About the Book
Sikhism started by Guru Nanak, born in 1469, and the
philosophy he propagated has now spread too many parts of the world. The book
is one of the first of its kind to highlight the message of the ten Gurus. It also
includes the Sikh traditions, culture, customs, manners and ceremonies. Sikhism
is one of the natural gifts of India to the world as it is tolerant to other
faiths, and believes that everyone is equal and worships the One God (Ik/Ek Omkar),
who has been given different names by different religions. Sikhism encourages
people to live in peace and also to be tolerant of beliefs and traditions of
other faiths. Guru Nanak declared there was only One God (Ik/Ek Omkar), and preached the
principal of fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man. Sikhism accepts the
doctrine of Karma, transmigration, repetition of the name of God, necessity of
the Guru, etc. The book offers everything that its title promises, and also
reflects the attitude and beliefs of the Sikhs on matter like the meaning of
absolute, Nam Simran etc. It is intended for every
one interested in knowing about the traditions, customs, manners and ceremonies
of the Sikhs.
About the Author
Ramesh
C. Dogra MBE received his M. Phil. at the University
of London and has written twenty books and many articles on many South Asian
topics, particularly in the fields of Indology,
Sikhism and Bhutan. He retired as Librarian (South Asian Studies), at the
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in September 2002.
In January 2003s New Year's Honour List, in the UK he
was awarded MBE (The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his
contribution to South Asian Studies.
Mrs. Urmila Dogra, a retired Civil Servant in London, has been associated
with the research projects of Mr. Dogra since 1986.
She is a co-author of nine books.
Introduction
This book is planned to meet a fundamental need to the
study of Sikh culture, traditions, customs, manners and ceremonies. Sikhism is
one of the natural gifts of India to the world as it is tolerant to other
faiths, and believes that everyone is equal and worships the One God (Ik/Ek Omkar),
who has been given different names by different religions. India has been a
great country of spirituality and mysticism since Vedic times. The Indian
people emphasis on spiritual experience in all its forms and has given birth to many religions and also diversity of spiritual teachings,
meditation and yogic practices in the world. Sikhism is an integral part of
Hindu culture and character. It believes that meditation, remembering the name
of God (Nam Simran), and good moral life are the only
ways to reach God. Goodness is shown in Sikh actions; Sikhs are expected to
help others and always work to support themselves. Sikhism encourages people to
live in peace and also to be tolerant of beliefs and traditions of other
faiths.
Guru Nanak declared there was only One God (Ik/Ek Omkar),
and preached the principal of fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man.
Everybody was known as Bhai (brother) or Bebe (sister, mother or elderly woman).
He told people that (a) Vedas, Puran
and Quran taught love of humanity; (b) in the eyes of God every person (poor or
rich) is equal; (c) taught people to discard rituals and surrender to Lord for
peace of mind; (d) and stimulated the people against priesthood, caste system,
polytheism and tyranny. He also preached them that their misfortunes were due
to their misdeeds in the past life, arid assured them that good actions in life
would bring them salvation.
Sikhism accepts the doctrine of Karma, transmigration,
repetition of the name of God, necessity of the Guru, Bhakti
(remembering the Holy Name of God or singing the praises of God with implicit
faith and incessant devotion), and rejects Maya (materialism which lures man
away from God). The keynote of the Guru's instruction was greater simplicity in
belief and worship. Guru Nanak propagated in repetition of God's name, but he
gave a new name to God (Ik/Ek
Omkar Sat Nam). Guru Nanak wants his follower to
repeat the name of such a God who is ever true.
The book offers everything that its title promises,
and also reflects the attitude and beliefs of the Sikhs on matters like the
meaning of absolute, N am Simran (remembering the
name of God), the function of the Guru Gran the Sahib, tradition of Guru ship,
scriptures, liturgical texts, Rahitnamas, duties of
family in performing ceremonies from birth to death. It is intended for general
readers, students from School to University level, and also for Sikh/ Hindu
people and other readers who are interested in knowing about the traditions,
customs, manners and ceremonies of the Sikhs. We hope that this book will be
useful to all those interested in the subject.
