SKIHISM

RELIGION HISTORY

• Sikhism is a distinct religion with its own unique, divine scriptures and beliefs. Sikhism is a 500 year old religion. The Sikh religion originated in India. There are over 26 million Sikhs worldwide. There are over 1 million Sikhs in the United States and Canada. About a half million Sikhs are estimated to live in the United Kingdom.

MAIN BELIEFS

• There is only one God God is without form, or gender Everyone has direct access to God Everyone is equal before God A good life is lived as part of a community, by living honestly and caring for others Empty religious rituals and superstitions have no value
• Sikh spirituality is centred round this need to understand and experience God, and eventually become one with God. To do this a person must switch the focus of their attention from themselves to God. They get this state, which is called mukti (liberation), through the grace of God. That means it's something God does to human beings, and not something that human beings can earn. However, God shows people through holy books, and by the examples of saints, the best ways to get close to him.

WHERE THIS RELIGION IS COMMON

• Indian subcontinent, Australasia, Northern America, Southeast Asia

RELIGION FOLLOWERS

• The people who follow the religion of Sikhism are known as Sikhs. Sikhism is a religion that was established by Guru Nanak based on the teachings of the ten gurus and includes beliefs from Hinduism and Islam. Sikh male members usually keep their hair long, tied in turbans and worship in Gurdwaras.

SIKHISM INFO

• Sikhism A progressive religion well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago, The Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the worlds 5th largest religion. Sikhism preaches a message of Devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.