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
"Sikh Awareness." Sikh Awareness. © 2002-2012 THE SIKH COALITION, 12 Oct. 2001. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
members.home.net - Locus of resources for this Indian religion and philosophy features QuickTime movies of important events in Sikh culture.
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.
Albanese’s definition of religion that focuses on the social (community), the material (symbols), and the mythical (extraordinary) dimensions of religion best incorporates religions from all over the world. Western religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism fit easily into the mold that Albanese lays out, while practices such as Native American, African Diaspora, Chinese, and Japanese religions manage to squeeze into the mold in more obscure ways. Each of these religious practices contain elements of community, symbolism, and interaction with the extraordinary, from the Native American “dama” ritual to Christianity’s creation narrative to Daoism’s Yin-Yang symbol. Although religions from India, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, might be used as counter examples, these religious practices ultimately touch on each aspect of Albanese’s definition. Buddhism and Jainism still acknowledge supernatural forces even though they are not a main focus. Hinduism still is a community of believers even though they accept all religions to be a part of their own. With all this being said, Albanese’s definition of religion is just vague enough. By only focusing on three religious dimensions instead of all seven, all the religious traditions studied in this class can, in fact, be labeled
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...
The prophet was greatly compassionate and caring and spent long periods of time away from the world, in solitary retreat. Whereas Muhammad was the last prophet in Islam, Guru Nanak was the first of the ten enlightened Gurus in Sikhism. Despite his Hindu religion, young Nanak was more concerned with spirituality and helping the ones in need than respecting the conventionalism and rigidity of the caste system. At age 30, Nanak’s life was transformed after being immersed in a river.
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".
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.
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
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.
Religion is a big part of our world, as it dictates our beliefs and how we act towards other people. Though all religions have different beliefs, it is the core values of that religion that shape the way we act as people towards other humans, plants and animals. This essay will look at Christianity and Sikhism and how the core values of each of these religions compare to each other. Firstly, look at a brief summary of Sikhism and Christianity and a look at their beliefs. Then looking at the core values as portrayed by Christianity and Sikhism.
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.
McLeod, W. H. (2004). Sikhs and Sikhism. Oxford India paperbacks. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.