...The Mool Mantar (also spelt Mul Mantra) is the most important composition contained within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs; it is the basis of Sikhism. The word "Mool" means "main", "root" or "chief" and "Mantar" means "magic chant" or "magic portion". Together the words "Mool Mantar" mean the "Main chant" or "root verse". It’s importance is emphasised by the fact that it is the first composition to appear in the holy Granth of the Sikhs and that it appears before the commencement of the main section which comprises of 31 Raags or chapters. The Mool Mantar is said to be the first composition uttered by Guru Nanak Dev upon enlightenment at the age of about 30. Being the basis of Sikhism it encapsulates the entire theology of Sikhism. When a person begins to learn Gurbani, this is the first verse that most would learn. It is a most brief composition encompassing the entire universally complex theology of the Sikh faith. It has religious, social, political, logical, martial and eternal implication for human existence; a truly humanitarian and global concepts of the Supreme power for all to understand and appreciate. This Mantar encompasses concepts which have been evaluated and proven over many eras (or yugs) and known to be flawless beyond any ambiguity what so ever. The rest of Japji sahib that follows this mantar is said to be a eloboration of the main mantar and that the rest of the Guru Granth Sahib totalling 1430 pages, is a detailed amplification...
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...Sikhism Guide http://www.sikhismguide.org/default.aspx Basic beliefs of Sikhism * Sikhs believe in one God. He is the same for all people of all religions. * Sikhism teaches equality of all people. Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. Sikhism teaches the full equality of men and women. * Sikhism emphasizes daily devotion to the remembrance of God. One should remember God at all times. * Sikhism teaches religious freedom. All people have the right to follow their own path to God without condemnation or coercion from others. * Sikhism emphasizes a moral and ethical life. A Sikh should represent moral responsibility and righteousness. * Sikhism rejects all forms of rituals such as idol worship, pilgrimages, fasting, and superstitions. * Sikhism teaches service to others. The primary task in life should be to help the poor, needy, and oppressed. The Sikhs have a long heritage of speaking out against injustice and for standing up for the defenseless. * Sikhs are supposed to be saints, scholars, and soldiers. * The word Sikh means disciple or student. Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus. Three Principles of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, taught three fundamental principles: * Kirat Karo - Work hard and honestly * Wand Ke Chhako - Share what you have with the needy * Naam Jappo - Always remember God...
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...1. What is the literal meaning of the word sikh? Why is it appropriate? Please explain your answer. The literal meaning of Sikh is disciple. When Nanak left behind his family and home, then was joined by Mardana who was from a social class of musicians. He decided to leave home due to the fact that he believe that he had an experience with God after being in the forest for three days. As he continued to spread the work he looked for more disciples or also known as Sikh. 2. When did Nanak live and what was the key moment in his life story? Nanak was born in today’s world Pakistan in the year 1469, and is regarded as the founder of Sikhism. The key moment or turning point in Nanak’s life was when he had an experience so powerful that he saw it as a revelation. He was in the river performing religious acts and then went into the forest next to the river and stayed there for three days. Upon returning from the forest, he claimed that he directly came into contact with God, and that there only is one single God. 3. Describe the basic Sikh understanding of God. The basic Sikh understanding of God is that there is a single god and the possibility of reincarnation as well as Karma. The understanding of God is also that even though God is beyond personhood, God does have person qualities which include love, knowledge, love, a sense of justice, as well as compassion. And because God has these certain qualities, the individual is able to connect to God on a personal level. In addition...
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...both categories. The notions of partition of India into two huge units -India with a huge majority of Hindus and Islamic country Pakistan, brought anxiety and stimulated nationalist ideas into other layers of Indian society. It was obvious that this huge new built, culturally and religiously diverse country, India, will have to tackle problems emerging from different national and communal movements to maintain unity. One of those who were absolutely discontent and worried about the juncture was a community of Sikhs. They were anxious about their status, opportunities and security in both countries but had to choose which country to join. It was Shiromani Akali Dal party founded in 1920, which decided to stay with India, made all the main decisions concerning Sikh community and represented it within politics during those days. Akali Dal tried to gain as much power and authority in politics of newly built India as they could by peaceful struggle for the autonomy for Sikh community and creation of Punjabi Suba (Punjabi state) and afterwards moving even towards to more and more pervasive idea of independent state called Khalistan. However, all the objectives could not...
