Sikhism

Originated in the Punjab region of India, emphasizing one divine spirit (Ik Onkar), living a virtuous life, and no discrimination.

When and where did Sikhism originate?

- "Sikhism, also known as Sikhi (Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖੀ Sikkhī, [ˈsɪk.kʰiː], from ਸਿੱਖ, Sikh, 'disciple / learner') or Sikh Dharma, is an Indian religion, and is a philosophy, that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, around the end of the 15th century CE."

How many adherents does Sikhism have worldwide?

- "It is one of the most recently founded major religious groups and stands at fifth-largest worldwide, with about 25–30 million adherents (known as Sikhs)."

Who were the spiritual teachers that influenced Sikhism?

- "Sikhism developed from the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the faith's first guru, and the nine Sikh gurus who succeeded him."

Who succeeded Guru Nanak as the tenth guru?

- "The tenth guru, Gobind Singh (1666–1708), named the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib as his successor, bringing to a close the line of human gurus and establishing the scripture as the 11th and last eternally living guru, a religious spiritual/life guide for Sikhs."

What did Guru Nanak emphasize in his teachings?

- "Guru Nanak taught that living an 'active, creative, and practical life' of 'truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity' is above metaphysical truth, and that the ideal man 'establishes union with God, knows His Will, and carries out that Will'."

Who introduced the concept of mutual co-existence of the political and spiritual realms?

- "Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru (1606–1644), established the concept of mutual co-existence of the miri ('political'/'temporal') and piri ('spiritual') realms."

What is the opening prayer in the Sikh scripture called, and what does it emphasize?

- "The Sikh scripture opens with the Mul Mantar or alternatively spelled 'Mool Mantar' (ਮੂਲ ਮੰਤਰ), fundamental prayer about Ik Onkar (ੴ, 'One God')."

What are the core beliefs of Sikhism?

- "The core beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the Guru Granth Sahib, include faith and meditation in the name of the one creator; divine unity and equality of all humankind; engaging in seva ('selfless service'); striving for justice for the benefit and prosperity of all; and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder's life."

How does Sikhism view Absolute truth?

- "Following this standard, Sikhism rejects claims that any particular religious tradition has a monopoly on Absolute truth."

What is simran in Sikhism, and how can it be expressed?

- "Sikhism emphasizes simran (ਸਿਮਰਨ, meditation and remembrance of the teachings of Gurus), which can be expressed musically through kirtan, or internally through naam japna ('meditation on His name') as a means to feel God's presence."

What are the "Five Thieves" that Sikhism teaches followers to transform?

- "It teaches followers to transform the 'Five Thieves' (i.e. lust, rage, greed, attachment, and ego)."

How did the persecution of Sikhs lead to the founding of the Khalsa?

- "The persecution of Sikhs triggered the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 as an order to protect the freedom of conscience and religion, with members expressing the qualities of a Sant-Sipāhī ('saint-soldier')." Note: The provided text does not contain direct quotes that specifically answer questions 2, 6, 8, and 12. However, the answers to those questions are accurately summarized from the content.