Microsoft Word - Factsheet to support KS2 Sikhism.docxSikhism in the Diocesan Guidelines for RE
What are the ‘big ideas’ in Sikhism? Sikhism is founded on the life and teaching of Guru Nanak Ji*, and the nine other gurus of Sikhism who came after him. It is the 5th largest religion in the world, and originated in the Punjab region of India,
where the highest population of Sikhs can still be found. The final guru of Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh holy scriptures, which is a book of hymns (rather than a book of ‘stories’). Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th & final human guru, told the followers the source of wisdom and leadership for the Sikh community. The Khalsa (Sikh community) is defined by a code of conduct, at the heart of which is a belief in the
importance of equality and the Sikh way of life to ‘Pray, Work and Give’. The birth of the Khalsa is commemorated annually at Vaisakhi, on 13th or 14th April. Anyone wishing to become a Sikh can join the Khalsa
family through the ceremony of Amrit, which was established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. During the ceremony, boys take the name ‘Singh’,
meaning ‘lion-heart’ and girls ‘Kaur’, meaning ‘princess’, and they will wear the Five Ks (Panj Kakka) as symbols of their unity as a community and of devotion to the Sikh way of life. Life in the Sikh community is focused around the gurdwara (lit. ‘door to the guru’) where they gain
fellowship, volunteer (sewa - serve God) and serve langar, the fellowship meal to which anyone, from any background or belief, is
welcome. *Ji is used as a term of respect in Sikhism
Information for teachers
Karta Purakh He is the creator
Nir Bhau He is without fear
Nir Vair He is without hate
Akal Murat Immortal, without form
Ajuni Beyond birth and death
Saibhang He is the enlightener
Gur Prasad He can be reached through the mercy and grace of the true Guru
Il Onkar – God is One
Henceforth: such is the Will of God: No one shall coerce another, no one shall
exploit another. Everyone, each individual, has the inalienable birth-
right to seek and pursue happiness and self-fulfilment. Love and persuasion is
the only law of social coherence. (Guru Granth Sahib Ji: 74).
Just as fragrance is in the flower, and reflection is in the mirror, in just the same way, God is within you.
What do I need to know about Sikhism? Sikhism started in India during the 15th Century. During the time of Guru Nanak Ji (1469-
1539), the founder of Sikhism, there was conflict between Hindus and Muslims about whose religion was better than the other’s. Guru Nanak Ji came from a Hindu family and rejected the idea that any one religion was better than another. He believed that all human beings were all children of the same God, and therefore equal, and that everyone should respect another’s religion. There are many stories from Guru Nanak Ji’s childhood that demonstrate the values that he upheld and handed down through the gurus that followed him. For example, as a boy, his best friends were Bala, a Hindu boy, but also Mardana, a Muslim boy, who remained his loyal friend until his death. His divine
revelation aged 30 occurred when he went to bathe in the nearby river, as he did every day, but disappeared. People feared he had drowned, but he returned 3 days later with the revelation that God had given him – the revelation that has remained the core belief in Sikhism ever since: that God is Creator of all and is found in everyone. Although there are ceremonies, celebrations and festivals in Sikhism (such as the Amrit, Vaisakhi and Diwali), Sikhs reject the idea of formalised ritual or worship, avoiding the temptation to follow ritual without meaning, focusing instead on individuals’ personal relationship with God. Sikhs have several names for God, including ‘Sat Nam’ (Eternal Reality), ‘Akal Purakh’ (Eternal One) and ‘Waheguru’ (Wonderful Lord), which is the most commonly used. Sikhs are bound to one another through the fellowship of the Khalsa (lit. ‘pure’), which was instigated by the last human guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The symbolism of the Five Ks (see next page) has strong links to the idea of Sikhs being ‘warriors’ who fight against injustice, not by violence but by acts of service.
