervision of [[Guru Arjun Dev|Arjun Dēv]] was installed at the Harmandir is celebrated as the ''Parkash Purab''. |
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=== Shaheedi Divas === |
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The fifth Guru, Arjun Dev and his grandson, the ninth Guru, Tegh Bahadur, were tortured and executed on the express orders of [[Mughal]] emperors, [[Jahangir]] and [[Aurangzeb]] respectively. |
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These dates are usually observed as ''Shaheedi Divas'' - Martyrdom Days from the [[Arabic]] word, ''[[Shahada]]'' (the Muslim declaration of faith) and its derivation, ''[[Shaheed]]'' (Martyr). |
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Besides these, the martyrdom days of other revered Sikh martyrs such as the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, [[Bhai Dayala Ji|Bhai Dayala]], [[Baba Deep Singh]], Bhai Taru Singh , [[Haqiqat Rai|Bhai Haqiqat Rai]] and others are also observed. |
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=== Baisakhi === |
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{{main|Baisakhi}} |
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=== Diwali === |
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{{main|Diwali}} |
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[[Diwali]] usually occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. [[Hindus]], [[Jains]] and [[Sikhs]] alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. |
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Sikhs celebrate Diwali to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone for the Harimandir in 1588. It is also known as [[Bandi Chhorh Divas]]('The Day of the release of the captives'). The Mughal emperor [[Jahangir]], had the sixth Sikh Guru, [[Guru Har Gobind]] arrested and imprisoned in the city of [[Gwalior]] (present day [[Madhya Pradesh]]). Later Jahangir relented and released the Guru. The Guru insisted that he would walk out of the prison only if 52 rulers from different parts of India, who had been imprisoned in Gwalior by Jahangir along with him, were also released. To this, Jahangir agreed. Guru ji had a gown made with 52 pieces of string for the rulers to hold as he walked out of prison. |
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To the joy of the Sikhs, the Guru returned to Amritsar on Diwali and it prompted his disciples to celebrate the day with joy and happiness. |
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Diwali has played an important part in Sikh history as well. After the death of Banda Bahadur and during the Age of the Misls, the Sarbat Khalsa used to convene annual meetings of the community in Amritsar on two days of the year, Diwali and Baisakhi. On these two days, important issues and concerns of the community were addressed and decisions were made. |
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On the day of Diwali, early in the morning, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims take a dip in the sacred tank surrounding the Harimandir while reciting the [[Japji Sahib]],the great morning prayer of the Sikhs, and then pray at the Temple. Circumambulation of the tank(''Parikrama'') is done. In the evening, the Harmandir Sahib is illuminated with Deewé or ''Diyas'' (earthen oil lamps) or candles. There is also ''Aatishbazi''(fireworks display). |
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=== Hola Mohalla === |
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{{main|Holi}} |
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Holi is a boisterous festival celebrated mostly by the Hindus of Northern India. It usually occurs in Spring. |
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Holi is based on the ancient Puranic story of [[Prahlada]], which features one of the ten incarnations of [[Vishnu]], namely "Narsimha"(man-lion). It is celebrated to commemorate the burning of Holika, an evil character in the story. It thus celebrates the victory of Good over Evil. |
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Holi is the''Festival of Colours''. People sprinkle each other with colours and coloured water and drink ''[[Bhang]]''(Hempweed) on the second day of the festival known as ''Dhuleti''. |
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Guru Gobind Singh, the tehth Guru, formed the Khalsa Botherhood on March 30, 2006 at Anandpur Sahib. He ordained that the day after Holi should be celebrated by Sikhs as ''Hola Mohalla''. On this day, the Khalsa should gather at Anandpur and display their fighting skills. |
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The ''Nihangs'' are a Sikh sect, who to this day follow the martial traditions of yesteryears. ''Nihang'' is a Persian word, which means 'Crocodile'. Nihangs were originally suicide squads of the Mughal Army who wore blue uniforms. The Sikhs inherited this from the Mughals and have carried it on.<ref>{{cite book | last=Singh | first=Khushwant | authorlink=Khushwant Singh | year=2006 | title=The Illustrated History of the Sikhs | publisher=Oxford University Press | location=India | id = ISBN 0-195-67747-1}}</ref> |
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Today, on the occasion of Hola Mohalla, Nihangs congregate at Anandpur and display their mastery of various martial arts especially the [[Gatka]]. |
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=== Rakshabandhan === |
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Rakshabandhan (literally ''Bond of protection'') is an ancient Hindu festival that goes back to Vedic times. According to Hindu mythology, Sachidevi or Indrani, the wife of [[Indra]], the king of the [[devas]] tied a sacred thread/charm on his wrist to protect him before he went to battle against the [[asuras]]. |
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The practice of tying a thread/charm/amulet/talisman was thus supposed to ward off evil and protect the person who wore it. |
