The Compellingly Religion of Sikhism Sikhism – a unique religion in which focus lies in loving and giving. It is selfless, caring, genuine, and thoughtful through and through. Sikhism reflects some aspects of India’s other religions, but is centrally focused on the Ten Gurus, charity, and showing love to God. With focus on those aspects, Sikhism lacks influence on modern music, art, literature, dance, etc., mostly because the population of this religion is so small. However, Sikhism finds those aspects of society useful when looking to better the connection that followers feel towards the religion. Socially, Sikhs stand for nothing short of justice and equality, and are consistently looking out for the general good of society. These aspects …show more content…
He is thought to be everywhere and in every object, equally a part of the good and the evil happenings in the world. Nam is believed to have the power to transform people so they are courageous and bold enough to do good works in the world with intention and ease (445). Sikhs believe that Nam is the God that is worshiped universally, that His presence and character is portrayed in full through the Guru, and is also seen vastly through Scripture and creation (443-44). The main focus for followers of Sikhism is devoting one’s love and time to God, but also equally to charity and the general common good. Sikhs are expected to spend time each morning and evening reciting prayers, the hymns and the intimate prayers spoken are thought to heighten awareness of Nam (Fisher & Bailey …show more content…
They believe there should be no actual distinction between those aspects and all people should be treated respectfully. Many religions focus on a sole, personal path for oneself, whereas Sikhism is more focused on the well-being of others. Of course there is the devotion to Nam and the time for gratitude towards Him, but it is fascinating that caring for others and standing for social justice and equality is equally important to the love shown to Nam. There are a couple of ways in which Sikhs have created a refreshing system to display the equality they believe in easily. One is Langar, a free meal given by the community for people of all castes and religions, held at the Gurdurara (place of worship). Sikhs also practice sangat, which is worshiping Nam together as a community instead of separately as a means of superiority. Lastly, the practice of baptism into Khalsa as a vow to be a protector of all people and religions so they may not be oppressed (Fisher
Sikhism is free from any claims and dogmas. To attain salvation, Sikhism rejects all rites, rituals, and fasts. It rejects the claims of mortification of body, self-torture, penance or renunciation. It does not believe in worship of gods and goddesses, stones, statues, idols, pictures, tombs or crematoriums. Devotees are supposed to desist from working miracles, uttering blessings and curses, and believing in omens. They wear God's name as a necklace and try to practice Nam (remembrance of God's name), Dan (charity) and Ishnan (purity), truthfulness and openness, self-restraint in temper, labor for the purpose of mutual benefit, profitable and edifying speech, humility and forbearance.
Catherine L. Albanese defines religion as a “system of symbols by means of which people orient themselves in the world with references to both ordinary and extraordinary powers, meanings, and values” (America: Religions and Religion). Albanese’s definition may seem vague, but when comparing religions from all over the world, the less detailed the definitions is the better it suits every religion. Religions such as Hopi and Hinduism challenge the idea of religion in western culture and therefore do not necessarily fit into the same box that one might put Christianity and Islam; yet they are still religions. With this being said, Albanese’s definition best incorporates the religions of the world by focusing on the social (community), the material
By promoting anti-discriminatory practice it helps the practitioner to form a base of a peaceful environment where there are no differences towards the individuals like race, ability, gender, culture or ethnicity. It’s
During my high school days I was in a club called Indo-Pak. Indo-Pak is an Indian and Pakistani student organization ran by the students. There were many different types of groups in the club. We had a board which was the ones that ran the club. The president, the vice president, the treasure, and executive board. Those were the people that bossed everyone around and told everyone what to do. If there was someone who didn’t do what they were so post to do, they would get in trouble by one of the board members. Then, we had the people that would come just to socialize, they didn’t really care much about the club or the people in in. We also had the people who came and cared about the club but they were a little bit shy so they didn’t really talk much to anyone but they still were there and helped out everyone. The norms, values and symbols of my club were dancing, music, singing, religion and leadership. Dancing is a really big culture thing in Bollywood which is the Pakistani and Indian version of Hollywood. Our norms were never disrespect anyone or mistreat anyone no matter what their age is or who they are, be open to all ideas and don’t judge, and don’t bully. Our values of the group was that everyone get treated equally, no one gets left behind. If someone feels that they are being mistreated they would talk to the person immediately. The symbol for the club was the Indian and Pakistani flag put together. In the Pakistani flag, the green represents Islam and the majority Muslims in Pakistan and the white stripe represents religious minorities and minority religions. In the center, the crescent and star symbolizes progress and light respectively. The flag symbolizes Pakistan's commitment to Islam and the rights of religious min...
