Sikhism

Yes, because Guru Gobind Singh Ji wanted the Sikhs to stand out in the society that they were living in. The main purpose of the turban was to show that the Sikhs were not weak willed. Another purpose of the turban was to eliminate the social class that existed between the people during that time. By enforcing all Sikhs to wear turbans, he made all of them sardars, which was considered an honor.They also wear turbans as they don't cut there hair so they put it up with a special comb called the kanga and put the turban over it to get it out the way.

Extra: Also, Sikhs try to show that they are Sikhs by the way they live and act, as well as the way they dress.

The ceremony known as Amrit Sanchar, was instituted by Guru Gobind Singh and then administered to Guru Gobind Singh. This is a ceremony where a person receives Amrit (immortal nectar) from 5 beloved Sikhs who are equivalent to the light of Guru Gobind Singh. Upon receiving Amrit, the person agrees to a lifelong code of conduct. A life of complete service, charity and meditation is expected of all Sikhs.

Sikhs regard all people equally, and do not use names which divide people based on caste, creed, color, religion, or any other dividing lines that can be made.

The Sikh house of worship is called a Gurdwara (may also be spelled as Gurudwara). Which literally means house of the Guru (since "Guru" means Guru or teacher and "dwara" means house or place). The reasoning behind this is that a Gurdwara is the place in which resides the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a text which contains scriptures from the Sikh Gurus (in the form of poetry), excerpts from the Geeta (the Holy book of Hindus), exerpts from the Quran (the Holy book of Muslims), and the works of other noted poets and saints of that time. As this text is considered to be an abundance of religious knowledge, the last Guru of the Sikhs (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) had declared the Guru Granth Sahib Ji to be considered the next and last Guru after him (as knowledge is regarded as the best Guru).

As this text is considered as a living Guru, there is a separate room for the Guru Granth Sahib Ji in a Gurdwara and the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is taken out of this room with a full procession of respect in the morning and placed in a royal looking structure which is placed above ground level (as everyone who goes to a Gurdwara sits on the floor while the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is placed at a slightly higher level....this is an Indian form of a sign of respect). During the day, scriptures are read out of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and a night, with a similar procession of respect, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is taken back to the previous room.

Also, as a sign of respect, when one enters a Gurdwara, the head is always covered and shoes are always removed.

It's known as an Gurdwara people of all faith are invited.

There is also another house of worship. It is named after three kings. Koyeul, Swertag and Fortynik.

Sikh seva is when you help someone and do there woks such as old people who are disabled. Also like in the gurdwara people take other people's plates seva means helping other people

thank you

i hope you have leard somthing today bye!

Summary of what is written below: Yes, followers of the Sikh faith do believe in reincanation.

Sikhs believe that upon death one merges back into the universal nature, just as a drop of rain merges back into the ocean. Individuality is lost. Sikhs do not believe in heaven or hell. Heaven can be experienced by being in tune with God while still alive. Conversely, the suffering and pain caused by ego is seen as hell on earth. Sikhism views spiritual pursuits as positive experiences in and of themselves that transcend death, not as sacrifices made in order to collect a reward that is waiting until after death. At birth the soul emerges into earth consciousness, veiled of all memory of past lives and the inner worlds. The cycle of reincarnation ends when karma has been resolved and the Self God (Parasiva) has been realized. This condition of release is called moksha. Then the soul continues to evolve and mature, but without the need to return to physical existence. Sikhism teaches that the soul reincarnates when the body dies. Sikhs believe that good, or bad actions, determine the life form into which a soul takes rebirth. At the time of death, demonic, ego centered souls may be destined to suffer great agonies, and pain, in the dark underworld of Narak. A soul, fortunate enough to achieve grace, overcomes ego by meditating on God. Such a soul may attain liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. The soul then experiences salvation in Sachkhand, the realm of truth, where it exists eternally, as an entity of radiant light.

