FAQs — Kaur Foundation

Basics of Sikhism

Sikhism originated in the Punjab region of North West India during the 15th century. It was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born in 1469 in what is now modern-day Pakistan. Guru Nanak's teachings emphasized the oneness of God, equality among all people, and social justice. Over time, Sikhism developed into a distinct religious and cultural community under the guidance of ten successive Gurus. The Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, contains the teachings of the Gurus and serves as the central religious text for Sikhs.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji is recognized as the founder of the Sikh faith, born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib, present-day Pakistan. Throughout his life, he embarked on spiritual journeys, called Udasis, covering distant places across South Asia and the Middle East, spreading the message of unity, love, and devotion to God. These travels and his profound teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism as a distinct religious tradition.
The correct pronunciation of Sikhism is “Sik-izm”, with a short “i” sound. While the pronunciation of Sikhs sounds like “Six.” Lastly, Sikhi is pronounced as “Sik-ee”.
The surnames "Singh" for males and "Kaur" for females were introduced by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, as a way to abolish the caste system and promote equality among the Sikhs. During the initiation ceremony known as the "Amrit Sanchar" in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave baptized Sikh men the title "Singh," which means "lion," symbolizing courage and strength. Sikh women were given the title "Kaur," meaning "princess," signifying dignity, respect, and equality. By adopting these names, Sikhs shed their ancestral surnames, which often indicated their social status or caste, thereby promoting the fundamental Sikh principle of equality among all individuals regardless of their socio-economic or caste backgrounds.
Sikh translates to student. Therefore, a Sikh is a student of the Guru. Guru refers to an enlightened being who is a messenger of God. A Sikh is also a student of life itself, constantly learning and growing as an individual from life experiences while making an effort to live according to the Guru’s core principles and teachings.
"Sikhism" and "Sikhi" both refer to the same religion founded in the late 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. However, the difference between the two terms primarily lies in language and cultural connotation:

Sikhism: This is an English term used to describe the religion. The suffix "-ism" is commonly used in English to denote a belief system, practice, or ideology (e.g., Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.).
Sikhi: This term is derived from Punjabi, the primary language spoken by Sikhs. "Sikhi" is more authentic to its origin and is used by many Sikhs to refer to their faith in a manner that aligns closely with their cultural and linguistic heritage.

While both terms refer to the same religious tradition, some members of the Sikh community prefer "Sikhi" over "Sikhism" as it resonates more with the original language and avoids the westernized "-ism" label.
Social justice, service, tolerance, equality, and egalitarianism are the core values held by the Sikh community.
The term "Ji" or "Dev Ji" added at the end of a name in the Indian and Sikh context is a mark of respect and reverence. "Ji" is an honorific used widely in various Indian languages to show respect when addressing or referring to someone. It can be added to both first names and surnames. For instance, in the Sikh context, adding "Ji" to the Gurus' names, like "Guru Nanak Dev Ji," signifies deep respect and veneration for the spiritual leader.

"Dev" is a Sanskrit term that can mean "god" or "deity." When "Dev" is combined with "Ji" and used as "Dev Ji," it amplifies the reverence, signifying divine respect or high regard for the person being mentioned. In the context of Sikh Gurus, it underscores their esteemed and revered position in the Sikh faith.

