Sikhism

Moon Ho 4A (16)Mandy Li 4A (28)Daisy Wan 4A (35)Natalie Pang 4C

(32)Angela Pang 4D (26)

Visit to Sikh Temple & interview

Mr. Gurmel Singh

What is Sikhism?

The fifth-largest religion in the worldUnity of God ( ): symbol of SikhismThere are over 26 million Sikhs in the world

DefinitionSikhism: a new view of life people can enjoy simple life freedom of life a faith of hope and optimism

Sikh: disciple ( 門徒 )

The HK Sikh Temple (1905)

What is the origin of Sikhism? 10 divine masters (Gurus)

Founder Guru Nanak Dev JI ---Waheguru

(1469-1538)

Origin

Punjab in India founded in 15th century Golden Temple (1601) in India

--- the holiest shrine( 最神聖聖殿 ) of Sikhism

What is the situation of Sikhism in HK?• Sikhs came to Hong Kong around 1835• recruited as police and Britain soldiers in the past set up Sikh Temple on Queen’s Road East (1901) • around 8,000-10,000 of Sikhs in HK nowKindergarten for the Sikh children

Why do Sikhs touch the staircase before entering into the Sikh temple?

Symbol of respect to Sikhism

While touching the staircase…

they pray in their mind with true motions and beliefs to the masters

The staircase

How about the daily life of Sikhs? Do Sikhs need to pray every day?

Daily lifeGet up in the morning before the dawnMediate(默念 )on the name of Waheguru

PrayersPray different prayers every morning, evening and night (before going to bed)

Why do Sikh men cover their hair with a turban ( 頭巾 )?Hair • a part of human body • can only be created by god• obey the order of god should not cut hair• Sikh men’s hair should be kept in a peaked

turban as a religious symbol• Those who cut their hair or trim beard( 鬍鬚 )

are considered as committing a sin

Are there any special religious symbols of Sikhism?5Ks :5 symbols of the Sikhs (Panj Kakar)

1. Kesh (long hair): saintliness

2. Kangha (comb): keep hair tidy & clean

3. Kara (a steel bracelet): chastity(簡潔 )

4. Katchera (shorts): courage & adventure

5. Kirpan (sword): restraint & gentility

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What are the taboos of Sikhism?

They should not…

• smoke

• drink any alcohol

• abuse drugs

• cohabit( 同居 )with a person who is not one’s spouse( 配偶 )

• cut hair

• eat meat of animalThe warning outside Sikh Temple: no smoking & drinking

What are the Sikh festivals and ceremonies?Festivals• The birth and death of the 10 Gurus

• The days of important events of the Sikh history

• Martyrdom( 殉難 )days of the important Sikhs

What are theSikh festivals and ceremonies?

Important ceremonies held in the temple

• Ceremony associated with birth• Ceremony of naming children• Baptism ceremony• Marriage ceremony• Death ceremony

What is the attitude of Sikhism towards other religions?

• People can visit Sikh Temple regardless of their religion, color, caste

• Everyone can get blessing from the Holy BookSikhs…• respect other religions so as to avoid conflicts

between different religions • protect the freedom and rights of people• accept other religions in a friendly way

What are the customs of Sikhism?

Sikh women …• need to cover their hair before entering the hall• Will not wear a veil ( 面紗 )

All Sikhs …• have freedom to follow the 5Ks or not• need to bow before entering the main hall• need to take off their shoes before entering the hall

Interesting facts about Sikhism!

Everyone is allowed to...• have a free Indian style meal in the

temple (Guru Amardas Langar)• enter the Sikh temple in Hong Kong• live in the temple for a few days

• Sikh men's name ends with Singh• Sikh women's name ends with Kaur• Sat Sri Akal= Immortal God is Truth ( 不朽聖神是真理 )

The End