Sikhism - Revision history

SysopJ: /* Books */

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Books

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	* Nesbitt, Eleanor. "Helena Blavatsky, Dorothy Field and Annie Besant: Theosophy’s role in introducing Sikhism to the West" ''Sikh Formations: Religion, Culture, Theory'' 16 no. 3 (2020): 227-243. Published online December 13,2019. Abstract at [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17448727.2019.1702835 TandFonline].		* Nesbitt, Eleanor. "Helena Blavatsky, Dorothy Field and Annie Besant: Theosophy’s role in introducing Sikhism to the West" ''Sikh Formations: Religion, Culture, Theory'' 16 no. 3 (2020): 227-243. Published online December 13,2019. Abstract at [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17448727.2019.1702835 TandFonline].

	=== Books ===		=== Books and pamphlets ===

	* Kumar, Hukm Chand. '''[http://www.panjabdigilib.org/webuser/searches/displayPageContent.jsp?ID=7761&CategoryID=1&Searched=W3GX Guru Nanak as an Occultist, or The Philosophy of the Japji]'''. Hyderabad: BLaatsky Press, 1926. 62 pages.		* Kumar, Hukm Chand. '''[http://www.panjabdigilib.org/webuser/searches/displayPageContent.jsp?ID=7761&CategoryID=1&Searched=W3GX Guru Nanak as an Occultist, or The Philosophy of the Japji]'''. Hyderabad: BLaatsky Press, 1926. 62 pages.
			* Venkataramanan, S. G. '''[https://archive.org/details/fundamentals-of-sikhism Fundamentals Of Sikhism]'''. Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1968.

	=== Videos ===		=== Videos ===

SysopJ at 18:58, 24 April 2025

2025-04-24T18:58:06Z

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			[[File:Mural painting of Guru Nanak.jpg\|right\|200px\|thumb\|Guru Nanak]]
	The word '''Sikh''' is derived from the Sanskrit “shishya” or (in the English translation) disciple.<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism. ''The Sikh Courier International'', Apr 1, 1989; 29, 67 (Religious Magazine Archive pg. 16)</ref> While most scholars see Sikhism as a blend of Hinduism and Islam, Sikhs consider their religion to be God’s own unique revelation to their primary prophet, Guru Nanak.<ref>''Sikh Religion''. Detroit, MI: Sikh Missionary Center,1990, p. 15.</ref> At the same time, it is clear that Nanak saw Hindus and Muslims as equally faithful,<ref>ibid, pp. 23-25</ref> and that his goal was to bring to humanity the message that devotion to God is the point; the means of expressing that devotion is secondary.		The word '''Sikh''' is derived from the Sanskrit “shishya” or (in the English translation) disciple.<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism. ''The Sikh Courier International'', Apr 1, 1989; 29, 67 (Religious Magazine Archive pg. 16)</ref> While most scholars see Sikhism as a blend of Hinduism and Islam, Sikhs consider their religion to be God’s own unique revelation to their primary prophet, Guru Nanak.<ref>''Sikh Religion''. Detroit, MI: Sikh Missionary Center,1990, p. 15.</ref> At the same time, it is clear that Nanak saw Hindus and Muslims as equally faithful,<ref>ibid, pp. 23-25</ref> and that his goal was to bring to humanity the message that devotion to God is the point; the means of expressing that devotion is secondary.

SysopJ: /* Websites */

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Websites

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	=== Websites ===		=== Websites ===

			* '''[https://sikhri.org/ Sikh Research Institute]'''.
			* '''[https://www.sikhnet.com/ SikhNet]'''.
			* '''[https://www.sikhs.org/ Sikh Religion of the Sikh People]'''.
			* '''[https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_contact/sikh_website_links.html Discover Sikhism]'''.