Symbols and Appearance

The turban is used foremost to represent one’s faith as a sign of unity. It is used to cover and protect the kesh, or uncut hair,one of the 5Ks, or articles of faith, in Sikhi. Wearing a turban is also a sign of egalitarianism– turbans used to be worn only by royalty or the upper classes, and so by having everyone wear a turban, these distinctions were minimized.
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The circular nature of the kara serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God as well as the continual relationship between the wearer and God. In addition, it is a reminder that anything that is done with one’s hands should be done in accordance with Sikh teachings.
The kirpan is one of the five articles of faith, collectively known as the "Five Ks," that baptized Sikhs are traditionally required to carry. The kirpan signifies the duty of a Sikh to stand against injustice and protect the weak and innocent. It represents the concept of a spiritual warrior who fights against oppression and defends truth and righteousness. The word "kirpan" itself is derived from two words: "kirpa," meaning mercy or grace, and "aan," meaning honor or dignity. Thus, it embodies the idea of using force as a last resort to protect the honor and dignity of oneself and others.
No, not all Sikhs have uncut hair. While initiated Sikhs are strictly prohibited from cutting, trimming, or shaving their hair in any capacity, there are many Sikhs who choose not to adhere to this aspect of the Sikh faith. One’s decision to cut their hair, however, does not exclude them from the Sikh community, as the main teachings and values of Sikhism emphasize the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their personal choices regarding their outward appearance.
All that is under a turban is hair, which is gathered into a bun and then wrapped and covered by a long piece of fabric, typically several meters in length.
In Sikhism, both men and women have the option to wear a turban as a religious and cultural practice. While turbans are traditionally associated with Sikh men, some Sikh women also choose to wear turbans as a sign of their faith and identity. It's important to note that wearing a turban is a personal choice and not all Sikh women or men wear turbans.
Children often wear patkas instead of turbans in Sikh families as a matter of comfort and practicality. Turbans can be complex to tie, and young children might find them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. Patkas are smaller head coverings that provide some of the same benefits as turbans, such as keeping the hair covered and maintaining the Sikh identity, but they are simpler and easier for children to wear. As children grow older and become more accustomed to wearing head coverings, they might transition to wearing full turbans if they choose. It's also a cultural and family choice, and different Sikh families might have their own preferences and traditions regarding children's head coverings.

Worship and Rituals

Sikhs can worship anywhere and at any time. Since Sikhs believe that God is omnipresent, there is no specific place or time when Sikhs are required to worship. However, the formal Sikh place of worship is a Gurdwara, which means “doorway to the Guru”. Anyone is welcome to visit a Gurdwara. In Western countries, Sikhs often congregate at the Gurdwara on Sundays since they have time off work. However, prayers and services at Gurdwaras occur all days of the week.
The Sikh holy scripture, called the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is considered to contain the direct message of God through the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and five other Sikh Gurus as well as Hindu and Muslim Bhagats, or saints. By adding Hindu and Muslim writings, this showed that the truth could come from any source no matter which religion they were said to belong to. The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, commanded that the Guru Granth Sahib Ji would take the place of human gurus and be the spiritual authority and the living Guru for all.
Sikh temples ("gurdwaras”) serve parshad as:
Divine Blessing: A sacred offering representing God's grace.
Equality: Everyone, regardless of background, sits and receives it together, underscoring Sikhism's emphasis on equality.
Community: Sharing parshad fosters unity and communal bonding.
Gratitude and Humility: Receiving and consuming it respectfully instills humility and thankfulness.
In essence, parshad in gurdwaras symbolizes divine grace, equality, and community unity.
Sikhs serve free food at gurdwaras, known as "langar," due to:
Equality: Everyone, irrespective of background, eats together, emphasizing universal equality.
Selfless Service: Langar showcases "seva" or voluntary service, a central Sikh tenet.
Nourishment: Beyond spiritual nourishment from prayers, langar ensures physical nourishment for all attendees.
Charity: It's a tangible demonstration of the Sikh principles of sharing and generosity.
In short, langar embodies core Sikh values like equality, service, and community care.
One of the central principles that Sikhi is based on is “Sarbat da bhalla”, which means aspiring toward a common good for all. This manifests itself through seva, which has two connotations: to serve, and to worship. Service to others is therefore seen as a form of worship.

