Sikhism

Question 1

Founder of Sikhism?

Answer 1

Guru Nanak

Question 2

How many gurus are there?

Answer 2

10

Question 3

What is Sikhism’s message?

Answer 3

Devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, and equality

Question 4

What role did the gurus have and who are they?

Answer 4

They are enlightened spiritual teachers who taught India to live spiritually fulfilling lives with dignity, freedom and honour

Question 5

Meaning of Sikh?

Answer 5

Student/learner

Question 6

Describe the origins

Answer 6

• Originated from the Punjab area (India/Pakistan)
• 500 years ago
• Guru Nanak grew up around Hindu/Muslim teachings
• Refused the sacred thread ceremony
• Worked for the government in Sultanpur, and was disgusted with the caste system and exploitation
• Bathed in a river, where God took him and said “There is no Muslim/Hindu, there is only one God”, returning three days later
• Vouched for the quality of humans, and disapproved of the caste system/ethnic and religious division

Question 7

Place of worship? 3 functions?

Answer 7

Gurdwara

Kirtan: Singing of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib
Katha: Reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and explanations
Langar: Free community kitchen for all visitors

Question 8

Place of worship protocols?

Answer 8

• Remove shoes, and cover bare heads
• Wash hands/feet
• Everyone sits on the floor (sign of equality)
• Open 24/7

Question 9

Khanda?

Answer 9

Symbol of Sikhism, a double edged sword (belief in one God), chakkar/circle (God without beginning/end), crossed kirpans (spiritual authority/political power)

Question 10

Five K’s?

Answer 10

Kesh, kara, kanga, kaccha, kirpan

Question 11

Kesh?

Answer 11

Uncut hair

Question 12

Kara?

Answer 12

Steel/silver bracelet

Question 13

Kanga

Answer 13

Wooden comb

Question 14

Kaccha

Answer 14

Cotton underwear

Question 15

Kirpan

Answer 15

Steel sword

Question 16

Vaisakhi?

Answer 16

A celebration of thanksgiving and prayer for future prosperity
- Float of Guru Granth Sahib (bowed to for respect)
- Free food

Question 17

Two holidays Sikhs celebrate?

Answer 17

Diwali, Holi

Question 18

Guru?

Answer 18

Teacher, spiritual guide to teach Sikhs

Question 19

Karma?

Answer 19

Decides the life born into, but God modifies it to allow anyone to become a good person

Question 20

Reincarnation?

Answer 20

Rebirth

Question 21

Heaven?

Answer 21

Remerge with God (mukti), let go of ego

Question 22

Hell?

Answer 22

Living on Earth

Question 23

God? Name?

Answer 23

Only one God (Ik Onkar)
- Formless, genderless, universal
- All of reality
- Everyone has the same God
- Waheguru= Wondrous God

Question 24

Major events surrounding the gurus?

Answer 24

Founder: Guru Nanak
- Passed it down

Guru Amar Das
- Complied the first version of the Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Hargobind
- Started the militarization of the Sikh

Guru Gobind Singh
- Founded the Kalsa
- Named Guru Granth Sahib

Question 25

Why was the Guru Granth Sahib named the last guru?

Answer 25

Guru Godbind Singh thought that Sikhs didn't need human leadership, and that the teachings in the book were enough

Question 26

Maya?

Answer 26

Egoism. Sin, attracting us away from God

Question 27

Milestones?

Answer 27

Birth, naming ceremony, marriage, death

Question 28

Last names of every Sikh?

Answer 28

Singh, Kaur