The sections below give more details of the underlying message of this faith. It is easiest to discuss the topic if the details are divided into the following sections:

1. Equality: All humans are equal before God - No discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste, race, gender, creed, origin, color, education, status, wealth, et cetera. The principles of universal equality and brotherhood are important pillars of Sikhism.
2. Personal right: Every person has a right to life but this right is restricted and has attached certain duties - simple living is essential. A Sikh is expected to rise early, meditate and pray, consume simple food, perform an honest day's work, carry out duties for his or her family, enjoy life and always be positive, be charitable and support the needy, et cetera.
3. Actions count: Salvation is obtained by one's actions - good deeds, remembrance of God - Naam Simran, Kirtan.
4. Living a family life: Encouraged to live as a family unit to provide and nurture children for the perpetual benefit of creation. (as opposed to living as a wild hermit, which was, and remains, a common spiritual practice in India.)
5. Sharing: It is encouraged to share and give to charity 10 percent of one's net earnings.
6. Accept God's will: Develop your personality so that you recognise happy event and miserable events as one - the will of God causes them.
7. The four fruits of life: Truth, contentment, contemplation and Naam, (in the name of God).

1. Non-logical behavior: Superstitions, or rituals which have no meaning, such as pilgrimages, fasting and bathing in rivers, gambling, worship of graves, idols or pictures, and compulsory wearing of the veil for women, are prohibited.
2. Material obsession: ("Maya") Accumulation of materials has no meaning in Sikhism. Wealth such as gold, portfolio, stocks, commodities, properties, et cetera, will all be left here on Earth when you depart. Do not get attached to them.
3. Sacrifice of creatures: Sati - Widows throwing themselves in the funeral pyre of their husbands, the act of slaughtering lambs and calves to celebrate holy occasions
4. Non-family oriented living: A Sikh is encouraged not to live as a recluse, beggar, monk, Nun, celibate, or in any similar vein.
5. Worthless talk: Bragging, gossip, and lying are not permitted.
6. Intoxication: The consumption of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or other intoxicants is prohibited.
7. No priestly class: Sikhs do not have to depend on a priest for any of the functions that need to be performed.
8. Eating meat killed in a ritualistic manner: Sikhs are strictly prohibited from eating meat killed in a religious manner (such as halal or kosher meat), or any meat during the langar.[1] In some Sikh groups, eating any meat is believed to be forbidden, but this is not a universally held belief.[2]

1. Naam: Meditate upon God's name (Waheguru in the Sikh religion) through verba the mind is stilled and cleansed in order to become one with God. The technique taught by the Guru Granth Sahib is "Urd Uhrd". This means to inhale with the "Wahe" syllable and exhale on the "Guru" syllable. This is the most important part of the religion.
2. Kirat Karni: - Earning an honest living while remembering the Lord.
3. Wand kay Shakna: - Share with others who are deserving, as during langar

1. Reincarnation, karma and salvation: - Every creature has a soul. Upon death, the soul is passed from one body to another until liberation[citation needed]. The journey of the soul is governed by the deeds and actions that we perform during our lives.
2. Remember God: Love God, but have fear of Him as well. Only by keeping the Creator in your mind at all times will you make progress in your spiritual evolution.
3. Humanity (brotherhood): All human beings are equal. We are sons and daughters of Waheguru, the Almighty.
4. Uphold moral values: Defend, protect and fight for the rights of all creatures, in particular your fellow human beings.
5. Personal sacrifice: Be prepared to give your life for all supreme principles. See the life of Guru Teg Bahadur.
6. Many paths lead to God: - Sikhs are not special; they are not the chosen people of God. Simply calling yourself a Sikh does not bring you salvation. Members of all religions have the same right to liberty as Sikhs.
7. Positive attitude toward life: "Chardi Kala" - Always have a positive, optimistic and buoyant view of life. God is there - He will be your help.
8. Disciplined life: Upon baptism, a Sikh must wear the 5Ks and perform strict recital of the five prayers Banis.[citation needed]
9. No special worship days: Sikhs do not believe that any particular day is holier than any other.
10. Conquer the five thieves: It is every Sikh's duty to defeat these five thieves: Pride (a'Hankar), Anger (Kr'odh), Greed (Lob'H), Attachment (Mo'H), and Lust (K'haam). Known collectively as P.A.G.A.L.
11. Attack with Five Weapons: Contentment (Santokh), Charity (Dan), Kindness (Daya ), Positive Energy (Chardi Kala), Humility (Nimarta).
12. Having premarital sexual or extramarital relations:Sikhs are encouraged to be faithful to their spouse. All forms of adultery are discouraged. [3]
13. Not son of God: The Gurus were not, in the Christian sense, "Sons of God". Sikhism says we are all God's children.
14. All are welcome: Members of all religions can visit Sikh temples ("Gurdwaras"), but please observe the local rules: cover head, no shoes, no smoking when going in to the main hall.
15. Multi-level approach: Sikhism recognizes the concept of a multi-level approach to achieving your target as a disciple of the faith. For example, "Sahajdhari" (slow adopters) are Sikhs who have not donned the full 5Ks but are still Sikhs regardless.

