1. Sikhism

2. In September 2013, Dr. Prabhjot Singh, a professor of international and public affairs, was attacked by people shouting anti-Muslim slurs. Why was he attacked? He was wearing a turban, so his attackers assumed that he was Muslim and associated with Osama bin Laden. Dr. Singh is not Muslim; rather, he is Sikh with a very traditional Sikh surname, turban, and beard. Sikhism is one of the biggest religions in the world with even more adherents than Judaism. However, fewer than 500,000 Sikhs live in the U.S., so many people are unfamiliar with it.

3. Islam Hinduism Sikhism
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak and is thought to be the result of the interaction between Islam and Hinduism in India. Some Sikhs object to the idea of Sikhism as a fusion of Islam and Hinduism. Like other religions that originate in the same area, there are similarities and differences. Most Sikhs would prefer that their religion be understood and accepted on its own, rather than in relation to other traditions.

4. Sikhs are often thought of as militant, perhaps because of the ceremonial sword they are often pictured with. Sikhs did eventually gain a reputation of warriors, but Nanak himself was a pacifist. The last of the human gurus, Gobind Singh, developed a class of elite warriors known as the Khalsa. These warriors were to protect the Sikhs if they were attacked by the Muslims as the Sikh movement was seen as a threat in the late 1500s. Both men and women have always been able to be part of the Khalsa. Men in the Khalsa receive the last name Singh and women Kaur. The men have various items that symbolize aspects of their faith. Today, all men adopt these symbols as a sign of devotion to god and unity with the Khalsa.

5. <Man is istock 19740107, use him for Kesh>
Kesh - uncut hair
Various reasons have been suggested for the Sikh practice of keeping hair uncut. Throughout history hair (kesh) has been regarded as a symbol both of holiness and strength. Sikh women are forbidden to cut any body hair or even trim their eyebrows, just as Sikh men are forbidden to trim their beards.
Kara - a steel bracelet
The Kara is made of steel, rather than gold or silver, because it is not an ornament. It is a symbol of restraint and gentility and reminds the Sikh of his link to the Guru. It acts as a reminder that a Sikh should not do anything of which the Guru would not approve. It can also be a symbol of God having no beginning or end and of permanent bonding to the community.
Kanga - a wooden comb
This symbolizes a clean mind and body since it keeps the uncut hair neat and tidy. It symbolizes the importance of looking after the body which God has created. This does not conflict with the Sikh's aim to move beyond bodily concerns; since the body is one's vehicle for enlightenment one should care for it appropriately. The hair is combed twice daily with the Kanga, and tied into a simple knot known as a Joora or Rishi knot. This knot of hair is usually held in place with the Kanga and covered by a turban.
Kachha - special underwear
This is a pair of undershorts that must not come below the knee. It was a particularly useful garment for Sikh warriors of the 18th and 19th centuries, being very suitable for warfare when riding a horse. It's a symbol of chastity.
Kirpan - a ceremonial sword
There is no fixed style of Kirpan and it can be anything from a few inches to three feet long. It is kept in a sheath and can be worn over or under clothing. The Kirpan can symbolize:
Spirituality
The soldier part of the soldier-saints
Defense of good and the weak
The struggle against injustice
A metaphor for God
Click on each image to learn about its significance within the Sikh tradition.

6. Guru Granth
There were ten Sikh gurus, and each reinforced and added to what was taught by the previous gurus. Guru Gobind Singh, the last human guru, established the Guru Granth. It is a religious text considered to be the guru of all Sikhs since the death of Gobind Singh. It is is a collection of devotional hymns and poetry which proclaims God, lays stress on meditation on the True Guru (God), and lays down moral and ethical rules for development of the soul, spiritual salvation and unity with God. The Guru Granth is treated with the reverence and respect that a human guru would receive. However, it is the content of the text rather than the physical object itself that is revered.

7. Gurdwara Door of Peace Door of Learning Door of Livelihood
The Sikh place of worship is called the gurdwara. There are four doors into a Gurdwara, known as the Door of Peace, the Door of Livelihood, the Door of Learning and the Door of Grace. These doors are a symbol that people from all four points of the compass are welcome, and that members of all four castes are equally welcome. A light is always on in a Gurdwara, to show that the Guru's Light is always visible and is accessible to everyone at any time.
<doors that fit the style of the temple would be good>
Door of Livelihood
Door of Grace

8. Functions of the Temple
<Illustrate the three functions>
Kirtan – singing of hymns from Guru Granth.
Katha- reading of the Guru Granth and explanations.
Three main functions are carried out in all public Gurdwaras. One is Kirtan, which is the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. Another is Katha, which is reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and explanations. The third main function which is carried out at every Gurdwara is the Langar, free community kitchen for all visitors of all religions. Along with these main functions Gurdwaras around the world also serve the Sikh community in many other ways, including libraries of Sikh literature, schools to teach children Gurmukhi and the Sikh scriptures and charitable work in the community on behalf of Sikhs.
Unlike many other religions, there are no Sikh priests, and any Sikh can lead the prayers and read scriptures to the group gathered in the temple.
Langar– free community kitchen which feeds visitors of all faiths.

9. Take another look at Dr. Singh. What do you notice now
Take another look at Dr. Singh. What do you notice now? He wears a turban and kara, both symbols of Sikh devotion. He is neither Hindu nor Muslim, but of a faith which until this course, you may have been completely unfamiliar with.
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