Learning Materials
Features
Discover
Sikhism, founded over 500 years ago by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India, is a monotheistic religion emphasizing equality, service, and devotion to God. The core beliefs are encapsulated in the Guru Granth Sahib, its holy scripture, which guides followers in their pursuit of living truthful and honest lives. Recognizable symbols such as the khanda and the Five Ks are integral to the identity and practice of Sikhs around the world.
Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies
Sign up for freeWhich principle is emphasized in Sikh practices?
What is the sacred text of Sikhism?
What is the holy scripture and eternal Guru for Sikhs?
What is the belief in the Oneness of God in Sikhism intended to promote?
What is the significance of the Five Ks in Sikhism?
What are the three interconnected pillars in Sikhism philosophy?
What does the concept of Miri-Piri signify in Sikhism?
What is the Sikh name for God?
Who founded Sikhism?
How is the principle of Seva reflected in Sikh communal practices?
What significance do the Five Ks have in Sikhism?
Which principle is emphasized in Sikh practices?
What is the sacred text of Sikhism?
What is the holy scripture and eternal Guru for Sikhs?
What is the belief in the Oneness of God in Sikhism intended to promote?
What is the significance of the Five Ks in Sikhism?
What are the three interconnected pillars in Sikhism philosophy?
What does the concept of Miri-Piri signify in Sikhism?
What is the Sikh name for God?
Who founded Sikhism?
How is the principle of Seva reflected in Sikh communal practices?
What significance do the Five Ks have in Sikhism?
Achieve better grades quicker with Premium
Geld-zurück-Garantie, wenn du durch die Prüfung fällst
Review generated flashcards
Start learning or create your own AI flashcards
Team Sikhism Teachers
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent around the end of the 15th century. The followers of Sikhism are known as Sikhs, and they engage in spiritual practices and moral principles based on the teachings of their ten Gurus.
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak and further developed by his nine successors. Its foundation is built on the belief in one God, called Waheguru, and emphasizes equality, justice, and service to humanity. The teachings stress the equality of all people, regardless of race, caste, or gender.Here are some core beliefs of Sikhism:
Sikhism was guided by ten Gurus, with the Guru Granth Sahib being the last and eternal Guru. This sacred text contains the teachings and hymns of the first five Gurus, along with contributions from other Saints of different faiths. It serves as the spiritual guide and is read in Sikh temples known as Gurdwaras.The Ten Sikh Gurus are:
Langar: A community kitchen in Sikhism where free meals are served to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Consider a Gurdwara in action: Visitors, regardless of their background, are welcome to partake in the Langar. This reflects the Sikh belief in the equality of all humans and service to humanity. Everyone sits together on the floor, symbolizing equality and humility.
The Five Ks are symbols of faith worn by baptized Sikhs, representing their devotion and spiritual commitment. These items also serve as reminders of their responsibility towards their faith and community.The Five Ks include:
| Kesh | Uncut hair, symbolizing acceptance of God's will. |
| Kangha | A wooden comb, signifying cleanliness and order. |
| Kara | A steel bracelet, representing restraint and remembrance of God. |
| Kachera | Shorts, denoting modesty and self-control. |
| Kirpan | A ceremonial sword, embodying the duty to stand up against injustice. |
The initiation into Sikhism through the Amrit Ceremony, known as Amrit Sanchar, marks a Sikh's commitment to embodying the principles of their faith. During this ceremony, initiates consume a sacred mixture, Amrit, symbolizing the taking of nectar for the soul. This pivotal experience is conducted in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib and serves as the entry point for Sikhs who commit to wearing the Five Ks.
As a major world religion, Sikhism is centered on a framework of beliefs that promote equality, service, and devotion. Introduced in the 15th century, these core tenets have guided Sikhs in their spiritual and daily lives.
Sikhism is built on several key beliefs, which every Sikh is encouraged to uphold. These beliefs are not only core to spiritual life but are also meant to guide social behavior and interactions with others.
Waheguru: The Sikh name for God, embodying the concept of one, formless, all-pervading, and eternal being.
A Sikh engaging in Seva might volunteer at a local shelter without expecting any reward, exemplifying selfless service and compassion towards others.