Contents
Introduction |
ix |
|
1 |
The Sikh and Singh, Gurdwara, Gurus, GGS and Dasam Granth |
1 |
The Sikh |
1 |
|
Singh distinctive features |
3 |
|
Guru Granth Sahib as Supreme authority in Sikhism |
4 |
|
God (Parbrham-definition according to Sikhism |
6 |
|
Guru in Sikhism |
7 |
|
Gurus treated as on Nanak (incarnation of Guru Nanak) |
8 |
|
Gurdwara |
8 |
|
Gurdwara income |
10 |
|
Langar (Free kitchen) |
11 |
|
Food |
13 |
|
Wine, Liquor and Tobacco |
14 |
|
Sikh Gurus |
15 |
|
Guru Nanak and Babar invasion |
18 |
|
Successors of Guru Nanak Guru Angad |
21 |
|
Guru Amar Das |
24 |
|
Guru ship made hereditary |
26 |
|
Akbar and Guru Amar Das |
27 |
|
Guru Ram Das |
27 |
|
Guru Arjan Dev |
29 |
|
Guru Hargobind |
34 |
|
Guru Har Rai |
39 |
|
Guru Har Krishan |
41 |
|
Guru Tegh Bahadur |
42 |
|
Guru Gobind Singh |
44 |
|
Sikhism-chronological tables/movements |
48 |
|
2 |
Traditions (oral transmission from generation to generation) |
51 |
Nitnem, Japji, Jap Sahib, Swayyas, Sodar Rah Ras, Kirtan Sohela, |
51 |
|
Sukhmani Sahib, Anand Sahib |
||
Ardas, Asa Di Var Diversity in Sikh Panth Akali, Jagiasi, Kukas, Minas, Misal system, Namdeo Panthi, Namdhari sect of Naushehra Majha Singh, Nanak Panthi, Nihang, Niranjani, Nirmals, Nirankari, Ramgarhias, Ravidasi, Udasi |
57 |
|
Army Sikh |
75 |
|
Bhakti movement |
77 |
|
Guru Nanak and his teachings |
79 |
|
Gurumat/Gurmatas |
89 |
|
Hukamnamas |
90 |
|
Gurus-influence on Indian people |
91 |
|
Hindu and Muslim reformation |
91 |
|
Muslims and Gurus |
92 |
|
Music-Divine |
93 |
|
Sikh mode of address |
95 |
|
Sat Sri Akal, Wah Guru (Wahe Guru Ji ka Khasla-Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fatah), Sardar, Chardian Kalan, Ik Omkar. Traditions of Sikh Gurus-on women |
95 |
|
Guru Nanak on women |
96 |
|
Guru Amar Das on women |
99 |
|
Guru Ram Das on women |
100 |
|
Guru Arjan Dev on women |
100 |
|
Guru Gobind Singh on women |
101 |
|
Wives of the Gurus and their contribution to the society |
102 |
|
3. |
Customs, manners and brliefs |
105 |
Akhand Path and Arti |
105 |
|
Bards |
107 |
|
Discipline in Sikhism |
108 |
|
Five Ks |
108 |
|
Karam |
109 |
|
Khanda |
110 |
|
Meditation-Sikhism |
110 |
|
Principles, beliefs and customs in Sikhism |
112 |
|
The scriptures, Adi Granth, Dasam Granth Adi Granth and Dasam Granth-comparison |
118 |
|
Festivals, dances and games |
137 |
|
Pilgrimages-Gurdwaras |
141 |
|
Panj Takhts |
151 |
|
Sikhism-its connection with polytheism and monotheism |
151 |
|
Hindu-Skh relations and Sikh-Muslim relations |
155 |
|
Mohsin Fani (a renowned traveler in India and his views on Sikhs) |
166 |
|
Sikh family life |
167 |
|
Sikh-Panjabi family relationship |
168 |
|
4. |
Ceremonies in Sikhism |
173 |
GGS installation ceremony |
173 |
|
Baptism or Pahul |
173 |
|
Karah Parshad ceremony |
175 |
|
Arranged marriage |
176 |
|
Marriage ceremonies (Maiyan, Ghorian, Milni Anand Karaj |
177 |
|
Anand Sahhib, Lavan, Jai Mala, Vari and Khat, Chadar ceremony, Dastarbandi and Turban Ceremony) Birth customs and ceremonies |
178 |
|
Naming ceremony |
187 |
|
Wedding anniversies-general |
187 |
|
Changing your surname |
188 |
|
Divorce |
189 |
|
Funeral ceremony |
189 |
|
Sikh geographical limits and occupation or influence |
190 |
|
Index |
192 |
About the Book
Sikhism started by Guru Nanak, born in 1469, and the
philosophy he propagated has now spread too many parts of the world. The book
is one of the first of its kind to highlight the message of the ten Gurus. It also
includes the Sikh traditions, culture, customs, manners and ceremonies. Sikhism
is one of the natural gifts of India to the world as it is tolerant to other
faiths, and believes that everyone is equal and worships the One God (Ik/Ek Omkar),
who has been given different names by different religions. Sikhism encourages
people to live in peace and also to be tolerant of beliefs and traditions of
other faiths. Guru Nanak declared there was only One God (Ik/Ek Omkar), and preached the
principal of fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man. Sikhism accepts the
doctrine of Karma, transmigration, repetition of the name of God, necessity of
the Guru, etc. The book offers everything that its title promises, and also
reflects the attitude and beliefs of the Sikhs on matter like the meaning of
absolute, Nam Simran etc. It is intended for every
one interested in knowing about the traditions, customs, manners and ceremonies
of the Sikhs.
