Sikhism: Basic Teachings
Foundation of Sikhism Guru Arjan Dev (1563–1606) Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in Guru Har Gobind (1595–1644) India during the 15th century Guru Har Rai (1630–61) The word Sikhism means “discipleship” in Guru Har Krishan (1656–1664) Sanskrit Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–75) Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708) Main beliefs There is only one God Sikh symbols God does not take on any human form but Khanda is everywhere and in everyone God’s word has come to the Sikhs through Sacred texts the teachings of the 10 gurus Guru Granth Sahib (Adi Granth) (hymns, All human beings are equal and should help scriptures) each other Vars (ballads) Janam-Sakhis (stories about Guru Nanak’s Main laws birth) Sikhs must not cut their hair Dasam Granth (includes Guru Gobind Singh’s Sikhs must not drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, writings) or use drugs that are not medicines Festivals and holy days Ten Sikh gurus Lohri – January Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539) Maghi – January Guru Angad Dev (1504–52) Hola Mohalla (day of martial arts and skills) – Guru Amar Das (1479–1574) February/ March Guru Ram Das (1534–81) Baisakhi (New Year) – April Martyrdom of Guru Arjan – May/June Guru Nanak Birthday of Guru Har Krishan – June/July Birthday of Guru Ram Das – September/October Installation of Guru Granth Sahib – September/October Diwali (Festival of Light) – October/November Birthday of Guru Nanak – November Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur – November/ December Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh – December/January
Worship and teaching Sikh worship takes place mainly in a gurdwara (temple) and involves meditation, hymns, and morning prayers There are no Sikh priests, but the writings of 10 gurus (teachers) form the basis of the religion and teach Sikhs (disciples) how to find truth and achieve Mukti (liberation)