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Later, this crystallised into the present tradition of a sister tying a thread (known in Hindi as ''Rakhi'' and as ''Rakhdi'' in Punjabi, from the Sanskrit, ''Raksha'' (protection)) on the wrist of her brother. The underlying message was that the brother would offer protection and help to his sister in times of adversity. |
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Why Sikhs celebrate this festival is unclear. According to one belief, the elder sister of Guru Nanak Dev, Bibi Nanki also used to tie Rakhis on his wrist, born as they were into a Hindu family. |
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Another explanation could be that since many Hindu families in the Punjab had the tradition of bringing up at least one son as a Sikh, hence practices of both faiths were practised by families which had both Hindu and Sikh members. |
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==Ceremonies and rites== |
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===Birth=== |
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Upon a child's birth, the Gurū Granth Sāhib is opened and the child is named using the first letter on the top left-hand corner of the left page. Boys are given the surname [[Singh]], and girls are given the surname [[Kaur]].<ref>{{cite book | last=Loehlin | first=Clinton Herbert | year=1964 | origyear=1958 | edition=Second edition | title=The Sikhs and Their Scriptures | publisher=Lucknow Publishing House | pages=42}}</ref> |
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===Baptism and the {{unicode|Ḵẖālsā}}=== |
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[[Image:Amrit.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The first {{unicode|[[Khalsa|Ḵẖālsā]]}} baptismal ceremony]] |
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{{unicode|[[Khalsa|Ḵẖālsā]]}} (meaning ''pure'') is the name given by {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} to all Sikhs who have been baptised or initiated by taking ''[[ammrit]]'' in a ceremony called ''[[ammrit sañcār]]''. The first time that this ceremony took place was on [[Vaisakhi|Vaisākhī]], which fell on [[30 March]] [[1699]] at [[Anandpur Sahib]] in India. It was on that occasion that {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} baptised the [[Panj Piare|Pañj Piārē]] who inturn baptised {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}} himself. |
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Baptised [[Sikhs]] are bound to wear the [[Five Ks]] (in Punjabi known as ''pañj kakkē'' or ''pañj kakār''), or articles of faith, at all times. The formative principles of a self-sustaining {{unicode|Ḵẖālsā}} order was responsible for the articulation of personal faith through these medium. The tenth guru, {{unicode|Gōbind Siṅgh}}, ordered these Five Ks to be worn so that a Sikh could actively use them to make a difference to their own spirituality and to others' spirituality. The 5 items are: ''kēs'' (uncut hair), ''{{unicode|kaṅghā}}'' (small comb), ''{{unicode|kaṛā}}'' (circular heavy metal bracelet), ''[[kirpan|kirpān]]'' (ceremonial short sword), and ''kacchā'' (special undergarment). The Five Ks have both practical and symbolic purposes.<ref>{{cite book | last=Simmonds | first=David | year=1992 | title=Believers All: A Book of Six World Religions | publisher=Nelson Thornes | id = ISBN 0-174-37057-1 | pages=120-121}}</ref> |
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===Marriage=== |
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Sikhs are joined in wedlock through the ''[[Anand Karaj|anand kāraj]]'' ceremony. Sikhs should marry when they are sufficient age (child marriage is taboo), and without regard for the future spouse's caste or descent. The marriage ceremony is performed in the company of the Gurū Granth Sāhib around which the couple circumambulate four times. After the ceremony is complete, the husband and wife are considered "a single soul in two bodies."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sgpc.net/sikhism/anand-sanskar.html | title=Sikh Reht Maryada - Anand Sanskar : (Sikh Matrimonial Ceremony and Conventions) | accessdate=2006-06-08}}</ref> |
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According to Sikh religious rites, neither husband nor wife are permitted to divorce. A Sikh couple that wishes to divorce may be able to do so in a civil court although this is not condoned.<ref>{{cite book | last=Mansukhani | first=Gobind Singh | year=1977 | title=Introduction to Sikhism | url=http://allaboutsikhs.com/mansukh/123.htm | publisher=Hemkunt Press | location=India |accessdate=2006-06-11}}</ref> |
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===Death=== |
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Upon death, the body of a Sikh is usually cremated. If this is not possible, other means of disposing the body may be employed. The ''kīrtan sōhilā'' and ''ardās'' prayers are performed during the funeral ceremony (known as ''[[Antam Sanskar|antim sanskār]]'').<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sgpc.net/sikhism/antam-sanskar.asp | title=Sikh Reht Maryada - Funeral Ceremonies (Antam Sanskar) | accessdate=2006-06-08}}</ref> |
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== Decision making == |
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The sixth guru, Hari Gōbind, was responsible for the creation of the {{unicode|[[Akal Takht|Akāl Taḵẖt]]}} (''throne of the timeless one''). The {{unicode|Akāl Taḵẖt}} serves as the supreme decision-making centre of Sikhdom and sits opposite the Harimandir Sāhib. |
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The {{unicode|[[Sarbat Khalsa|Sarbat Ḵẖālsā]]}} is a gathering of a representative portion of the {{unicode|Ḵẖālsā Panth}}. The {{unicode|Sarbat Ḵẖālsā}} historically gathers at the {{unicode|Akāl Taḵẖt}} when there is a need to discuss matters that affect the entire Sikh nation. |
