1. Basics of Sikhism - Sat Sri Akal Sikh Foundation of Virginia
Sikh Greeting
Sat Sri Akal
Truth is Eternal
Sikh Foundation of Virginia
7250 Ox Road, Fairfax Station VA 22039

2. Origin of Sikhism Guru Nanak – 1st Sikh Guru (1469-1539 CE)
Guru Nanak founded Sikhism based on ‘One God’ , and one humanity. Thus, equality and justice for all
He taught that all human beings regardless of skin color, wealth, caste, and gender are created equal.
“Truth is high; still higher is
truthful living” - Guru Nanak

3. Birthplace of Sikhism
The Sikh religion originated in Punjab, in North-west India (part of this area is now in Pakistan, and the rest is in India).
The Harmandar Sahib Gurdwara (The Golden Temple) is in Amritsar, Punjab.
Birthplace of Sikhism

4. Sikhs in the World
Sikhism is world’s 5th largest religion, after Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism
~ 26 million Sikhs worldwide
~ 20 million in India
~ 1 million in North America (rough estimate)
Most of the people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs

5. Sikhs in North America Arrived around late 1890’s First settled in:
California, Oregon and Washington
British Columbia, Canada
Started in farming & lumber industry
San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 1899
Vancouver Diamond Jubilee 1897 Hong Kong Regiment

6. Sikhism Overview Sikh: Disciple or seeker of The Truth (Sat)
Founder: Guru Nanak (born as a Hindu, in Punjab, India)
Belief in: Only the One God (the Universal Creator of us all, Akaal Purkh)
Scripture: Guru Granth Sahib (the only Holy Book of the Sikhs)
Message: Love and equality (for the One God, and for all mankind)

7. Sikh Gurus
Sikhs follow their 10 Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib, which contains divine revelations (Shabad, the ‘Word’)
“Guru” means “Spiritual teacher” who dispels ignorance.
“Granth” (holy book) – the Sikhs’ Scripture.
“Sahib” is added as a mark of respect.

8. Guru Granth Sahib The Guru Granth Sahib is the sole Sikh scripture
Its 1430 pages contain Gurbani, the original, actual words,(‘revealed’ or ‘inspired’) teachings (bani) of the Gurus (and of several Hindu and Muslim saints whose teachings strongly resonated with Sikh beliefs)
Hymns (in 31 ragas, melodies) are meant to be sung (and read), understood, and followed
Ordained as Eternal Guru of the Sikhs in 1708 (by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh)
Sikhs worship the Shabad in the Scripture. They honor and respect the Guru Granth Sahib - but not as an idol

9. The Sikh Creed The ‘Mool Mantar’ (Sikhism’s creed):
This is the way Guru Nanak described and remembered the Creator (Akaal Purkh).
Accordingly, the sacred revealed text of the Guru Granth Sahib begins (on pg.1, in Punjabi) with:
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
(Ik oaʼnkār saṯ nām karṯā purakẖ nirbẖao nirvair akāl mūraṯ ajūnī saibẖaʼn gur parsāḏ.)
In English: The One All-pervading Universal God, Truth by Name, the Creator, is Without Fear, Without Hate, Eternal, Never-incarnated, Self- existent, and known by the Grace of God.
(English translations vary)
God’s Grace: The creed ends with ‘Gur Parsad’, meaning that the Creator, Akaal Purkh, is known through His (God’s) Grace

10. Sikh Way of Life
Naam Japna - always remember the sole Creator (Akaal Purkh; God)
Kirt Karni - always live an honest life and earn a just living
Wand Chakna - always share your blessings with the less fortunate.
This means: Do Simran (meditative remembrance of the One God) and Seva (serve the community)

11. Examples of Selfless Seva
There were 2.5 million Sikhs serving in the British Army by the end of World War II
Sgt. Uday Singh’s service to America is honored at Arlington Cemetery, Washington DC

12. Sikh Practices A Sikh must practice the following virtues:
Compassion (Daya),
Truth (Sat),
Contentment (Santokh),
Humility (Nimrata), and
Love (Pyar)
Treat men and women equally
And get rid of the following vices:
Ego, Lust, Anger, Attachment, and Greed