Sikhism in a nutshell
Sikhism stresses belief in One God, for all humanity, who looks to actions rather than people's religious labels. Guru Nanak, the founder, also taught the complete equality of men and women everywhere, as God’s children, and the importance of service to others. Guru Nanak was followed by nine other Gurus. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, decreed that there would be no more living Gurus and that the Guru Granth Sahib (sacred scriptures) should be read for future guidance. The Guru Granth Sahib is therefore treated with great respect, both in the gurdwara and in the home. Sikhs, like Hindus, believe in 'Samsara', the cycle of rebirth or reincarnation, through which one strives to achieve union with God. Sikhs are encouraged to be formally confirmed into their faith through an initiation ceremony known as Amrit. This was started by Guru Gobind Singh who also gave Sikhs a distinctive uniform- the five Ks. These are kesh (uncut hair), kangha (a comb), kirpan (a sword), kara (a wristband) and kachera (short trousers). The gurdwara functions not only as a place of worship, but as a community centre, demonstrating Sikhs' commitment to the poor. Belief in the equality of men and women is shown by the sharing of all responsibilities within the gurdwara, and by the shared meal (langar) which is open to people of all races and all creeds.
Basic Beliefs: Surrey Agreed Syllabus online resources
What do Sikhs believe? The key beliefs of Sikhism are stated in the Mool Mantar: a creed and a song from the Guru Granth Sahib, which is repeated in prayers at the beginning of every day. It is said that it was these words that Guru Nanak Ji spoke when he returned after his revelation. Sikhs believe that God himself is the Real Guru, who is present in everything, and lives inside all people in:
• the core of their being • their ‘inner voice’ • their conscience, common sense and reason • their sense of value.
Sikhs believe that God is neither male nor female, immanent (everywhere and in everything) and transcendent (above and beyond creation), is personal and available to everyone, but can only be seen by those whom he blesses with this revelation, and known by his grace. To live a good life, belief must be translated into practical action, and
play an active role in upholding the ideals of their faith, also revealed in the lives of the Gurus.
“Remember God at all times” Sikhism emphasises daily devotion to God: it is through meditation on his greatness (simran) and being conscious of his working in their lives that a Sikh draws closer to him. As commanded by the first guru, Guru Nanak Ji, a Sikh’s duty is to ‘Pray, Work and Give’ (Nam Japna, Kit Karna and Vand Chhankna), and so service (sewa) within the community is a vital part of Sikh identity. The gurdwara – the ‘door of the guru’ – is the focus for this service: after worship, a vegetarian community meal is served, so that anyone who is hungry may eat. It’s vegetarian on purpose, so that it’s acceptable to anyone.
Key beliefs: The Khalsa & the Five Ks The Khalsa was formed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji,in 1699, when he called for loyal Sikhs prepared to give their lives for the faith to step forward. Daya Ram was the first to volunteer, and followed Guru Gobind Singh Ji to his tent, from which the Guru then emerged with his sword dripping blood. Only four more Sikhs volunteered! After the last, the Guru came out of the tent with these five beloved ones (Panj Pyare), alive and well. They were the first to take Amrit, and this ceremony has marked initiation into the Sikh faith since that time. A Sikh can join the Khalsa when they are ready and will take part in the Amrit ceremony or Sikh baptism. This ceremony is conducted in private by five baptised Sikhs, representing the original Panj Pyare, who ensure that the candidates fully understand the commitment they are making. The Panj Pyare prepare the Amrit (sweetened holy water) in a round iron-vessel, reciting five scriptural hymns as they stir the water with a double-edged sword, called a Khanda. The Amrit is then drunk by the initiation candidates and sprinkled on their eyes and hair. Initiates are given a new name – ‘Singh’, meaning ‘lion-heart’ for men & boys and ‘Kaur’, meaning ‘princess’ for women & girls. They become children of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his wife, and are given a new birthplace (Kesgarh Sahib, the Fort of Uncut Hair) and a new
home – Anandpur Sahib: the city of happiness. They will also have rules to live by, the Sikh Rahit Maryada (code of conduct), which define how a Sikh should conduct themselves in public and private life. They will also wear the Five Ks for the first time. The ceremony concludes with eating karah parshad. Along with the Sikh flag, the khanda (see below), the Five Ks are the key symbols of Sikhsim:
1. Kesh – uncut hair, a symbol of faith, and living in harmony with nature. Hair should be covered by a dastaar: most often, this is a turban, or for younger Sikhs, a patka. Women may wear either a turban or a chunni (long scarf) though neither are compulsory. It is not permitted for the dastaar itself to be covered.
2. Kara – steel bracelet, representing strength & integrity – and the infinity of God 3. Kirpan – ceremonial sword: a symbol of dignity and the Sikh struggle against
injustice. It is worn purely as a religious symbol and not used as a weapon. 4. Kachera / kercha – pair of loose, white, cotton shorts, symbolising chastity. 5. Kanga – comb used to keep the hair tidy. As a comb tidies and untangles the hair, so should the heart be.