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...Marriage: Prep-Course for Sikh Faith Sikh marriage is not merely a physical and legal relationship but is a holy union between two souls where physically they appear as two individual bodies but in fact are united as one. However, with each new generation more South Asian children adopt modernized beliefs and choose a different style of getting married, as opposed to common marriage at the temple. The course would be a valuable resource to prepare couples for marriage and orient them toward a shared, Sikh-centered life. Because Sikh values, Sikh rituals, and commitment is central to Sikh marriage, therefore a marriage preparation course is required for all intending to marry into the Sikh faith. The course will not demolish Sikh marriage, but rather, keep it active. Firstly, learning the values of Sikhism is important before marrying a true Sikh. The Guru’s (ten spiritual teachers) have created values that a Sikh man or women must follow. The important values are for everyday use. All humans are equal before god-couples should know no discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste, race, sex, creed, etc. As for gender equality, Guru Amar Das ji (3rd teacher) gave woman equal status and equal rights in the society. The man in the relationship needs to know that his wife to-be is and has equal amounts of right. As of then the Sikh women is allowed to lead religious congregations, to take part in continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures, to perform hymns, to work...
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...Indian history. It is a time Indian would rather forget, yet still to this day debate about. Was Indihar Gandhi correct in instating operation Blue Star, inflicting damage to the Golden temple, and being responsible for the killing of anywhere from 492 (official reports) to 1500 (estimates run as high as) civilians, which lead to an additional 5,000 Sikh deaths following, due to anti-Sikh riots? Was Indihar Gandhi’s actions justified, and could her problems with the Sikhs have been solved in any other way? These are all question India still debates to this day. We will look at who exactly Indihar Gandhi is, what is operation blue star, why she invoked Operation Blue Star, how did her actions eventually lead to her assassination, India’s Sikh population afterwards, and how Indihar’s actions affected the Gandhi dynasty? On June 3, 1984 Indihar Gandhi gave the executive decision to invoke Operation Blue Star, a military attack on the golden temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The Golden Tempe is considered one of the most sacred and religious places in the world, in what Indihar Gandhi taught was a necessity following a chain of events. Sikhs, involved in the Khalistan movement wanted Punjab to be an independent state, and felt they were being oppressed. The Khalistan movement led under Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale used tactics to express their views and desires in a very unconventional way, depending on your religion. Bhindranwale felt the only way to achieve liberation, was through violence...
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...Running head: DIVERSE FAITHS AND HEALTH Diverse Faiths and Health Care Practices: Nursing Integration Amy Buttaro Grand Canyon University: Spirituality in Health Care HLT-310V September 2, 2012 Abstract Cultural diversity plays a major role in health care. Hinduism, Sikhism and Islamic medical practices are discussed. Medical beliefs and daily activities that are affected when members of these faiths are hospitalized and options for adjustments related to those beliefs are highlighted. Appling these adjustments to practices can be made. Diverse Faiths and Health Care Practices: Nursing Integration Health care providers come in contact with many patients of various backgrounds and religions. Knowing and understanding the diversity and how it affects health care practices is an important factor in treatment and care of patients. Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam are just a few of the faiths with differing beliefs relating to healthcare that differ from traditional Christian philosophy. Hindu According to Robinson (2012), Hinduism is the third largest religion and considered the oldest religion in the world. There are many diverse sects within the Hindu faith, but all have a common belief in karma, which means for every action there is a reaction that will affect the person’s future resulting in acceptance and compliance regarding health care provider instructions, and this will have an affect on the decision making process (Queensland Health,...
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...The article Turbans, Hoodies and Misdirected American Aggression by Christopher Emdin highlights the ever growing epidemic that has plagued the United States and other countries for decades. Ethnocentrism among even fellow Americans of diverse backgrounds has become somewhat of a cause for fear which in turn leads to hate crimes and ultimately death as seen in the Travion Martin case as well as the Sikh Shootings right here in our own front yard. In the article, Mr. Emdim compares the Sikh shootings, and the miseducation that the Sikh community is in some way linked to Alkida and the Taliban, to the fear that Travion Martin was some type of threat, simply because of the hoodie that he chose to wear on that fateful day. He goes on to speak of us using certain socializing agents such mass media outlets and religious institutions that highlight what taboos we as Americans living the “ American way” or the American dream should take part in or have as standard in our lifestyles. For example, prior to last month’s shootings at the Oak Creek Sikh temple, many of us knew nothing of the Sikh religion. I too must say that I thought that they were Muslims, maybe not the Taliban, but some sort of Muslim religious offspring. In this Modern Culture we find ourselves in, we see a rise in killings sparked by fear of the unknown or a non-mainstream approach of living, working, or worshiping. As I recall my feelings and thought on the Travion Martin shooting, and how out raged many African...
