Like, Share, Comment, Donate here & Click to watch...
A
gurudwara (place of worship) in Wisconsin was recently attacked. Six
innocents Sikhs in the congregation were shot down by a lone gunman who
was on a rampage. Many believe that the attack occurred because the
Sikhs were mistaken to be behind the 9/11 attacks. In fact, Sikhs had
nothing to do with 9/11.
As the world stands together to condemn the attack, we also believe it
is an opportunity to expand our understanding and appreciation for the
many religions that make up our world. Lets look at one of them --
Sikhism.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a relatively young religion of less than 500 years. It was
founded by Guru Nanak who was born in Punjab (North West India) in 1469
to a Hindu family. Nanak felt that people around him were losing sight
of God because of greed and superstition. As a young man, he moved
closely with Muslims, and believed in the spirit of unity of all.
Legend has it that Sikhism was revealed to Guru Nanak. He went on to spread his idea of oneness. The religion prescribes simple rules to bring people closer to God. According to Sikh teachings, all human beings are equal; everyone can realize their divinity through devotion to God and truthfulness and service to humanity; men and women have equal rights and responsibilities; everybody should work hard; live honestly; and give to the needy. Tolerance is the very embodiment of the Sikh religion.
Rituals and Symbols
Sikhism was shaped by Nanak’s nine successors. All of them have the title ‘Guru’-
a Sanskrit (ancient language of India and a root of many modern Indian
languages) word that means teacher or religious leader. The 10th Guru,
Guru Gobind Singh, did not appoint a human successor and instead
transferred his authority to the Sikh holy book – Guru Granth Sahib and the Guru Khalsa Panth
(the community of committed Sikh believers who are initiated through a
special ceremony). Believe it or not, Sikhism today is the fifth largest
religion in the world with over 25 million followers!
The Sikhs (followers or Sikhism) worship at a temple known as Gurudwara
– Doorway to the Gods. The Guru Granth Sahib is worshipped here.
Gurudwara is also a place of service, with four doors that are always
open to the public. The kitchen or “langar” at the Gurudwara is a
canteen where free food is served to all. Staunch followers of the
religion carry with them five articles known as Five K’s - Kesh
(uncut hair), Kanga (comb), Kara (bracelet), Kirpan (sword) and
Kachehra (a type of shorts). All Sikh men wear their uncut hair wrapped
in a turban.
Diversity of religion, traditions and values are the hallmarks of the world’s societies and make our world a fascinating place. Every religion is different and enriches and guides its followers. Sometimes, it is quite easy to confuse one religion with another without a deeper understanding of its beliefs and rituals. As the recent olympics have shown us -- we are after all citizens of the world.
Aug 13, 2012 By Anita Ramachandran
http://www.youngzine.com/article/gurudwara-doorway-sikhism
Thank You for your Generous Donation.
Gurdwara Sahib: The Doorway To Sikhism
Sikhism
Legend has it that Sikhism was revealed to Guru Nanak. He went on to spread his idea of oneness. The religion prescribes simple rules to bring people closer to God. According to Sikh teachings, all human beings are equal; everyone can realize their divinity through devotion to God and truthfulness and service to humanity; men and women have equal rights and responsibilities; everybody should work hard; live honestly; and give to the needy. Tolerance is the very embodiment of the Sikh religion.
Rituals and Symbols
Diversity of religion, traditions and values are the hallmarks of the world’s societies and make our world a fascinating place. Every religion is different and enriches and guides its followers. Sometimes, it is quite easy to confuse one religion with another without a deeper understanding of its beliefs and rituals. As the recent olympics have shown us -- we are after all citizens of the world.
Aug 13, 2012 By Anita Ramachandran
http://www.youngzine.com/article/gurudwara-doorway-sikhism
Donate US$1001 Monthly and Be Blessed:
|
Donate US$501 Monthly and Be Blessed:
|
Donate US$101 Monthly and Be Blessed:
|
Donate US$51 Monthly and Be Blessed:
|
Donate US$21 Monthly and Be Blessed:
|
Donate US$11 Monthly and Be Blessed:
|
No comments:
Post a Comment