The Khanda is the universal symbol of Sikhism and is the name for the double-edged sword at the centre of the flag. The khanda represents belief in God within an endless circle (the Chakkar), and is flanked by a kirpan on each side, symbolising secular and spiritual power. This symbol is central on the Nishan Sahib, the saffron coloured triangular flag seen outside all gurdwaras.
Karah Parshad: a recipe for equality This is a ceremonial pudding made from equal parts of ghee (clarified butter) butter, water, sugar, and flour. Within the Sikh community, those who make it bathe beforehand and recite hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji during its preparation. The recipe was devised by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the last human guru, and is a sign of the Sikh community’s equality and unity. It is offered to all who attend worship at a gurdwara, and eating it is a reminder that all blessings come by God’s kirpa (grace) and that everything they receive in life is sweet because it comes from God.
The Amrit ceremony
Karah parshad being served at the Golden Temple, Amritsar
“Happy birthday to you!” Sikhism has strong historic links with Hinduism, and shares many festivals with Hinduism e.g. Diwali, which also coincides with the date on which Guru Hargobind Ji was released as a prisoner, which is the Sikh focus for this celebration. In addition, Sikhs will mark several gurpurabs or Gurus’ Days during the year, usually celebrated at the weekend following the actual calendar date. The birthday of Guru Nanak Ji (the
first guru of Sikhism) usually falls in October or November, and the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the last human guru) on 5th January, as well as two days marking the martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji (the fifth guru, June 16th) and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (ninth guru, 24th November). A continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, called Akhand Path, takes place on these occasions and most Sikhs will attend the reading at some point over the 48-hour period.
Guru Granth Sahib Ji: the final guru The Sikh holy scriptures contain the original writings of the gurus, containing 5894 hymns of praise to God. The original copy was checked and signed by the fifth guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji, in 1604, and the final human guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, added to it the writings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji before decreeing it to be the spiritual leader and guide for the Sikh community. The Golden Temple was made to house the scriptures, which have been kept there ever since. Every gurdwara (which literally means ‘door to the guru’) has a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji which has the same number of pages (1430) and the same words on the same pages. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji sits on a throne, under a canopy in the diwan hall or court, and is treated just like a king or queen. Behind the scriptures sits a person (a granthi) who waves a fan, as a symbol of the Guru Granth Sahib’s status as ruler over a Sikh’s life. Beside the canopy is a raised
platform from which the hymns are led. It may be domed to improve sound quality. When the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not ‘holding court’, it will be taken to a room at the side, containing a bed on which it is placed. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is used for all Sikh ceremonies, including prayer ceremonies in people’s homes e.g. moving house, or to comfort a grieving family. When it leaves the gurdwara, it is accompanied by a group of ceremonially-dressed Sikhs, who will often carry the scriptures, covered, on their heads (left).
Useful web-based resources for teachers and classrooms: • www.reonline.org.uk Great for background knowledge, with lots of links to classroom resources via a search tool. Use the
‘Knowing’ tab to find out what you want to know, or try here: www.reonline.org.uk/knowing/what-re/sikhism/ REOnline also have some lesson ideas (search for ‘RE Banquet’), but ensure you match to the Diocesan Core Knowledge objectives.
• BBC Religion also has great background information for adults: www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ • http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/sikhism/ • http://www.sikhmarg.com/english/ • https://www.sikhnet.com/stories • http://www.sikhnet.com • http://www.sikhs.org • A selection of animated stories from world religions can be found on the BBC Schools Radio website:
www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/collectiveworship/collectiveworship_stories One of them is the Story of Guru Nanak.
• There is also material on the famous Woodlands Junior School site: http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/religion/sikhism.html
• Two sacred stories from Sikhism feature on the British Library website: www.bl.uk/learning/cult/sacred/stories/ You can also see them if you visit the library!
• Interesting BBC news article ‘Why homeless Britons are turning to the Sikh community for food’: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-31557192
• Story of Rajni and the Golden Temple http://www.cleo.net.uk/resources/displayframe.php?src=280/consultants_resources/_files/GT%26Captions.swf