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A [[Gurmata|gurmatā]] (literally, ''guru's intention'') is an order passed by the {{unicode|Sarbat Ḵẖālsā}} in the presence of the Gurū Granth Sāhib. A gurmatā may only be passed on a subject that affects the fundamental principles of Sikh religion.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sgpc.net/sikhism/tankah.asp | title=Sikh Reht Maryada - Method of Adopting Gurmatta | accessdate=2006-06-09}}</ref> A gurmatā is not binding on all Sikhs unless issued directly by the {{unicode|Akāl Taḵẖt}} after which it is known as a [[Hukamnama|hukamnāmā]] (literally, ''edict'' or ''royal order''). A hukamnāmā represents the "will of the Sikh community." <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.www.sikhmarg.com/english/akal.html | title=Hukamnama of Akal Takht Sahib (History and Concept) | accessdate=2006-06-09}}</ref> |
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== Sikhs today == |
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Worldwide, Sikhs number more than 23 million, but more than 90 percent of Sikhs live in the Indian state of [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], where they form close to 65% of the population. Large communities of Sikhs live in the neighbouring states of [[Haryana]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Uttaranchal]], and the cities of [[Delhi]] and [[Mumbai]]. However Sikhs compose approximately only 1.9% of the Indian population. Migration beginning from the nineteenth century have found significant communities in [[Canada]], the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Middle East]], [[East Africa]], [[Southeast Asia]] and more recently, the [[United States]], [[Western Europe]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. |
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The surname or middle name [[Singh]] (meaning ''Lion'') is given to males when they become a Sikh. Similarily, [[Kaur]] (meaning princess) is given to women. Of course, not all people named Singh or Kaur are necessarily Sikhs. The name Singh is closely linked to the martial antiquities of North India dating back to at least the Eighth Century CE. [[Sikh names|Sikh forenames]] are unisexual; the "Singh" and "Kaur" monikers are hence useful in clarifying the person's sex. Additionaly, giving the last name [[Kaur ]] to a woman is meant to empower her: no longer does she take her husband's last name when married. Changing of the last name to Singh (for males) or Kaur (for females) was also decreed by the Gurus so as to eliminate discrimination based on one's family name. By casting off one's family name, every Sikh acknowledges that all humans are equal; that no one shall be treated differently just because of the family name. |
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[[Image:Manmohan Singh 1 1 2005.jpg|125px|thumb|[[Manmohan Singh]], Prime Minister of India.]] |
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Despite their comparatively small population, Sikhs are highly represented in various sectors of Indian life. They compose a significant segment of [[Military of India|India's military services]] and are significant participants in sports such as [[field hockey]] and politics. Sikh political leaders of the past and present include [[Master Tara Singh]], [[Sardul Singh Caveeshar]], [[Baldev Singh]], former president of India [[Zail Singh]] and present prime minister of India [[Manmohan Singh]]. Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists such as [[Khushwant Singh]], [[Jaspal Bhatti]], [[Milkha Singh]] (nicknamed ''The Flying Sikh''), [[Bishen Singh Bedi]], [[Navjot Singh Sidhu]] and [[Harbhajan Singh]] are an integral part of popular culture. Sikh communities also enjoy comparatively greater economic prosperity - the state of Punjab is known as India's ''breadbasket'', owing to its significant production of food crops, and one of the most industrialized economies in the nation. In India and across the world, Sikhs are an important mercantile class, as well as employed in skilled professions. This is primarily owed to a close-knit community structure, progressive farming techniques and a cultural emphasis on education. |
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Despite its emphasis on equality and brotherhood, socio-economic divisions between urban and [[Jatt]] Sikhs have developed, as well as "[[caste|castes]]" such as ''Khatris'' and ''Aroras'' who are generally classified as urban business castes.[[Tarkhan]], [[Labana]] and [[Ramgarhia]] are other Sikh castes or communities. Sikh castes and depressed groups enjoy representation in India's civil services.<ref name="p260"/> Relations with [[Hindu]] communities have generally been close and friendly, and inter-communal marriages, social relationships and co-existence are common. In recent years, the number of younger Sikhs who are not well-versed with religious scriptures and long-held traditions, and do not observe many religious injunctions has increased, especially in communities in Western Europe and North America.<ref>{{cite book | last=Parrinder | first=Geoffrey | authorlink=Geoffrey Parrinder | year=1971 | title=World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present | publisher=Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited | location=United States | id = ISBN 0-87196-129-6 | pages=261}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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{{Sikhism}} |
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''An index of the most important pages on Sikhism, can be found at the [[Sikh pages]]. |
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==Notes== |
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{{IndicText}} |
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{{portal}} |
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<div class="references-small"><references/></div> |
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==References== |
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{{col-begin}} |