In addition, Sikhs were sworn to wear the five symbols of their faith, also known as the “Five K’s”: “kes or kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kachha (short trousers), kara (steel bracelet), and kirpan (ceremonial sword)” (Britannica, 2016), as symbols of power and equalitarianism. Also conflicting with the Muslim tradition that allows polygamy for those who can afford more than one wife, and doesn’t have strict rules against tobacco, Sikhs are required to abstain from tobacco, adultery, cutting their hair, and the meat of animals slowly bled to death specific to Islam. Influenced by the Hindu traditions, Sikhs believe in karma and reincarnation- elements not found in the Islamic
"Sikh Awareness." Sikh Awareness. © 2002-2012 THE SIKH COALITION, 12 Oct. 2001. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
Historically Native American religions are very diverse between tribes. Most are unique to their individual tribe. Others are widely spread throughout many tribes but still encounter differences between them. Native religions, much like other religious groups have sacred sites. These sacred locations are considered sacred not only by the Natives themselves but by the American government who has now also named them protected.
"God Willed that as a true Sikh I should look upon all religions with one eye".
This paper was written to give you a better idea of the presence and practices of Sikhism in Canada. It will also introduce you to the controversies they face being in a religion that is meant to differentiate, and how difficult that can be for them in a country with a strong western culture. First you will learn of the statistics and demographics of Sikh’s in Canada. Secondly, a bit of history will be introduced which will give a better idea of their culture. Thirdly, a better picture of their culture and religion will be painted when their common religious practices are described. Finally, the three largest controversies facing Sikh’s in Canada will be introduced and a brief description of them are given.
Sikhs emphasize two primary aspects of daily life: service and devotion to God. Service means honest work and service to the community - Sewa, in which all are equal regardless of caste, creed, race or gender. Devotion is cultivated by singing devotional hymns and by meditation on the holy name of God - Simran and Naam Japna
Indigenous religions exist in every climate around the world and exhibit a wide range of differences in their stories, language, customs, and views of the afterlife. Within indigenous communities, religion, social behavior, art, and music are so intertwined that their religion is a significant part of their culture and virtually inseparable from it. These religions originally developed and thrived in isolation from one another and are some of the earliest examples of religious practice and belief. The modern world; however, has taken its toll on these groups and many of their stories, customs, and beliefs have been lost to, or replaced by, those brought in as a result of popular culture and the missionary work of Christians and Muslims.
Most people in the world derive their religious beliefs and traditions from their parents and peer influences. From a religious point of view, “There are many definitions for the term ‘religion’ in common usage. [Broadly defined], in order to include the greatest number of belief systems: ‘Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics, and a philosophy of life’” (Robinson, 1996). However, in examining Hinduism, it is difficult to label the practices as a religion. This paper will expound upon the Hindu traditions, taking into account the characteristics of sacred elements, their meaning, and significance.
Basically, Singh (2004) tells us that the followers of Guru Nanak were Sikhs which literally means student or disciple. Sikhs have many beliefs, but their main belief stated by Robinson (2009) is that Sikhs believe in one God that has many names and has no shape or form and can only be known through meditation.... ... middle of paper ... ...
The BJP insists India is a “Hindu Nation”, a principle leader of the party. BJP, L.K.Advani, goes so far as to suggest Sikh’s, Muslims and Christians. should be Mohammadi Hindus, Christian Hindus and Sikh Hindus. persisting and enhancing the Indian character of the state. Muslims find themselves accused of anti-Hindu acts whereby North India was.
Takhar, O. K. (2005). Sikh identity: An exploration of groups among Sikhs. Aldershot, England: Ashgate.