Sikhism : a Religion from India
SIKHISM: A RELIGION FROM INDIA
BASIC FACTS.
There are 20 million Sikhs in the world, most of them live in the Punjab province of India. There are more than 330,000 Sikhs in the UK.
Sikhism was founded in the 16th century in the Punjab district of what is now India and Pakistan. It was founded by Guru Nanak (a guru is a spiritual master). In every house, there is a picture of Guru Nanak.
RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES.
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion (there is only one God)
Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out religious rituals.
RELIGIOUS WORDS.
The Sikh place of worship[1] is called a Gurdwara.
Their religious book is considered sacred; it is called the Guru Granth Sahib. (L’Adi-Granth)
The community of men and women initiated into the Sikh faith is the Khalsa.
THE 5 Ks.
The 5 Ks are 5 physical symbols worn[2] by Sikhs who have been initiated into the Khalsa.
Sikhs are supposed to wear these 5 things at all times. The 5 Ks symbolise that the Sikh who wears them has dedicated himself to a life of devotion to the Guru.
The five Ks are:
1. Kaccha (or Kachh, Kachera) : cotton underwear(similar to shorts)
- Kara : a steel bracelet
- Kanga : a wooden comb
- Kirpan : a steel dagger (to be ready to defend themselves anytime)
- Kesh : uncut hair(both facial and head hair, symbol of strength,so men must wear a turban)
THE 3 DUTIES [3].
Sikhs believe[4] that the way to lead a good life is to:
-keep God in heart and mind at all times
-live honestly and work hard
-treat everyone equally (women are equal to men ; no social differences)
-be generous to the poor (give to charities)
-serve others
The three duties that a Sikh must carry out are : Pray, Work, Give.
Sikhs avoid gambling[5], begging5, smoking, drinking alcohol, or working in the alcohol or tobacco industries. They used to be strict vegetarians although many now eat meat too.
REINCARNATION.
Sikhs believe that human beings spend their time in a cycle of birth, life, and rebirth (like Hindus and Buddhists).
The quality of each life depends on the law of Karma. Karma sets the quality of a life according to how well or badly a person behaved6 in their previous[6] life.
They believe you keep being reborn until you are ready to reach God.
OTHER FACTS
. While men honestly work to bring money to their family, their wives are busy taking care of their home and family, cooking.
. Women must marry a member of the Sikh community (not a white man, not a black man and not a Muslim).
. Being burnt is a sign of malediction (fury of the God of Fire Agni)
[1] place of worship: lieu de culte
[2] worn: portés
[3] duties: les devoirs
[4] Sikhs believe: les Sikhs croient
[5] gambling: parier, jouer de l’argent; begging: mendier
[6] their previous life: leur vie antérieure (précédente)