Sikhism Final.Pdf

Culture and Religion Information Sheet Sikhism

January 2021

Aim Service providers and employers who recognise, value and promote cultural and This factsheet aims to raise awareness and religious diversity can address more fully the understanding of Sikh religious and needs of their clients and staff, thus providing cultural practices to assist with providing services based on good practice. Respecting culturally appropriate services, activities the roles of religion in various cultures is part of and information. courteous, ethical and professional behaviour, Introduction which promotes a just and equitable society. Western Australia is a multiethnic, multi- History of Sikhism in religious and multicultural society. Religious freedom and mutual respect for all religions Western Australia are integral parts of our shared culture Sikhs are known to have arrived in WA in the and are important underlying principles of early 19th century although it is probable multiculturalism and democracy. that a greater number of them arrived during the second half of the century. Shiploads of There are a number of international treaties and camels were brought to Australia in the 1860s national laws that recognise freedom of religion and, although their handlers were known as and belief as fundamental human rights, such ‘Afghans’, there were Sikhs among them. For as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights example, Pal Singh (clearly a Sikh by his name) 1948, the International Covenant on Civil and was a camel owner who arrived in 1886 and Political Rights 1966 and the Australian Human lived in Wyndham in WA. Rights Commission Act 1986. In 1898, 45 Perth Sikhs signed a petition to the In Western Australia it is unlawful under the Secretary of State for the Colonies requesting Equal Opportunity Act 1984 to discriminate better treatment and livelihood. However, the against a person because of their religious 1901 Census indicated that there were 261 conviction in certain areas of public life Afghans in WA but no Indians, so it is likely that including employment, education, the all Sikhs were listed as Afghans. provision of goods, services and facilities, in Many early Sikh settlers worked as camel accommodation, clubs and in application forms handlers, while others travelled around WA selling wares. In 1932, a group of Sikhs were (see the Equal Opportunity Commission website allocated a piece of land on the Canning River http://www.eoc.wa.gov.au/Index.aspx). for use as a cremation ground after a dying Sikh man immolated himself, fearing that he would be buried. The annulment of the White Australia Policy The information contained in this Office of Multicultural in 1973 saw increased opportunities for Sikh Interests (OMI) information sheet is made available migration with Sikhs coming to WA from India, in good faith, is derived from sources believed to be the UK, east Africa, Singapore, Malaysia and Fiji. reliable and accurate at the time of release and does not necessarily reflect the views of OMI. All efforts have There are now three Sikh temples (called been made to ensure the accuracy of the material; OMI Gurdwaras) in WA—in Canning Vale, Bayswater cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors. and Bennett Springs in the Swan Valley. The If you would like to give feedback, please contact OMI saffron flag with a unique emblem called the on [email protected]. Khanda (signifying righteous and truthful living in complete harmony within all communities) identifies these premises.

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Demographics Key beliefs According to the 2016 Census, there were Sikhs believe that the 10 gurus were one with 11,902 people affiliated with the Sikh religion in the divine being and each had divine attributes. Western Australia, an increase of 6990 people, The first guru is Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the 10th or 142.3 per cent, compared with the 2011 Census. guru is Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The tenth guru Between the 2011 and 2016 Censuses, the anointed the Holy Book 'Guru Granth Sahib' as the living eternal guru of the Sikhs. The Holy number of people in Australia who identified as Book is treated with the utmost reverence Sikhs increased by 53,608 people, or 74.1 per cent. and respect. For more demographic and socioeconomic information on Sikhism, visit Search Diversity The Sikh way of life is based on: WA on the Office of Multicultural Interests • Nam japna—remember God's name with website at www.omi.wa.gov.au/resources-and- every breath statistics/search-diversity-wa . • Kirat karni—work and earn by the sweat of Sikhism: background and origins the brow, live a family way of life and practise truthfulness and honesty in all dealings The Sikh religion is one of the world’s youngest religions. It was founded in 1469 in • Vand ke chakna—share and live as an Punjab, North India, by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, in inspiration and support to the whole response to a spiritual revelation. Nanak and community his nine successors are known as 'gurus', which is a term for a spiritual guide or teacher. • control of kaam (desire), krodh (anger), lobh (greed), moh (attachment) and hankar (pride). Guru Nanak taught that true religion consists of always being mindful of God, meditating on Sikhs believe that reincarnation (the cycle of the name and attributes of God and reflecting life–death–rebirth) is for those who do not attain on God’s power in all activities of daily life. attachment to God during the human life cycle. Guru Nanak's followers became known as Sikhs (from the Sanskrit word shishysa), which Language and communication means disciple. The Holy Book, the 'Guru Granth Sahib', is the ultimate spiritual authority Nearly all Sikhs in WA are fluent in written and for Sikhs. It contains the teachings and spoken English and Punjabi. devotional compositions written and recorded The written script used by Sikhs is Gurmukhi. by the Sikh Gurus and some contemporary Hindu and Muslim saints. The Guru Granth Names and titles Sahib is at the heart of Sikh worship and its presence lends sanctity to the Sikh place of All Sikh males carry the surname of Singh worship, the Gurdwara. (which means lion) and Sikh females carry the name Kaur (which means lioness/princess). In The concept of Sikhism includes: some cases the ancestral names are included • universal acceptance of all humanity after the surname. belief in one God • Referring to a Sikh male as Mr Singh and Miss/ • the name of God is Truth: 'Sat Nam' Mrs Kaur is acceptable but it would be preferred • equality of all persons irrespective of their that the full name is used when more than one caste, colour, gender, nationality and religion Sikh is present. • equality of the sexes is emphasised.