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

SysopJ: /* Videos */

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Videos

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	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXP_MxG9q1o '''''My First Visit to a Sikh Gurdwara''''']. Posted on Sikh Dharma International channel of YouTube on June 4, 2014.		* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXP_MxG9q1o '''''My First Visit to a Sikh Gurdwara''''']. Posted on Sikh Dharma International channel of YouTube on June 4, 2014.
	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-1UAORcX4c '''''Sikhism Explained''''']. Posted on Cogoto channel of YouTube on January 11, 2020.		* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-1UAORcX4c '''''Sikhism Explained''''']. Posted on Cogoto channel of YouTube on January 11, 2020.
			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr4-fuUJsEc ''''''What is Sikhism?''''']. Posted on Let's Talk Religion channel of YouTube on January 2, 2022.
			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWsClPXLApA&t=6s '''''What is Sikhism?''''']. Posted on Religion for Breakfast channel of YouTube on May 11, 2020.
			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONaoBQgBSKY '''''Who are the Sikhs?''''']. Posted on The Sikh Coalition channel of YouTube on May 28, 2015.

	=== Websites ===		=== Websites ===

SysopJ: /* Videos */

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Videos

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	=== Videos ===		=== Videos ===

			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc5-pIZAY8Q '''''The Gurdwara Explained: Where do Sikhs Worship?''''']. Posted on Saldef channel of YouTube on April 18, 2022.
			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXP_MxG9q1o '''''My First Visit to a Sikh Gurdwara''''']. Posted on Sikh Dharma International channel of YouTube on June 4, 2014.
			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-1UAORcX4c '''''Sikhism Explained''''']. Posted on Cogoto channel of YouTube on January 11, 2020.

	=== Websites ===		=== Websites ===

SysopJ at 17:33, 24 April 2025

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	'''~~ARTICLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION'''<br>~~		The word '''Sikh''' is derived from the Sanskrit “shishya” or (in the English translation) disciple.<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism. ''The Sikh Courier International'', Apr 1, 1989; 29, 67 (Religious Magazine Archive pg. 16)</ref> While most scholars see Sikhism as a blend of Hinduism and Islam, Sikhs consider their religion to be God’s own unique revelation to their primary prophet, Guru Nanak.<ref>''Sikh Religion''. Detroit, MI: Sikh Missionary Center,1990, p. 15.</ref> At the same time, it is clear that Nanak saw Hindus and Muslims as equally faithful,<ref>ibid, pp. 23-25</ref> and that his goal was to bring to humanity the message that devotion to God is the point; the means of expressing that devotion is secondary.
	'''~~ARTICLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION~~'~~''<br>~~

	~~The word “Sikh”~~ is derived from the Sanskrit “shishya” or (in the English translation) disciple.<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism. ''The Sikh Courier International'', Apr 1, 1989; 29, 67 (Religious Magazine Archive pg. 16)</ref> While most scholars see Sikhism as a blend of Hinduism and Islam, Sikhs consider their religion to be God’s own unique revelation to their primary prophet, Guru Nanak.<ref>''Sikh Religion''. Detroit, MI: Sikh Missionary Center,1990, p. 15.</ref> At the same time, it is clear that Nanak saw Hindus and Muslims as equally faithful,<ref>ibid, pp. 23-25</ref> and that his goal was to bring to humanity the message that devotion to God is the point; the means of expressing that devotion is secondary.

	=== The Gurus ===		=== The Gurus ===

Linda Dorr at 17:15, 24 April 2025

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 # The ''kara'', an iron or steel wrist band that symbolizes being bonded and devoted to the Guru.
 These items are meant not as an outward show of their religion, but to remind them of their obligation to maintain the discipline required of a true Sikh.<ref>ibid.</ref> “Sikhs cherish their articles of faith primarily because they see them as a gift from their beloved Guru. Trying to understand these articles on the basis of their function is missing the point.”<ref>https://www.sikhcoalition.org/about-sikhs/identity/</ref>
 === Sikhism and the Theosophical Movement ===

Linda Dorr: /* The Khalsa */

2025-04-03T19:31:54Z

The Khalsa

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	During the following years of continued political and religious persecution, the Khalsa warriors established a reputation as the fiercest of fighters. While they were supposed to fight only in self-defense and never initiate combat,<ref>Sikh Religion, p. 209</ref> the Sikhs, inspired by their faith in the Guru, never backed down.<ref>ibid, pp. 208-231</ref>		During the following years of continued political and religious persecution, the Khalsa warriors established a reputation as the fiercest of fighters. While they were supposed to fight only in self-defense and never initiate combat,<ref>Sikh Religion, p. 209</ref> the Sikhs, inspired by their faith in the Guru, never backed down.<ref>ibid, pp. 208-231</ref>

