Sikhism
Sikhism is a religion that is commonly believed in many parts of India. In India, it is the fourth largest religion, most Sikhs live in Punjab which is in India. Other Sikhism followers live in places like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. It is the fifth largest religion worldwide, With 20-23 million people following this belief. Sikhism was found by Guru Nanak Dev approximately 500 years ago. Guru Nanak Dev was a child of a Hindu family. He was born in 1469. A very famous quote that came from this Sikhism founder was this, “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim, so whose path shall I follow? I shall follow the path of God.” That quote explains Guru’s thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
The picture (above) is of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism
The Sikhs believe in god, described as an almighty creator, personal savior, inner teacher, and incorporeal. They believe no other is as great as god and is worthy to worship. They believe that God made the universe and he is the only one who knows when the earth was created, he is the only one that knows exactly how the earth was created. The Sikhs believe that after one’s death, their soul will be reborn and will continue being reborn until they have been set free by god and then their soul will be combined with God’s. They do not believe that there is a Satan and thinks evil is just a character that some people have. Sikhs followers states that widows can be remarried. The Sikhs followers usually either worship in a temple or a gurdwara. The Guru Granth Sahib is a holy book for the Sikh. The Guru Granth Sahib is not to be placed with normal books and just any regular shelf. It is suppose to be respected. When ever the Guru Granth Sahib is read, they have to wave a Chauri over it, it is a symbol of honor.
The picture (above) is of the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) which the Sikhs read for wisdom.
The picture (above) is a Sikh follower in front of the golden temple.
Read this before meeting followers of Sikhism
If you are visiting someone that follows Sikhism, here are some things you need to know. You should never disrespect the Nishan
Sahib, the Sikhism religious flag. Many Sikhs might have a steel dagger with
them, but do not worry. The steel daggers are called Kirpan. A Kirpan symbolizes
the defense of truth and lets evil stay away. You might also see Sikhs wearing
a Kara and/or a Kachh, Kara is a symbol for the responsibility they have and a Kachh are pants
worn mostly in battles and it symbolizes strength. Most Sikhs will comb
themselves with a Kangha, it is a comb made out of wood that symbolizes personal
care and hygiene. Do not ever throw a Guru Granth Sahib on the floor or anywhere
else randomly because they might mistaken you as someone who disrespects god
and does not approve of the holy book.
The image (above) is of a Kirpan, which is a steel dagger that symbolizes the defense of truth
The image (above) is of India, but is a religion map, it shows all the different religions in India, including Sikhism.
The image (above) is of the Sikh centers distributed in the United States of America during October in 2004
Citations
"Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People."
Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People.
Web. 06 May 2012.< http://www.sikhs.org/topics.htm>.
"Sikh Holidays and Festivals."-
ReligionFacts.
Web. 06 May 2012.
< http://www.religionfacts.com/sikhism/holidays.htm>.
"Blessed Be Jehovah.": Sikhism.
Web. 06 May 2012.
< http://blessedbejehovah.com/sikhism.html>.
Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People.
Web. 06 May 2012.< http://www.sikhs.org/topics.htm>.
"Sikh Holidays and Festivals."-
ReligionFacts.
Web. 06 May 2012.
< http://www.religionfacts.com/sikhism/holidays.htm>.
"Blessed Be Jehovah.": Sikhism.
Web. 06 May 2012.
< http://blessedbejehovah.com/sikhism.html>.