About the Author
Ramesh
C. Dogra MBE received his M. Phil. at the University
of London and has written twenty books and many articles on many South Asian
topics, particularly in the fields of Indology,
Sikhism and Bhutan. He retired as Librarian (South Asian Studies), at the
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in September 2002.
In January 2003s New Year's Honour List, in the UK he
was awarded MBE (The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his
contribution to South Asian Studies.
Mrs. Urmila Dogra, a retired Civil Servant in London, has been associated
with the research projects of Mr. Dogra since 1986.
She is a co-author of nine books.
Introduction
This book is planned to meet a fundamental need to the
study of Sikh culture, traditions, customs, manners and ceremonies. Sikhism is
one of the natural gifts of India to the world as it is tolerant to other
faiths, and believes that everyone is equal and worships the One God (Ik/Ek Omkar),
who has been given different names by different religions. India has been a
great country of spirituality and mysticism since Vedic times. The Indian
people emphasis on spiritual experience in all its forms and has given birth to many religions and also diversity of spiritual teachings,
meditation and yogic practices in the world. Sikhism is an integral part of
Hindu culture and character. It believes that meditation, remembering the name
of God (Nam Simran), and good moral life are the only
ways to reach God. Goodness is shown in Sikh actions; Sikhs are expected to
help others and always work to support themselves. Sikhism encourages people to
live in peace and also to be tolerant of beliefs and traditions of other
faiths.
Guru Nanak declared there was only One God (Ik/Ek Omkar),
and preached the principal of fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man.
Everybody was known as Bhai (brother) or Bebe (sister, mother or elderly woman).
He told people that (a) Vedas, Puran
and Quran taught love of humanity; (b) in the eyes of God every person (poor or
rich) is equal; (c) taught people to discard rituals and surrender to Lord for
peace of mind; (d) and stimulated the people against priesthood, caste system,
polytheism and tyranny. He also preached them that their misfortunes were due
to their misdeeds in the past life, arid assured them that good actions in life
would bring them salvation.
Sikhism accepts the doctrine of Karma, transmigration,
repetition of the name of God, necessity of the Guru, Bhakti
(remembering the Holy Name of God or singing the praises of God with implicit
faith and incessant devotion), and rejects Maya (materialism which lures man
away from God). The keynote of the Guru's instruction was greater simplicity in
belief and worship. Guru Nanak propagated in repetition of God's name, but he
gave a new name to God (Ik/Ek
Omkar Sat Nam). Guru Nanak wants his follower to
repeat the name of such a God who is ever true.
The book offers everything that its title promises,
and also reflects the attitude and beliefs of the Sikhs on matters like the
meaning of absolute, N am Simran (remembering the
name of God), the function of the Guru Gran the Sahib, tradition of Guru ship,
scriptures, liturgical texts, Rahitnamas, duties of
family in performing ceremonies from birth to death. It is intended for general
readers, students from School to University level, and also for Sikh/ Hindu
people and other readers who are interested in knowing about the traditions,
customs, manners and ceremonies of the Sikhs. We hope that this book will be
useful to all those interested in the subject.
