Sikhism: Basic Teachings Foundation of Sikhism G Guru Arjan Dev (1563–1606) G Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in G Guru Har Gobind (1595–1644) India during the 15th century G Guru Har Rai (1630–61) G The word Sikhism means “discipleship” in G Guru Har Krishan (1656–1664) Sanskrit G Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–75) G Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708) Main beliefs G There is only one God Sikh symbols G God does not take on any human form but G Khanda is everywhere and in everyone G God’s word has come to the Sikhs through Sacred texts the teachings of the 10 gurus G Guru Granth Sahib (Adi Granth) (hymns, G All human beings are equal and should help scriptures) each other G Vars (ballads) G Janam-Sakhis (stories about Guru Nanak’s Main laws birth) G Sikhs must not cut their hair G Dasam Granth (includes Guru Gobind Singh’s G Sikhs must not drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, writings) or use drugs that are not medicines Festivals and holy days Ten Sikh gurus G Lohri – January G Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539) G Maghi – January G Guru Angad Dev (1504–52) G Hola Mohalla (day of martial arts and skills) – G Guru Amar Das (1479–1574) February/ March G Guru Ram Das (1534–81) G Baisakhi (New Year) – April G Martyrdom of Guru Arjan – May/June Guru Nanak G Birthday of Guru Har Krishan – June/July G Birthday of Guru Ram Das – September/October G Installation of Guru Granth Sahib – September/October G Diwali (Festival of Light) – October/November G Birthday of Guru Nanak – November G Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur – November/ December G Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh – December/January Worship and teaching G Sikh worship takes place mainly in a gurdwara (temple) and involves meditation, hymns, and morning prayers G 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).