Sikhism

Sikhism is the youngest religion, originated in Punjab in 1500 CE. It has over 18
million followers, mostly in India (2% of population), in the UK (750,000), in the
US and Canada (500,000 each) and some in Kenia, Malaisa

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak. Born Hindu in the merchant caste, he had a
revelation of Sat Guru (The Real Master). Then he travelled for two and a half
decades to compare his beliefs with other people (Hindus, Muslims and
Buddhists). After that, he built the town of Kartarpur, united some disciples
around him him and formed the Nanaks Panth by composing and singing hymns.
Between 1539 and 1708, 9 gurus succeeded Nanak. Among them, Amar Das (3 rd
guru) created Langar, the community lunch, Arjan (5 th Guru) build the Golden
Temple and Gobind Singh (last one) created an auto-sustaining religion with
sacred texts (Guru Granth Sahib) and an army (The Khalsa) and anounced that
he was the last Guru. Some women had important roles too. For example, Mai
Bago was a famous soldier and Mata Sahib is associated in blessing to her
husband Gobind Singh.
Sikhism is based on the faith of one, infinite, eternal, powerful, unique God, the
creator. The Sikhs believe in equality of people (whatever the castes or sex), a
strong value of social life (religion, education, work and family) and reincarnation
after death.

The followers are called Sikhs (disciples in punjabi), easily recognisable by

wearing uncut beard, a steel bracelet, a sword (parts of the five Ks with a comb
and trousers) and the Sikh turban.
They are mostly pacific but some have the reputation of being fanatic. Their
history (martyrdoms of some Gurus or Sikh population, mutiny against mongols,
defence of Punjab) is the source of creation of the Khalsa (army for the defence
of the Sikh faith), which is still known for violence, such as the murder of Indira
Ghandi, Indias prime minister, in 1984.
During centuries, different ways of thinking have created different sects, such as
the udasis (around 1539), the ram raias (around 1661) or the namdharis (around
1816).
Sikhs pray in the Gurdwara, featured by a yellow flag and 3 separate rooms : for
the sacred book, the prayers and for the community lunch (Langar). People sit
lower than the books stand, and read hymns (part of the holy text) at least once
a day (3 prayers a day). Sikhs are recommended to read the whole text once in
their life, to practice Sewa (physical,material,mental services to others), Sangat
(sense of community) and participate to Langar.
Sikh celebrations follow the life : the naming ceremony for babies, the khalsa
initiation during childhood, marriage and cremation followed by the bhog
ceremony (after a complete reading of the sacred book).
A pilgrimage at the Hari Mandir (Golden Temple) or in Patna Sahib is part of the
Sikhs acts of faith.
The festivals are mostly Hindu, added by several Gurburbs, events in Sikh
history.

Hadrien Renault 492 words