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Body language and behaviour Greeting Non-verbal communication can vary between The following sensitivities need to be observed cultures. Non-verbal signals acceptable in on greeting or introduction: one culture may be completely unacceptable • Sikhs in Australia follow the normal or even offensive in another. Some of the handshake in greeting, although the sensitivities to be understood in this area traditional preferred way of greeting is with include the following: folded hands. This is especially the case when • For Sikhs, the head or turban is sacred. greeting a person of the opposite sex. The A Sikh’s head or turban should never be Sikh greeting is 'Sat Sri Akal' (God is the Truth). touched or insulted in any way. This is also • Sikh males or females who have family ties applies to children. or are close to one another may embrace one another. Sikhs do not exchange a kiss When visiting a Sikh temple (Gurudwara) the • on the cheek. following protocols should be observed: • It is customary for elders to place the palm • shoes must be removed dress should of their hand on the head of the younger be modest generation which is symbolic of affection and • a head covering should be worn the transfer of love/blessings. • men and women sit separately • Certain Sikhs may bow and touch the feet of elders as a gesture of respect of the elder's • one should not sit with feet pointing position at home or in society. towards the Guru Granth Sahib or the Holy Book Dress and appearance • one should not sit with one’s back to Baptised Sikh males and females (known as the Holy Book mobile phones should be Amritdhari Sikh) may wear the following five switched off or in silent mode signs of their faith (known as the Five Ks): • silence is preferred in order not to disturb Kirpan a small-sized sword placed in a others; whisper only if necessary shoulder belt (accepted by the WA • clapping is forbidden. Police Service as a symbol rather than a weapon) Kara an iron bangle worn on the wrist Kachera special underwear, akin to It is Western Australian Government policy to boxer shorts provide competent interpreting and translating Kanga a small wooden comb services to clients who are unable to communicate effectively in spoken or written English.1 Kesh a Sikh must not cut hair from his/her body from birth to death Government agency staff can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on An Amritdhari Sikh must not be asked to telephone 131 450. separate any of the Five Ks from his/her body. The cutting of hair or abandoning the wearing of the turban should not even be suggested to a Sikh male as these form an important part of the Sikh faith. Each of the Five Ks has a special religious significance. The neatly tied turban over the unshorn hair represents a crown of spirituality while the Kara signifies bondage to Truth. Sikh youth normally wear a 'patka' (cloth) on their

1 The Western Australian Language Services Policy, 2008, Office of Multicultural Interests, Western Australian Government.