Beliefs and Values

One of the core beliefs in Sikhism is that all individuals are inherently equal and worthy of dignity and respect. Therefore, people of all genders are entitled to the same privileges as any other member of the community. Guru Nanak Dev Ji advocated for women’s rights and equality during a time period where women were denied freedom, and this has been upheld since his time. Women are encouraged to hold positions of leadership within the faith, and men and women work together for many social and religious activities such as langar and sangat.
The Sikh faith does not believe in the traditional interpretations elicited from the words heaven and hell. Instead, life in the material world is viewed as a state of suffering or as a “worldly hell”. This suffering is attributed to human entanglement in their vices and worldly illusions (maya), which lead them off the path of righteousness and devotion to God. In Sikhism, the ultimate goal is to break free from the cycle of life and death (reincarnation) in order to achieve union with God and finally attain a state of eternal bliss, comparable to heaven.
Yes, Sikhs believe in reincarnation. They hold that souls undergo cycles of birth and rebirth until they achieve union with God and break free from this cycle.
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, meaning a belief in a single, omnipresent supreme being or God.
The 5Ks include kesh, kachera, kara, kanga, and kirpan. Kesh is uncut hair and symbolizes one’s acceptance and allegiance to keep their body just the way God created them. Kachera is a drawstring undergarment, which represents the importance of self-restraint and living a life of modesty and self-respect. The kara is a bracelet made of steel and iron which symbolizes God’s infiniteness as there is no beginning and there is no end. It also is intended to serve as a daily reminder to do good with one’s hand and live a life in accordance with the Guru’s teachings. A kanga is a wooden comb, representing keeping one’s body and mind clean. It also symbolizes that just like a comb takes out tangles in hair, a Sikh should also not entangle in or create conflict with others. The kirpan is a small ceremonial sword which serves as a reminder for Sikhs to protect the weak and stand up against acts of injustice and oppression.
These five articles ensure that Sikhs can stand out in a crowd, and therefore be able to be clearly and quickly identified and called upon when the need arises.
Sikhism is a non-proselytizing religion. The act of converting others through force, inducement, or other means is condemned and strictly forbidden. This stance is rooted in the Sikh belief that everyone should have the freedom to freely practice the religion of their choosing.

Language and Tradition

Sikhs traditionally speak the Punjabi language. The vast majority of Sikhs are Punjabi, meaning their cultural and historical roots originate in Punjab, a north western state that is divided between modern-day India and Pakistan.

Visiting Sikh Temples

Yes, you can visit a Sikh temple, called a Gurdwara. Here's what to expect:
Respectful Attire: Wear modest clothing and cover your head with a scarf.
Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering.
Cleanliness: Wash your hands and feet before entering the main hall.
Quiet Behavior: Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
Langar: You may be offered a communal meal called Langar.
Observing Worship: Sit quietly and observe the worship service.
Questions: Feel free to ask questions if needed.
Photography: Ask before taking photos.
Mobile Phones: Turn off your phone during the service.
Language: The service might be in Punjabi.
Remember to research the specific Gurdwara's practices before your visit.

Lifestyle and Dietary Queries

Langar is one form of seva. Through langar, those who are in need are provided with food, regardless of caste, religion, gender, class, or background. This represents how everyone is always welcome as a guest of the Guru, and reflects the emphasis on egalitarianism that Sikhism holds. Langar is prepared by all members of the Sikh community. Food is prepared in large qualities and is entirely vegetarian so that it can be shared across religions.
While Sikhs are not specifically prohibited from eating meat, many choose to follow a lacto-vegetarian diet, avoiding the consumption of meat, fish, and eggs. This choice is rooted in the belief of promoting compassion and non-violence towards all living beings.
Regarding alcohol, Sikhism encourages abstaining from alcohol and mind-altering substances. The consumption of alcohol is seen as detrimental to one's spiritual growth and is discouraged within the Sikh community.
It's important to note that individual practices can vary, and not all Sikhs may strictly adhere to these dietary guidelines. As with any religious practice, the interpretation and adherence to dietary restrictions can differ among individuals.

Sikhism in Relation to Other Religions

Sikhism is a unique and distinctive religion, originating from the Sikh gurus direct revelations from God. Although formally recognized as a religion today, Sikhism was originally intended to be a universal ‘way of life,’ open to anyone and everyone. Although Sikhism shares certain commonalities with Hinduism and Islam, it is not simply a mix of the two religions.
Sikhism is a distinct religion with its own unique beliefs and practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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