The journey of Sikhism was guided by a succession of ten Gurus. Each Guru contributed valuable teachings and introduced practices that are integral to the Sikh faith today.The holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib became the final and eternal Guru, containing hymns and writings from the Gurus and other enlightened individuals. It serves as a spiritual guide for all Sikhs and is used in daily worship.
A common practice in Sikhism is the daily recital of prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib, which reinforces their spiritual principles and connection to God.
The Five Ks are significant symbols for baptized Sikhs, representing their distinguished identity and faith. Each embodies different aspects of devotion and duty.Here is a table highlighting the Five Ks:
| Kesh | Long, uncut hair that signifies living in harmony with the will of God. |
| Kangha | A wooden comb maintaining the symbol of cleanliness and discipline. |
| Kara | An iron bracelet reminding Sikhs of their commitment to God and righteous actions. |
| Kachera | Specially designed shorts symbolizing remote preparedness and chastity. |
| Kirpan | A ceremonial sword standing for the fight against oppression and injustice. |
The Five Ks originate from the Khalsa tradition, initiated by Guru Gobind Singh. The Khalsa represents the collective body of all baptized Sikhs, initiated on Vaisakhi in 1699. Adopting the Five Ks signified a commitment to defending the weak and promoting justice. This set of values and symbols not only signified their religious and cultural identity but also encouraged adherence to principles of equality, charity, and living a purposeful life focused on spiritual and societal good.
Sikhism is a philosophy deeply rooted in the principles of unity, equality, and selfless service. Understanding its philosophical themes provides insight into how these ideas shape the life of a Sikh and their community. These themes offer guidance on living a life aligned with divine wisdom and social justice.
The philosophy of Sikhism emphasizes three interconnected pillars that nurture personal growth and collective harmony:
Naam Japna: It means the meditative practice of continuously remembering God's name, helping individuals align their mind and soul with divine presence.
A Sikh following the principle of Kirat Karni might work in any profession with integrity, ensuring fairness and honesty in their dealings, ultimately contributing to the community's welfare.
One of the profound aspects of Sikh philosophy is the belief in the Oneness of God and the universe, promoting the idea that divinity exists in all creation. This concept directs Sikhs to respect all life forms and engage in sustainable and compassionate ways of living. Guided by this belief, Sikhs are taught to see no distinction between the spiritual and mundane aspects of life, recognizing that every action and thought is interwoven with the divine tapestry.
Sikhism is woven with fundamental beliefs that urge followers to embrace a holistic and ethical way of life. These core beliefs establish a framework through which Sikhs perceive and interact with the world around them.
In Sikhism, community services like Langar, a free communal meal, exemplify the practice of Seva and highlight the importance of equality by breaking social barriers.
The concept of Miri-Piri reflects the dual responsibility Sikhs hold towards spirituality and temporal affairs. Guru Hargobind introduced this practice to remind Sikhs of their duties: to meditate on God (Piri) and to confront and administer justice (Miri) actively. This dual approach ensures that Sikhs maintain a balance between pursuing spiritual enlightenment and addressing worldly responsibilities, nurturing a complete and purposeful life.
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
At StudySmarter, we have created a learning platform that serves millions of students. Meet the people who work hard to deliver fact based content as well as making sure it is verified.
Lily Hulatt is a Digital Content Specialist with over three years of experience in content strategy and curriculum design. She gained her PhD in English Literature from Durham University in 2022, taught in Durham University’s English Studies Department, and has contributed to a number of publications. Lily specialises in English Literature, English Language, History, and Philosophy.
Get to know Lily
Gabriel Freitas is an AI Engineer with a solid experience in software development, machine learning algorithms, and generative AI, including large language models’ (LLMs) applications. Graduated in Electrical Engineering at the University of São Paulo, he is currently pursuing an MSc in Computer Engineering at the University of Campinas, specializing in machine learning topics. Gabriel has a strong background in software engineering and has worked on projects involving computer vision, embedded AI, and LLM applications.
Get to know Gabriel
Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Find a job 
Student Deals 
Magazine 
Mobile App