Note: The Punjabi language does not have a gender for God. Unfortunately, when translating, the real meaning cannot be properly conveyed without using "Him," "His," "He," "Brotherhood," "Him or Her," et cetera; but this distorts the meaning by giving the impression that God is masculine, which is not the message in the original script. The reader must allow for this every time these words are used. It is often the case that rather than taking a gender definition, God is simply conveyed as "Omnipotent Being" rather than God, thus converying the correct perceptual image.

1. ^ "Sikhism, A Complete Introduction" by Dr. H.S. Singha & Satwant Kaur Hemkunt, Hemkunt Press, New Delhi, 1994, Special:Booksources
2. ^ "Sikh Identity: An Exploration of Groups Among Sikhs" by Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, pg. 51, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, 2005, Special:Booksources
3. ^ Doris R. Jakobsh. Relocating Gender In Sikh History: Transformation, Meaning and Identity. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2003, pp.39-40

• Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle - A Socio-Religious Non-Profit Sikh Organization (ISO 9001:2000 Certified)

Langar (Sikhism) === ===

Langar (Punjabi: ਲੰਗਰ) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian-only food served in a Gurudwara. At the Langar, only vegetarian food is served to ensure that all people, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can eat as equals. Langar is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs (in India) serve meat[1] on the occasion of Holla Mohalla, and call it Mahaprashad. There are also variation on the Vegetarian Langar, for example at Hazur Sahib[2][3]. Langar is also a common term used across various units in the Indian Army, when referring to a mess[citation needed], especially when there is no building and the food is served in open air (or through temporary arrangements like tents). The Sikh Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts."[4] The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of Sikhs in a task of service for mankind, even Sikh children help in serving food to the people (Pangat). Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of equality of all human beings and provides a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. People from all classes of society are welcome at the Gurudwara. Food is normally served twice a day, on every day of the year. Recent reports say some of the largest Sikh community dining halls in Delhi prepare between 50,000 and 70,000 meals per day.[5] Each week one or more families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is also done by voluntary helpers, known as Sewadars. Besides the Langars attachment to gurdwaras, there are improvised open-air Langars during festivals and gurpurbs. These langars are among the best attended community meals anywhere in the world; upwards of 100,000 people may attend a given meal during these langars. Wherever Sikhs are, they have established their Langars. In their prayers, the Sikhs seek from the Almighty the favour: "Loh langar tapde rahin-may the hot plates of the langars remain ever in service." Langar

by Kulwant Singh Budwal In this life

fuelled by fleshly pleasures

in the pursuit of

materialistic comfort

I sit on the floor and eat

humbly, with rows of my people

for today I am in my Guru's house # ^www.singhsabha.com/holla_mohalla.htm # ^http://www.worldsikhnews.com/21%20January%202009/Goat%20Sacrifice%20at%20Hazur%20Sahib%20%20Myth%20&%20Truth.htm The Myth of goat Sacrifice and Hazur Sahib # ^http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8G8gUr9fIKc Jhatka at Hazur Sahib Sikh Gurudwara # ^ Guru Granth Sahib pg. 282 # ^Vera, Barry. "Old Delhi". Feast: India. 2005. No. 3, season 1.