Contents
Introduction |
ix |
|
1 |
The Sikh and Singh, Gurdwara, Gurus, GGS and Dasam Granth |
1 |
The Sikh |
1 |
|
Singh distinctive features |
3 |
|
Guru Granth Sahib as Supreme authority in Sikhism |
4 |
|
God (Parbrham-definition according to Sikhism |
6 |
|
Guru in Sikhism |
7 |
|
Gurus treated as on Nanak (incarnation of Guru Nanak) |
8 |
|
Gurdwara |
8 |
|
Gurdwara income |
10 |
|
Langar (Free kitchen) |
11 |
|
Food |
13 |
|
Wine, Liquor and Tobacco |
14 |
|
Sikh Gurus |
15 |
|
Guru Nanak and Babar invasion |
18 |
|
Successors of Guru Nanak Guru Angad |
21 |
|
Guru Amar Das |
24 |
|
Guru ship made hereditary |
26 |
|
Akbar and Guru Amar Das |
27 |
|
Guru Ram Das |
27 |
|
Guru Arjan Dev |
29 |
|
Guru Hargobind |
34 |
|
Guru Har Rai |
39 |
|
Guru Har Krishan |
41 |
|
Guru Tegh Bahadur |
42 |
|
Guru Gobind Singh |
44 |
|
Sikhism-chronological tables/movements |
48 |
|
2 |
Traditions (oral transmission from generation to generation) |
51 |
Nitnem, Japji, Jap Sahib, Swayyas, Sodar Rah Ras, Kirtan Sohela, |
51 |
|
Sukhmani Sahib, Anand Sahib |
||
Ardas, Asa Di Var Diversity in Sikh Panth Akali, Jagiasi, Kukas, Minas, Misal system, Namdeo Panthi, Namdhari sect of Naushehra Majha Singh, Nanak Panthi, Nihang, Niranjani, Nirmals, Nirankari, Ramgarhias, Ravidasi, Udasi |
57 |
|
Army Sikh |
75 |
|
Bhakti movement |
77 |
|
Guru Nanak and his teachings |
79 |
|
Gurumat/Gurmatas |
89 |
|
Hukamnamas |
90 |
|
Gurus-influence on Indian people |
91 |
|
Hindu and Muslim reformation |
91 |
|
Muslims and Gurus |
92 |
|
Music-Divine |
93 |
|
Sikh mode of address |
95 |
|
Sat Sri Akal, Wah Guru (Wahe Guru Ji ka Khasla-Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fatah), Sardar, Chardian Kalan, Ik Omkar. Traditions of Sikh Gurus-on women |
95 |
|
Guru Nanak on women |
96 |
|
Guru Amar Das on women |
99 |
|
Guru Ram Das on women |
100 |
|
Guru Arjan Dev on women |
100 |
|
Guru Gobind Singh on women |
101 |
|
Wives of the Gurus and their contribution to the society |
102 |
|
3. |
Customs, manners and brliefs |
105 |
Akhand Path and Arti |
105 |
|
Bards |
107 |
|
Discipline in Sikhism |
108 |
|
Five Ks |
108 |
|
Karam |
109 |
|
Khanda |
110 |
|
Meditation-Sikhism |
110 |
|
Principles, beliefs and customs in Sikhism |
112 |
|
The scriptures, Adi Granth, Dasam Granth Adi Granth and Dasam Granth-comparison |
118 |
|
Festivals, dances and games |
137 |
|
Pilgrimages-Gurdwaras |
141 |
|
Panj Takhts |
151 |
|
Sikhism-its connection with polytheism and monotheism |
151 |
|
Hindu-Skh relations and Sikh-Muslim relations |
155 |
|
Mohsin Fani (a renowned traveler in India and his views on Sikhs) |
166 |
|
Sikh family life |
167 |
|
Sikh-Panjabi family relationship |
168 |
|
4. |
Ceremonies in Sikhism |
173 |
GGS installation ceremony |
173 |
|
Baptism or Pahul |
173 |
|
Karah Parshad ceremony |
175 |
|
Arranged marriage |
176 |
|
Marriage ceremonies (Maiyan, Ghorian, Milni Anand Karaj |
177 |
|
Anand Sahhib, Lavan, Jai Mala, Vari and Khat, Chadar ceremony, Dastarbandi and Turban Ceremony) Birth customs and ceremonies |
178 |
|
Naming ceremony |
187 |
|
Wedding anniversies-general |
187 |
|
Changing your surname |
188 |
|
Divorce |
189 |
|
Funeral ceremony |
189 |
|
Sikh geographical limits and occupation or influence |
190 |
|
Index |
192 |