1. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 1 The Sikh Culture

2. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 2 l Sikhism was founded in Punjab, India about 540 years ago by Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs. l The word “Sikh” means the student and the word “Guru” means the teacher or enlightener. l Sikhs worship ONE almighty God, who created and maintains this universe and its diverse beings. Basic Sikh Facts

3. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 3 Sikhism is the 5 th Largest Religion in the World 1. Christianity – 2 billion 2. Islam – 1.3 billion 3. Hinduism – 900 million 4. Buddhism – 360 million 5. Sikhism – 22 million 6. Judaism – 14 million Source: www.adherents.com Sikhism respect the rights of all people to follow their religion

4. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 4 Sikhism developed a High Moral Code of Conduct l Dos l Earn living by honest means l Equality of all Humanity l Freedom, Liberty and Justice for all l Compassion and Sharing l DONTs l Smoking l Drugs l Alcohol Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh scripture)

5. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 5 Defend Rights (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Saint-Soldier Defender of Rights and Fighter of Oppression Use weapons only when all peaceful means fail Sikh Gurus gave their lives to defend the rights of the people Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Guru sacrificed his life to defend the rights of other people to follow their religion Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru taught Sikhs to stand up for their rights and the rights of the weak and if necessary use weapons against opperaion

6. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 6 Service (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Community Kitchen 24/7/365 - Free Signifies sharing and universal brotherhood Compassion Bhagat Puran Singh started a free hospitals for the poor (Father Teresa)

7. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 7 Equality (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Equality of Women “Women are equal” – Guru Nanak (16 th Century) Gurdwara( Sikh Temple) Four Doors – always open to all religions All people irrespective of their race, religion, caste or national origin are equal under Sikhism. Guru Nanak rejected the caste system “Singh” and “Kaur” Mai Bhago

8. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 8 Balanced Life (Key Aspects of Sikhism) Meditation Remembrance of God Martial Arts (Gatka) Sword Fighting

9. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 9 Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing discipline and spirituality All Sikhs should wear 5 Articles of Faith Uncut Hair (Kesh) SPIRITUALITY Comb (Kanga) CLEANLINESS Sword (Kirpan) PROTECTION Long Underpants (Kachera) SELF DISCIPLINE Iron Bracelet (Kara) GOOD DEEDS

10. Copyright 2001-2010, Sikh Communications Council 10 99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs Sikhs wear Turbans Sikhism is a very “visible religion