Sikhism
The Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Northern India in the fifteenth century. It is one of the newest of the major world religions. The word "Sikh" means pupil or disciple. Guru Nanak was born in Nankana Sahib, now in western Pakistan. He believed in the universality of God and listened to Hindu and Muslim teachers. He taught respect for all religions and viewpoints. Guru Nanak became the fi rst of the ten gurus (teachers) in Sikhism whose writings form the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the guiding force of the Sikhs. The Sikh place of worship is called the Gurdwara. Guru Nanak taught the three precepts: "kirit karna" to earn one's living honestly; "vand shakna", to share with others; "nam japna" to recite God's names and to always remember him. Sikhs believe that salvation can be achieved through doing one's duty to the family. The Sikh religion today has a following of over 23 million people worldwide and is ranked as the world's fifth largest religion. There are presently 1200 Sikhs in the Republic of Ireland. Sikhism's relationship with Hinduism is both long and complex. Sikhs reject the Hindu caste system, Hindu idol worship and ritualism. Historically however, the religious source of Sikhism is Hinduism. Sikhism can be thought of as a tradition developed within Hinduism.
Diet
For many, the use of alcohol is forbidden. Usually, Sikhs also avoid meat that is not humanely slaughtered, and some prefer a vegetarian diet. Generally, Kosher and Halal meats are forbidden because they are believed to be inhumanely slaughtered.
Dress
For many, part of the Sikh religious practice is a very tightly wound turban which causes them to be confused with Muslims or turban wearing Arabs. Many Orthodox Sikh men will wear a turban when they are old enough, usually at the age of 13 or 14. Baptised Sikhs are bound to wear the 'Five K's' so that a Sikh could actively use them to make a difference to their own and to others' spirituality. The five items are: Kesh (uncut hair), Khanga (small comb), Karra (circular heavy metal bracelet), Kirpan (ceremonial short sword), and Kasha (special undergarment). The five K's have both practical and symbolic purposes
Death
Sikhs believe in reincarnation. Death is the end of one life, but the beginning of another. Memorials are not allowed and the deliberate show of grief is forbidden. When a body is laid out in a room, the light must remain on until the body is removed. Before the funeral the body is washed, dressed and wrapped in a white sheet by relatives of the same sex. Sikhs are cremated. The funeral is a simple ceremony and takes place as soon as possible after death. The body is taken to the crematorium and it is usual for the male relative to help to put the body in the incinerator. Prayers are said. After cremation the ashes are usually scattered in running water or flown back to the Punjab region of India to be scattered there, followed by a service at the Gurdwara. Prayers are usually said by close relatives. At the end of the service the Ardas (special prayer) is given and karah parshad (sweet food made from semolina or flour, sugar, butter and water) is distributed as a symbol that everyone is equal.
Naming System
The Sikh naming system is usually in three parts. First names can be common in both sexes. The second name will either be Singh (lion) for a boy or Kaur (princess) for a girl. The family name follows the fi rst and second names. Those who don't use a family name may adopt 'Singh' or 'Kaur' as their surname and will be correctly addressed as Mr and Mrs Singh or Mrs, Ms, Miss Kaur. In Hindu tradition there are different castes, or classes of people. These usually denote wealth and status. Names provide information about the caste to which a person belongs.
For further information contact:
For further information contact:
Irish Sikh Council,
Post Box No. 9828,
Dublin 2. Tel: 087 260 5410
Email: info@irishsikhcouncil.com.