13. Khalsa Initiation
On 30 March 1699, the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, called his followers (Sikhs) for a special gathering.
By administering ‘Amrit’ to those Sikhs who volunteered to be ‘initiated’ into the new ‘Khalsa’ Order, he created a select community of ‘saint-soldiers’.
After initiating the ‘Panj Piaras’ (the ‘Five Beloved Ones’ who first became the Khalsa), the Guru knelt before them and requested that they initiate him.
He gave the names Singh (‘Lion’) to the men and Kaur (‘Princess’) to the women who joined the Khalsa Order.
He instructed that ‘Khalsa’ Sikhs (‘Amritdhari’ Sikhs) wear the ‘5 Ks’.

14. 5Ks - Articles of Faith
Kesh - Uncut hair (of head, face, whole body; to retain God-given form). [By extension – Turban for the head, for males]
Kangha - Comb, made of wood (to keep uncut hair neat and clean)
Kara - Bracelet, of steel, worn on right hand (do noble actions; a symbol of eternity)
Kirpan - Ceremonial, small, blunt knife (symbolizing freedom, liberty, and justice)
Kachehra - Under-shorts (boxers; to ensure modesty, fidelity, virtuous character).

15. Sikh Dastaar (Turban) Covers long, uncut hair (‘kesh’)
~ 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly around the head, as a dastaar (turban)
Boys wear smaller ‘patka’ ; girls wear ‘keski’
Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and spirituality.
Most people wearing turbans in the US are Sikhs, not Muslims or Hindus. (Head coverings in the Middle East are different).
A Sikh wears a turban because he is proud of being a Sikh, and proud of the values that Sikhism represents – including defense of the innocent, equality of gender, race, caste, and creed, and community service. Today, a fellow American who sees a person wearing a turban in America should feel a sense of security, knowing that every Sikh is honor-bound to stand against tyranny and protect all those who need their help.

16. Gurdwara – Place of Worship
The Sikh religious service follows traditions started by Guru Nanak, the 1st Guru, to promote remembrance of Akaal Purkh (the One God), and equality and respect for all.
Sangat: Community prayer through readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, and singing of hymns (kirtan)
Pangat: A sense of equality, with everyone seated on the floor (i.e., at the same level).
Langar: Community (vegetarian) meal for all.
Protocol to be observed in the Gurdwara:
Heads covered
Shoes removed
Sit on floor, facing the Guru Granth Sahib
Listen attentively to Gurbani kirtan and katha (discourse)

17. Inside the Gurdwara Everyone is welcome Listen to Gurbani Kirtan
Honor the Almighty Creator

18. Sikhism and Other Religions
Sikhism accepts all religions as valid pathways to God—from their own point of view.
Sikhism is ‘inclusive’—Sikhs do not believe that any religion is the only way to reach God.
Some Sikh beliefs are shared with the other great religions of the world.
Sikhism’s unique set of beliefs and values makes it a distinct religion (not a ‘sect’ of any other religion).

19. Respect for All Religions
Sikhs believe in the Unity of God, and the unity of mankind; i.e., God makes no distinctions amongst all His children.
Sikhs believe that Akaal Purkh (God) has revealed a way of addressing the diverse religions He Himself has created.
Sikhs subscribe to the ‘Golden Rule’—that in all (or most) religions asks us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself” (Hebrew Bible), and to “Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you” (Christian Bible) (paraphrased).
In their daily prayers, Sikhs pray for the well-being of all, not just the Sikhs (‘Sarbat da Bhala’).

20. For More Information Thanks for your interest in the Sikh religion
Slides: Mostly adapted from slides by M S Bawa (GAISS) and P S Sachdeva and Permvir Singh (SFV).
For more information on the beliefs and practices of Sikhism, please see:
SikhiWiki (
SikhNet (
All About Sikhs (
Sikh Council USA (
GAISS (
UNITED SIKHS (
SALDEF (
Sikh Coalition (
Sikhs in USA (
Thanks for your interest in the Sikh religion
Questions and Comments?