2.4.1

Origins of Sikhi

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Origins of Sikhi

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A distinct faith

  • Sikhi began in the Punjab region of South Asia in the late 15th century.
  • It was founded by Guru Nanak, who was born in 1469.
  • Guru Nanak taught that there is one God who is loving, eternal, and present in everyone.
    • He rejected unfair divisions between people and taught the importance of equality and selfless service.
  • Guru Nanak said that “there is no Hindu and there is no Muslim. We are all children of God.”
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A religiously diverse region

  • The Punjab region in the 1400s was diverse. Hindu and Muslim communities lived side by side.
  • Guru Nanak was influenced by the spiritual devotion (bhakti) of Hindus and by the faith in one God (tawhid) of Muslims.
    • But he created a new and distinct faith. He wished to bring people together, rather than dividing them.
Illustrative background for The teachings of Guru NanakIllustrative background for The teachings of Guru Nanak ?? "content

The teachings of Guru Nanak

  • Guru Nanak taught that people should live a life of truth, kindness, and devotion to God.
  • He believed that God is without form or gender. God can be reached through meditation, prayer, and good actions.
  • Guru Nanak encouraged:
    • Naam Simran (remembering God’s name) as a way to stay close to the divine.
    • Sewa (selfless service) as a way to help others without wanting a reward.
  • His followers became known as Sikhs, meaning “disciples” or “learners.”

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.2Hindu Dharma (Hinduism)

2.3Buddhism

2.4Sikhi

2.5Atheism

2.6Philosophy of Religion

2.7Disciplinary Knowledge

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

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