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{{col-2}} |
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<div class="references-small"> |
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* {{Harvard reference |
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| Surname1 = Singh |
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| Given1 = Khushwant |
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| Year = 2006 |
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| Title = The Illustrated History of the Sikhs |
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| Publisher= Oxford University Press, India |
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| ISBN = 0-195-67747-1 |
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}} |
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* {{Harvard reference |
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| Surname1 = Shackl, Christopher |
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| Given1 = A.P. Singh |
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| Year = 2005 |
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| Title = Teachings of the Sikh Gurus: Selections from the Sikh Scriptures |
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| Publisher= Routledge (UK) |
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| ISBN = 0-415-26604-1 |
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}} |
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* {{Harvard reference |
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| Surname1 = Duggal, Kartar Singh |
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| Given1 = Kartar Singh |
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| Year = 1988 |
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| Title = Philosophy and Faith of Sikhism |
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| Publisher= Himalayan Institute Press |
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| ISBN = 0-893-89109-6 |
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}} |
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* {{Harvard reference |
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| Surname1 = Parrinder |
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| Given1 = Geoffrey |
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| Year = 1971 |
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| Title = World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present |
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| Publisher= Hamlyn Publishing Group, USA |
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| ISBN = 0-87196-129-6 |
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}} |
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* {{Harvard reference |
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| Surname1 = Mahmood |
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| Given1 = Cynthia |
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| Year = 2002 |
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| Title = A Sea of Orange |
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| Publisher= Xlibris, USA |
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| ISBN = 1-401-02856-X |
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}} |
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* {{Harvard reference |
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| Surname1 = Rama |
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| Given1 = Swami |
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| Year = 1986 |
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| Title = Celestial Song/Gobind Geet: The Dramatic Dialogue Between Guru Gobind Singh and Banda Singh Bahadur |
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| Publisher= Himalayan institute Press |
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| ISBN = 0-893-89103-7 |
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}} |
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* {{Harvard reference |
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| Surname1 = Mann |
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| Given1 = Gurinder Singh |
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| Year = 2001 |
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| Title = The Making of Sikh Scripture, |
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| Publisher= Oxford University Press, USA |
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| ISBN = 0-195-13024-3 |
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}} |
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</div> |
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{{col-end}} |
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== External links == |
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* [http://www.sikhs.org/ The Sikhism Home Page] - General resource site introducing the main concepts of Sikhism. |
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* [http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/ All About Sikhs] - Sikhism resource site. |
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* [http://www.srigranth.org/ Sri Granth] - Guru Granth Sahib search engine with additional scriptural resources. |
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* [http://www.sikhiwiki.org SikhiWiki] - Collaborative Sikh encyclopedia. |
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* [http://www.sikhnet.com/ SikhNet] - Popular Sikh community website. |
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[[Category:Eastern culture]] |
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[[Category:Sikhism| ]] |
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[[Category:History of Punjab]] |
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[[zh:锡克教]] |
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Revision as of 11:59, 13 June 2006
Theo was ere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!