	~~These~~ days~~, “Khalsa” describes~~ all Sikhs, ~~not just initiated warriors~~. The rite of baptism lays down a responsibility to observe the five ''kakars'' or articles of faith:<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism, p. 16</ref> <ref>G. S. Mansukhani: Practical Sikhism, p. 5</ref>		While “Khalsa” is sometimes used these days to describe all Sikhs, more devout members believe “The khalsa distinguishes someone who has formally committed to the values of the faith by accepting initiation”.<ref>https://www.sikhcoalition.org/about-sikhs/identity/</ref> The rite of baptism lays down a responsibility to observe the five kakars or articles of faith:<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism, p. 16</ref> <ref>G. S. Mansukhani: Practical Sikhism, p. 5</ref>
	# ''Kesha'' or uncut hair, which represents being in harmony with the will of God.		# ''Kesha'' or uncut hair, which represents being in harmony with the will of God.
	# The ''kanga'' or comb, meant to keep the hair neat and clean.		# The ''kanga'' or comb, meant to keep the hair neat and clean.
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	# The ''kirpan'' is a steel dagger, a badge of self-defense and courage.		# The ''kirpan'' is a steel dagger, a badge of self-defense and courage.
	# The ''kara'', an iron or steel wrist band that symbolizes being bonded and devoted to the Guru.		# The ''kara'', an iron or steel wrist band that symbolizes being bonded and devoted to the Guru.
	These items are meant not as an outward show of their religion, but to remind them of their obligation to maintain the discipline required of a true Sikh.<ref>ibid.</ref>		These items are meant not as an outward show of their religion, but to remind them of their obligation to maintain the discipline required of a true Sikh.<ref>ibid.</ref> “Sikhs cherish their articles of faith primarily because they see them as a gift from their beloved Guru. Trying to understand these articles on the basis of their function is missing the point.”<ref>https://www.sikhcoalition.org/about-sikhs/identity/</ref>

	=== Sikhism and the Theosophical Movement ===		=== Sikhism and the Theosophical Movement ===

Linda Dorr: /* The Khalsa */

2025-04-03T19:07:13Z

The Khalsa

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	During the following years of continued political and religious persecution, the Khalsa warriors established a reputation as the fiercest of fighters. While they were supposed to fight only in self-defense and never initiate combat,<ref>Sikh Religion, p. 209</ref> the Sikhs, inspired by their faith in the Guru, never backed down.<ref>ibid, pp. 208-231</ref>		During the following years of continued political and religious persecution, the Khalsa warriors established a reputation as the fiercest of fighters. While they were supposed to fight only in self-defense and never initiate combat,<ref>Sikh Religion, p. 209</ref> the Sikhs, inspired by their faith in the Guru, never backed down.<ref>ibid, pp. 208-231</ref>

	These days, “Khalsa” describes all Sikhs, not just initiated warriors. The rite of baptism lays down a responsibility to observe the five ''kakars'' or articles of faith:<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism, p. 16</ref>,<ref>G. S. Mansukhani: Practical Sikhism, p. 5</ref>		These days, “Khalsa” describes all Sikhs, not just initiated warriors. The rite of baptism lays down a responsibility to observe the five ''kakars'' or articles of faith:<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism, p. 16</ref> <ref>G. S. Mansukhani: Practical Sikhism, p. 5</ref>
	# ''Kesha'' or uncut hair, which represents being in harmony with the will of God.		# ''Kesha'' or uncut hair, which represents being in harmony with the will of God.
	# The ''kanga'' or comb, meant to keep the hair neat and clean.		# The ''kanga'' or comb, meant to keep the hair neat and clean.
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	# The ''kara'', an iron or steel wrist band that symbolizes being bonded and devoted to the Guru.		# The ''kara'', an iron or steel wrist band that symbolizes being bonded and devoted to the Guru.
	These items are meant not as an outward show of their religion, but to remind them of their obligation to maintain the discipline required of a true Sikh.<ref>ibid.</ref>		These items are meant not as an outward show of their religion, but to remind them of their obligation to maintain the discipline required of a true Sikh.<ref>ibid.</ref>