Langar (Sikhism) === ===

Langar (Punjabi: ਲੰਗਰ) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian-only food served in a Gurudwara. At the Langar, only vegetarian food is served to ensure that all people, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can eat as equals. Langar is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.

The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs (in India) serve meat[1] on the occasion of Holla Mohalla, and call it Mahaprashad. There are also variation on the Vegetarian Langar, for example at Hazur Sahib[2][3]. Langar is also a common term used across various units in the Indian Army, when referring to a mess[citation needed], especially when there is no building and the food is served in open air (or through temporary arrangements like tents). The Sikh Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts."[4] The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of Sikhs in a task of service for mankind, even Sikh children help in serving food to the people (Pangat). Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of equality of all human beings and provides a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. People from all classes of society are welcome at the Gurudwara. Food is normally served twice a day, on every day of the year. Recent reports say some of the largest Sikh community dining halls in Delhi prepare between 50,000 and 70,000 meals per day.[5] Each week one or more families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is also done by voluntary helpers, known as Sewadars. Besides the Langars attachment to gurdwaras, there are improvised open-air Langars during festivals and gurpurbs. These langars are among the best attended community meals anywhere in the world; upwards of 100,000 people may attend a given meal during these langars. Wherever Sikhs are, they have established their Langars. In their prayers, the Sikhs seek from the Almighty the favour: "Loh langar tapde rahin-may the hot plates of the langars remain ever in service." Langar

by Kulwant Singh Budwal In this life

fuelled by fleshly pleasures

in the pursuit of

materialistic comfort

I sit on the floor and eat

humbly, with rows of my people

for today I am in my Guru's house # ^www.singhsabha.com/holla_mohalla.htm # ^http://www.worldsikhnews.com/21%20January%202009/Goat%20Sacrifice%20at%20Hazur%20Sahib%20%20Myth%20&%20Truth.htm The Myth of goat Sacrifice and Hazur Sahib # ^http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8G8gUr9fIKc Jhatka at Hazur Sahib Sikh Gurudwara # ^ Guru Granth Sahib pg. 282 # ^Vera, Barry. "Old Delhi". Feast: India. 2005. No. 3, season 1.

THE KHANDA

The Khanda is the symbol of the Sikhs, as the Cross is to Christians or the Star of David is to Jews. It reflects some of the fundamental concepts of Sikhism. The symbol derives its name from the double-edged sword (also called a Khanda) which appears at the centre of the logo. This double-edged sword is a metaphor of Divine Knowledge, its sharp edges cleaving Truth from Falsehood. The right edge of the double-edged sword symbolises freedom and authority governed by moral and spiritual values. The left edge of the double-edged sword symbolises divine justice which chastises and punishes the wicked oppressors. The circle around the Khanda is the Chakar. The Chakar being a circle without a beginning or an end symbolises the perfection of God who is eternal. The Chakar is surrounded by two curved swords called Kirpans. These two swords symbolise the twin concepts of Meeri and Peeri - Temporal and Spiritual authority introduced by Guru Hargobind. They emphasise the equal emphasis that a Sikh must place on spiritual aspirations as well as obligations to society. On the left side is the sword of spiritual sovereignty, Peeri; on the right side is the sword of political sovereignty, Meeri.

NISHAN SAHIB

Nishan Sahib is the name given to the flag which is seen flying outside every Sikh Gurdwara (Temple). It is a triangular piece of ochre or saffron coloured cloth with the Khanda emblem in the middle. The flag post also has a khanda or spear on top and is usually covered with the same cloth as the flag. The use of the Nishan Sahib was first introduced by Guru Hargobind. Sikhs show great respect to their flag as it is, indeed, the symbol of the freedom of the Khalsa. It is this Nishan Sahib that is referred to in the daily prayer of the Sikhs for its immortality. When we study the verses of the bards that form an integral part of the Guru Granth Sahib, we learn that there was a practice of hoisting of the flag during the divine ministry of Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das and Gur Argan Dev ji. The colour underwent a change, from white to saffron, in the hands of Guru Hargobind and it was first time hoisted at the Akal Takht Sahib in the year 1609.