Library - Theology - Sikhism

Overview

Links and Resources

Quotations

Sikhism (which is derived from the word "Sikh" meaning "disciple" or "student" in the Sanskrit language where it originated) is a monotheistic religion that was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in c. 15th Century CE in the Punjab region of India.

Deities:		Supernatural agents:		Beliefs:		Traditions:
Ik Onkar (the single supreme transcendent and immanent deity)		Cup of Naam (provides the essence of Ik Onkar to anyone who drinks from it)		Reincarnation Guiding principles of faith are: Truth Equality Freedom Justice Karma The concept of the supreme reality is dynamic and idealised		"Sat sri akaal" is a greeting that means "truth is timeless" Prayers (a commonly recommended schedule) Five prayers in the morning (01:00 to 06:00) One prayer in the evening (17:00 to 19:00) One prayer before sleeping (20:00 to 22:00) Clothing and related accessories Dhoti and Katchera (cotton undergarments worn by both women and men) Kara (iron bracelet that symbolizes eternity and can double as a weapon in combat) Kesh (uncut hair, neatly tied and wrapped in a Turban called a "Dastar" that is mandatory for baptized Sikh men to wear) Kanga (a wooden comb, often obscured by a Dastar) Kirpan (iron daggor that symbolizes eternity)

The five qualifications for being a Sikh are to faithfully:

1. believe in a singular formless being
2. believe in ten gurus (which includes the guru Granth Sahib)
3. believe in and practise the teachings of the ten gurus
4. believe in a baptism given by the tenth guru
5. have no allegiance to any other religion