- "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."
The core beliefs of Sikhism, including the belief in one God, the importance of selfless service, and the goal of achieving union with God.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Founder of Sikhism, his life and teachings, and the establishment of the Sikh faith.
Gurbani: The Sikh holy book, containing the teachings of the Gurus and other Sikh leaders.
The Five Ks: The articles of faith worn by Sikhs: Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (comb), Kara (bracelet), Kirpan (sword), and Kachera (shorts).
Langar: A communal meal served free-of-charge to all, regardless of caste, race, or religion at every Gurudwara.
Sikh Ethics: The moral and ethical principles that guide Sikh conduct in society.
Seva: Selfless service, an integral aspect of Sikhism, which refers to volunteer work carried out by Sikhs in society.
The Khalsa: The community of initiated Sikhs who have made a commitment to follow the Sikh path.
The Sikh Gurus: The ten leaders of the Sikh community who succeeded Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The Sikh Scripture: A summary of the teachings of the Sikh Gurus compiled into the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Sikh Diaspora: The spread of Sikhs throughout the world since the 19th century.
Sikh Festivals: The major celebrations in the Sikh calendar, including Baisakhi, Diwali, and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday.
Sikh History: The history of the Sikh community, including its struggle against oppression and persecution, particularly under the Mughal Empire and British colonialism.
Sikh Philosophy and Theology: Sikh beliefs about the nature of God, the purpose of life, and the relationship between humans and the divine.
Sikhs in Modern Society: Contemporary Sikh communities around the world and their integration into society.
One God: Sikhs believe in one God who is present in all beings and beyond all forms and attributes.
Guru Granth Sahib: The holy book of Sikhs is the Guru Granth Sahib which consists of sacred writings of the Sikh Gurus and other saints.
Equality: Sikhism teaches the principle of equality in all forms, regardless of social status, gender, race, or religion.
Seva (Selfless service): Sikhs are encouraged to serve the community and those in need.
Karma: The law of karma states that an individual's actions have consequences in this life and the next.
Reincarnation: Sikhs believe in the cycle of birth and rebirth, and that the ultimate goal is to break this cycle and achieve moksha (liberation).
Naam Japna (Meditation): Sikhs practice meditation to connect with God and attain inner peace.
- "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)."
- "Sikhism developed from the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the faith's first guru, and the nine Sikh gurus who succeeded him."
- "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."
- "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'."
- "Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru (1606–1644), established the concept of mutual co-existence of the miri ('political'/'temporal') and piri ('spiritual') realms."
- "The Sikh scripture opens with the Mul Mantar or alternatively spelled 'Mool Mantar' (ਮੂਲ ਮੰਤਰ), fundamental prayer about Ik Onkar (ੴ, 'One God')."
- "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."
- "Following this standard, Sikhism rejects claims that any particular religious tradition has a monopoly on Absolute truth."
- "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."
- "It teaches followers to transform the 'Five Thieves' (i.e. lust, rage, greed, attachment, and ego)."
- "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.