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head and with transformation into adulthood Religious festivals and days they start wearing a 'pugg' (turban). The colour of the turban is not normally significant except of significance in the following: A Sikh can worship at any time of the day or night but the expected prayer times are before on occasions of death a white turban for • sunrise and sunset and prior to going to bed males and a white 'chunni' or scarf for at night. Generally a Sikh meditates ('Simran') females may be used on the Name of God by reciting His Name • 'Gyani' or priests generally wear dark blue, (the Magnificent Lord, Waheguru) even while black or white. working. Observant Sikh females wear a 'chunni' (long Each year there are a number of Sikh festivals, scarf used for head covering) over their head called Gurpurbs, which are associated with the and across their shoulders. birth and death anniversaries of the Gurus. Sikhs do not wear motorbike or bicycle helmets These include: over the turban as they interfere with the crown • The birthdays of the 10 Sikh Gurus: the of spirituality. In Australia, exemptions from birthdays of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (first Guru) wearing helmets on religious grounds are only and Guru Gobind Singh Ji (tenth Guru) and possible for those riding bicycles (push-bikes), the martyrdom days of the fifth and the ninth not for riding motorbikes. Gurus are particularly significant. On these occasions Sikhs practise the 'Akhand Path'— Seating the continuous (48 hours) reading of the Granth Sahib. No special seating arrangements are required for job or any official interviews. • The celebration of the five Sikhs baptised by the tenth Guru Gobind Singh: this is known At official functions, Sikhs prefer to be seated as advent day of Khalsa (Baisakhi). This is also away from the bar and smoking area as Sikhism a special day that signifies the start of the prohibits the use of cigarettes. wheat harvesting season and marks the Sikh New Year’s Day. Food, drink and fasting Recognising appropriate foods and beverages is essential in responding to the needs of religious communities. When hosting events where Counselling/interviews food is served, offer a selection of vegetarian It is appropriate for a female Sikh to speak to a and non-vegetarian foods on separate trays as female for interview or counselling purposes, a matter of good practice. A variety of non- however, if the situation permits and the person alcoholic drinks should also be available at any being interviewed agrees, it is preferable for official function. a married woman to be interviewed in the The following issues relating to food, drink and presence of her husband or the eldest person fasting should also be understood: in the family. • Observant Sikhs do not eat meat and do not consume alcohol. • Sikhs who do consume meats prefer meat slaughtered with a single blow and not left to bleed to death. • In multigroup functions it would be prudent to place beef or other meats in separate locations. • Some observant Sikhs do not eat egg.

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Family and marriage after death and this often results in a sense of urgency regarding funeral arrangements. The varying family characteristics of religious Cremation occurs with family members in groups should be appreciated. attendance and the ashes must be handed • Whether living together or not, Sikh family to the nearest family member to be later members are expected to look after each disposed of. other in time of need. The eldest person in • During the official period of mourning (from the family is given the appropriate respect 10–17 days following the cremation), the and his/her views are strongly considered scriptures are read from beginning to end, when making decisions on family matters. either at the family home or at the Gurdwara. • Sikh women have equal status and are • Elders and close associates may wear white regarded as a significant part of the Sikh (the mourning colour). community. A woman receives utmost reverence for her role in the family and society. She has an equal right to Other sensitivities grow spiritually and to attend religious Other cultural and religious sensitivities that congregations and recite divine hymns in need to be acknowledged and respected the Gurdwara. She is also eligible to include the following: participate in and perform all ceremonies Observant Sikhs do not smoke. including baptism. It is customary for Sikhs to cover their head in Medical the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. • Only in life-threatening situations should hair Sikhs remove their shoes before entering the be removed from the body without consent premises of the Guru Granth Sahib. from the individual or the family. In all other No alcohol, cigarettes or meat are to be in the instances consent should be sought from the vicinity of Guru Granth Sahib and Gurdwara. individual, if the person is able and an adult, Police, airport and similar searches are best or from the parents or family, if the person is performed by a person of the same sex. a minor or incapacitated.

Death and related issues Death and the grieving process are particularly Further enquiries important for all religious communities. This information sheet has been produced by the Office of Multicultural Interests with Only family members or close family friends • the support of the Sikh Association of Western generally touch a Sikh woman even when Australia. For further information please she is grieving over a death. contact the President/Secretary or the • The body should be handed over to the resident priest of the Sikh Association of WA. nearest family member a few hours prior to Correspondence can be forwarded to: cremation. This allows sufficient time for the The President body to be washed, dressed and to have the Sikh Association of WA appropriate religious prayers recited over it. 280 Shreeve Road Cremation should occur as soon as possible Canning Vale, WA, 6155 Phone: 0407 986 163 Email address: President: [email protected] Secretary: [email protected] Web: www.sikhwa.org.au

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