	=== Sikhism and the Theosophical Movement ===		=== Sikhism and the Theosophical Movement ===

Linda Dorr at 19:54, 27 March 2025

2025-03-27T19:54:45Z

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	The entire ''Adi Granth'' apparently is an expansion and explanation of the above definition,<ref>ibid, p. 255</ref> which definition will be somewhat familiar to readers of H.P. Blavatsky’s description of the Absolute in the ''Secret Doctrine''. Sikhism, however, views God as both impersonal and personal: “Impersonal God is Formless and beyond the human reach. When He reveals Himself through His Creation He becomes related and personal. … The source is Formless, and the whole universe is His Personal form.”<ref>ibid., p. 256</ref>		The entire ''Adi Granth'' apparently is an expansion and explanation of the above definition,<ref>ibid, p. 255</ref> which definition will be somewhat familiar to readers of H.P. Blavatsky’s description of the Absolute in the ''Secret Doctrine''. Sikhism, however, views God as both impersonal and personal: “Impersonal God is Formless and beyond the human reach. When He reveals Himself through His Creation He becomes related and personal. … The source is Formless, and the whole universe is His Personal form.”<ref>ibid., p. 256</ref>

			Finally, the Sikhs do not teach asceticism or austerity. “The householder’s life was accepted as the ideal state for holy living. Meditation and commitment to social welfare and especially amelioration of the lot of women were the main concerns.” <ref>G. S. Mansukhani: Practical Sikhism, p. 5</ref>

	=== The Khalsa ===		=== The Khalsa ===

	During the time of the fifth Guru, Arjan Dev (Guruship 1581-1606), political machinations began to affect the Sikh community. The story is long and complex, but the crux of the matter appears to have been that the Guru refused to let his daughter marry into a powerful political family. Arjan Dev was imprisoned and died from his ill-treatment. This began many decades of political persecution of the Sikhs. Eventually, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last (Guruship 1675-1708), created the Khalsa, an order of initiated warriors.<ref>Besant, ''Sikhism'', pp. 6-10; also see Chapter VII, “Guru Arjan Dev (Fifth Guru)” and pp. 197-201 in Chapter XII, “Guru Gobind Singh (Tenth Guru)” in ''Sikh Religion'' for details of the saga.</ref>		During the time of the fifth Guru, Arjan Dev (Guruship 1581-1606), political machinations began to affect the Sikh community. The story is long and complex, but the crux of the matter appears to have been that the Guru refused to let his daughter marry into a powerful political family. Arjan Dev was imprisoned and died from his ill-treatment. This began many decades of political persecution of the Sikhs. Eventually, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last (Guruship 1675-1708), created the Khalsa, an order of initiated warriors.<ref>Besant, ''Sikhism'', pp. 6-10; also see Chapter VII, “Guru Arjan Dev (Fifth Guru)” and pp. 197-201 in Chapter XII, “Guru Gobind Singh (Tenth Guru)” in ''Sikh Religion'' for details of the saga.</ref>

			During the following years of continued political and religious persecution, the Khalsa warriors established a reputation as the fiercest of fighters. While they were supposed to fight only in self-defense and never initiate combat,<ref>Sikh Religion, p. 209</ref> the Sikhs, inspired by their faith in the Guru, never backed down.<ref>ibid, pp. 208-231</ref>

			These days, “Khalsa” describes all Sikhs, not just initiated warriors. The rite of baptism lays down a responsibility to observe the five ''kakars'' or articles of faith:<ref>Singh, Karnail: Notes Towards the Definition of Sikhism, p. 16</ref>,<ref>G. S. Mansukhani: Practical Sikhism, p. 5</ref>
			# ''Kesha'' or uncut hair, which represents being in harmony with the will of God.
			# The ''kanga'' or comb, meant to keep the hair neat and clean.
			# The ''kachha'', a pair of short cotton pants that represent both agility and chastity.
			# The ''kirpan'' is a steel dagger, a badge of self-defense and courage.
			# The ''kara'', an iron or steel wrist band that symbolizes being bonded and devoted to the Guru.
			These items are meant not as an outward show of their religion, but to remind them of their obligation to maintain the discipline required of a true Sikh.<ref>ibid.</ref>