Sikhism: World's Largest Religion

Attack on the heart of Sikhism, the militaristic and political values over the lives of the innocent shook the entire Sikh religion to its knees. In June 1984, rising tension between the Damdami Taksal led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwal and Indian Army, lead to an assault on the Golden Temple located in Amritsar, where the nationalist group was headquartered. Lasting ten days, the Operation and overall fighting left the death toll to an estimated of 490. The damage to the Golden Temple complex and Sikh community was catastrophic. Battles in the surrounding areas, in the streets where innocents where kept and the involvement of tanks made for the operation to be very chaotic and horrific. In the months following the operation, Indira Gandhi,

Ever wonder how two things from a distance seem to be similar but once you do more research you realize there are more differences than you thought? Hinduism and Sikhism are two religions with both similarities and differences. Sikhism is a religion worshiping the one God through practices and sacred texts that were given by God whereas Hinduism is a religion worshipping a multitude of God’s and Goddesses while pushing people to become reach their full enlightenment. Both fascinating religions originated in the Northern India area. Sikhism is based on the precepts of faith put forth by Guru Nanak Dev Ji as sacred texts by God to lead the people to be closer with God whereas Hinduism is based on four Vedas looked at as more of a system of values to live by during a lifetime.

Firstly, looking at a brief summary of Sikhism, Aboriginal Spirituality and Christianity. Then looking at their beliefs and what and how each religion treats and values women. Finally, I will compare all religions together and pin point the similarities and differences. The Sikh religion is one of the youngest of all world religions. It began about 500 years ago in the Punjab region in India.

Religion plays a crucial role in the daily lives of millions of people. This is even more evident in India. Hinduism and Sikhism are two very prominent religions in this nation (Pinkham, 1967). These two religions are closely linked but also have many distinct practices. Issues of the position of women in society, attitudes towards the caste system, and methods of worship are critical aspects of both religions. Among the many distinct practices that are shared between the religions of Hinduism and Sikhism is the status of women. In Hinduism, women can attain a certain status in that they can either become a nun or

1. Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma. This is one of the few fundamental areas that Sikhs

Those who are raised within one religious tradition may find it difficult to understand the traditions of another religion. It is not until one is educated in the basics of the other major world religions, that it is possible to see the many similarities between them. Just as there are many similarities between the countries culturally, the major religions share more things than they are different. In viewing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism with an open mind, it is easy to see the differences, similarities and ideals that make these religions as widespread as they are.

In this essay I am going compare and contrast the rituals/ practices parts of sikhism and judaism. As we discussed in class, Sikhism is Monotheistic religion that was found in Punjab Pakistan in 1469 AD by Guru Nanak Dv Ji. The worship place for this religion is the Gurdwara. In my site visit to the Gurdwara I learned that this place open 24 hour and anyone may enter it no matter their faith, caste or skin color. I also learned that There are daily prayers and the three pillars of sikhism are to remember god at all time, to live your life honestly/with integrity and to share what you have with those less fortunate. In addition, Every day Sikhs worship the one God at their homes, even with or without a Gurdwara service. As we learned in class that in sikhism statues and pictures are not allowed. Furthermore, there is no prophets in Sikhism, only direct relation with god without mediator. The three jewels in Sikhism are Naam Japna,Kirat Karni and Vand chakna (Living Religions page . Additionally, Skishis do not drink intoxicating drinks and most of them are vegetarian. Also, sikhs wear the 5 KS which are Kangha,Kara,Kachera,Kirpan and Kesh. According to the book Living Religion in Skisham , Men should wear turbans and

What is religion? There is much debate to the exact definition of religion but according to the book Introduction to World Religions, “It is commonly used to refer to those beliefs, behaviors, and social institutions that have something to do with speculations on any, and all of the following: the origin, end and significance of the universe; what happens after death; the existence and wishes of powerful, non-human beings such as spirits, ancestors, angels, demons, and gods; and the manner in which all of this shapes human behavior”(Partridge,10). Sikhism first came about hundreds and hundreds of years ago in a community where religious beliefs were split between Hinduism and Islam.

Sikhs are the people who follow the Sikhism religion. Sikhism was founded in the 15th century is the fifth largest religion of the world. It started in the northern India but today a large population of Sikhs is living in different regions of the world. Sikhism is based on the teachings of Gurus and they believe in one God which they consider shapeless, sightless and timeless.

My choice to compare two religions with so many similarities as Islam and Sikhism is mainly based on the fine, but very distinct differences and the interesting fact that they geographically meet in the Punjab Region between India and Pakistan.

Sikhism and Christianity have many of the same values and beliefs that I follow. Sikhism is a relatively new religion that originated in India in the fifteenth century and Christianity has been around for about 2,000 years. Both of these religions are monotheistic in their worshipping practices. Sikhism followers believe that there is one God and they are without form or gender. They also believe that everyone is equal before God.

Sikhism is the youngest of the world’s five great monotheistic religions. In 1801, the Sikh state was founded in Northern India by Maharaja Ranjit Singh based on the teachings of Guru Nanak, who is also the founder. The teachings of Sikhism are summed up by Guru Nanak in these words: “Realization of truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living” (Teece). Sikhs have a variety of teachings in their culture and religion, but the ones I found emphasized the principles of equality of all humans and rejection of discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, and gender. Like other religious founders, Guru Nanak was fascinated by God and religion and starting at a young age he did not participate in religious rituals and often meditated alone. As a young man, he took many missionary trips because of his desire to explore and gain knowledge.

After visiting the Dashmesh Culture Centre, one is able to realize how significant Sikhism and Sikhs are. Although Sikhism is the youngest religion in the world, founded in fifteenth century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, it has remained relevant to society over the years. Amidst the effect of globalization and westernization, there are actual individuals, Sikhs, who continue to value their cultural practices. The most interesting aspect of the religion is the adherence to the requirements of the Guru Granth Sahib; all the Dashmesh community members are able to follow the political, religious, cultural, and social aspects of the scripture, a phenomenon that is not common in other cultures within Western society. It is also interesting how the Sikh community at the Dashmesh Culture Center appreciate their cultural beliefs and practices such as respecting elders, reciting

The number of converts to Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Baha’ism, and Spiritualism is growing daily. People are searching for a genuine Faith that is not dominated by greed and hypocrisy. Indigenous, tribal practices are performed to this day in remote regions of the world. Shamans and medicine men continue to practice on isolated islands, in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Atheism, a concept that any and all religious beliefs are a bunch of bunk, is also gaining support throughout the world.

The religion of Sikhism originated in Punjab India. It is considered a fairly young religion as it was only formed in and around the 15th century and it contains elements of both Hindu and Muslim. (Euro Tongil, 2015) The religion was formed around 1500 by Guru Nanak and his teachings. He never intended to form a new religion he just disagreed with Muslim and Hindu rituals and holy books. His teachings were mildly different to the teaching of Hinduism and Muslim. Nine gurus came after Guru Nanak to successfully turn Sikhism into the religion it is today. After the fifth guru was killed as he was seen as a threat to authority the sixth guru militarised the community. They began to live in peace again after many fights to preserve their faith. (Bbc.co.uk, 2015) Sikhism is monotheistic religion which they believe in only one God and this god is the god for all religions. The place in which they practice their religion is called the Gurdwara and their holy text is named the Granth Sahib which is also considered to be a Guru and the source of authority in the religion of Sikhism. (Ucc-ie.blackboard.com, 2015) The term Gurdwara in English means Gateway to the Guru. They believe not only should you practice your religion in your own time you also need to attend the Gurdwara. People in the