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Sikhism

Sikhism. Origins. Founder: mystic poet Nanak (1470-1540) Called by God to become a renunciant at 30 At 50, three day rapture and revelation from God – “This is no Hindu; There is no Muslim.”

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Sikhism

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  1. Sikhism

  2. Origins • Founder: mystic poet Nanak (1470-1540) • Called by God to become a renunciant at 30 • At 50, three day rapture and revelation from God – “This is no Hindu; There is no Muslim.” • India was being ruled by the Mughals, a Muslim Empire. There were tensions between Mughals and Hindus of India. • Nanak taught that there was one all-powerful, loving God. • Nanak believed that God called him to be a guru or teacher.

  3. Beliefs • Monotheism – One god by many names – Brahma, Rama, Hari, or Allah; you just cannot confine him to any one name • Sikhs call him Lord Sat Nam, the True or Absolute Name • Repetition of his name is as good as pilgrimage to Mecca or Benares • In submission to it, lies freedom

  4. Growth of Sikhism • Sikh means disciple • Nanak continued to wander as an itinerant poet surrounded by disciples. • He was the first guru. There were 9 more after him. • 8 million believers today • Minority religion in India but the majority population of the Indian State of Punjab (65% are Sikh)

  5. Scriptures and Practices • Holy Granth – sacred scriptures, a collection of poems of Nanak, Kabir, and others (kept in the Golden Temple in Amritsar – Sikhism’s holiest shrine) • Communal worship – hymns, prayer, scripture reading, sermons, and sharing of food together (communion rite at end of worship and communal dinners afterwards)

  6. Warrior Tradition • Tenth guru Gobind Rai (1666-1708) began the Khalsa, a special military wing of the Sikhs in 1699 • Sikhs were being persecuted by the Mughal emperor Aurangzib • Rai asked for five volunteers willing to give their lives – this began a military traditions • Not cutting hair, covered by turban, a comb, a steel bracelet, a special pair of undershorts, and a kirpan, double-edged dagger • Took the name Singh – “lion”

  7. 1984 Genocide • Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated (no relation to Mahatma Gandhi) by two of her Sikh bodyguards • Response to when Indian troops stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar (Sikhism’s holiest shrine)

  8. Jainism

  9. Background • Mahavira (c.540-468) “Great Hero” – founder, was a wandering mystic • Experienced full liberation (moksha) and wanted to teach others the way to it • Followers believe he was the last of the Tirthankaras (“Crossing-Makers”) • Tirthankaras are celebrated as jinas (victors) over their human bodies

  10. Great Struggle • Jains view the struggle not against a human enemy but over oneself • One’s own material nature can be defeated by perseverance in asceticism (self-denial) • Jivas (souls or particles of life) exist in all things – gods, humans, animals, plants, even stones, dust, and air • Jivas are trapped in the material shells because of karma

  11. Karma Traps Souls • Jains believe all karma – good or bad – traps souls in the cycle of rebirth (reincarnation) • The only solution is to become an ascetic and break down the karmic shell (your body) until your soul can reach liberation

  12. Nonviolence Toward All Things • Extreme form of nonviolence called ahimsa • Strict vegetarians • Put screens over lamps and light bulbs to prevent bugs from burning themselves • Wear handkerchiefs over mouths and noses in areas where there are lots of bugs so as not to inhale and kill them • Sweep the sidewalk in front of them with a delicate broom to make sure they do not step on creatures

  13. Path to Liberation • Laity (or everyday Jains) live in a way so as not to put any more burden on the souls hoping to be reborn a monk • Monks attempt to make strong effort toward moksha by practicing ahimsa and great asceticism

  14. Respect for Living Things • Jain temples often have adjacent buildings for abandoned animals and sick birds • Influenced Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King (use of nonviolence during protest)

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