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...Heritage Essay Ike Gill Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V July 27, 2014 Using the heritage assessment I was able to see the differences in religious background, and also how that religious and cultural background influences the health care decisions. The three I choice to use were Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims. The reason being I am Sikh and most of my neighbors are Hindus and Muslims. Even though we all come from different background we are still very close and consult each other when we need to. Along with that being said the views I have don't always align with theirs but that is to be expected because we all come from different backgrounds. But one thing is for certain when it comes to health of our families that we all do what needs to be done in order to make sure they are ok. With the other two families and my own their were similarities, which was to be expected. For example the questions about where our parents grew up all said India so all in the same country. Also with the question “how often do you attend religious institutions”. All of the people responded with at least once a week. My Muslim neighbor was the one who went most, but she did mention it was because they were celebrating Ramadan this month, so her family went at least four times a week. Another was that the adults in the family could read, write and speak their native language, but the kids could only speak it. A few more similarities were that the spouse was the same religion, we all cooked foods...
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...Multan to the Rawalpindi in north (Including region of present-day Gujranwala) remained under Rajput rule until 1193. The Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire later ruled the region The Punjab became predominantly Muslim, due to missionary Sufits whose dargahs dot the landscape.Gujranwala evolved as a medieval town, and Sufi missionaries converted the local Gurjar population to Islam. Until the arrival of the Muslims little is known about Gujranwala, district gazetteer dates the name "Gujranwala" to about the mid-16th century. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh Empire ruled Gujranwala. The Sikhs dominated the Punjab after the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir in 1707. Gujranwala became important during the rule of the father and grandfather of Ranjit Singh, who were born in the city. Ranjit Singh, also born there, became the powerful of the Sikh rulers. Hari Singh Nalwa, military commander of the Sikh army, was credited with building the "new" Gujranwala. The area was captured by the British Empire in 1848. In 1881, a railway line...
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...Riverside Gurdwara Sikh Temple on 3/01/2015 & 3/08/2015 I had the privilege to visit the Sikh Temple twice on my occasion because of miscommunication, but I think it was worth it. I’m sad that I did not get to talk to anyone because I was afraid that I would disturb his or her worship time. As I arrived I saw the cultural attires for the women and the head coverings for the men and women. Before they entered the church, they removed their shoes and washed their hands before entering the temple. I was told by one of the girls that I should wash my hands if they are dirty and then enter the temple, which I did because sanitary wise they were dirty from the steering wheel and everything else that I touched that was not sterile. Something else that I witnessed that was interesting, was the man that stood in the middle waving (what looks like a bundle of strings) something in the air, which was to keep their sacred text from getting dirty. At least that is what it said on the module. I also saw that as they enter the temple, they walk directly down the aisle and they kneel down and bend over with their head touching the floor. I assumed that it was a sense of respect for God. I also saw that they ate some sort of pudding when they got back from doing their gestures in the front. I also examined that they sit on the floor and segregated by their sex, men on the left and women on the right side, and the children often sat with...
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...Jallian Wala Bagh Memorial "The incident in Jallian Wala Bagh was 'an extraordinary event, a monstrous event, an event which stands in singular and sinister isolation"...Winston Churchill It started a few months after the end of the first world war when an Englishwoman, a missionary, reported that she had been molested on a street in the Punjab city of Amritsar. The Raj's local commander, Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, issued an order requiring all Indians using that street to crawl its length on their hands and knees. He also authorized the indiscriminate, public whipping of natives who came within lathi length of British policemen. On April 13, 1919, a multitude of Punjabis gathered in Amritsar's Jallian wala Bagh as part of the Sikh Festival "Baisakhi fair" and to protest at these extraordinary measures. The throng, penned in a narrow space smaller than Trafalgar Square, had been peacefully listening to the testimony of victims when Dyer appeared at the head of a contingent of British troops. Giving no word of warning, he ordered 50 soldiers to fire into the gathering, and for 10 to 15 minutes 1,650 rounds of ammunition were unloaded into the screaming, terrified crowd, some of whom were trampled by those desperately trying to escape. Amritsar Massacre "The Indians were 'packed together so that one bullet would drive through three or four bodies'; the people 'ran madly this way and the other. When fire was directed upon the centre, they ran to the sides. The fire...
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...continued to progress through ten successive Sikh gurus. The eleventh and last guru being the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of the sikh Gurus’ writings that was compiled by the 5th sikh Guru). It is seen as the fifth largest organized religion in the world with approximately 30 million adherents. This religion is seened largest in Pujab India Adherents of Sikhism are known as Sikhs (students or disciples). According to Devinder Singh Chahal, "The word 'Sikhi' (also known as Gurmat) gave rise to the modern anglicized word 'Sikhism' for the modern world. Gurmat means literally 'wisdom of the Guru' in contrast to Manmat, or self-willed impulses. According to Sewa Singh Kalsi, "The central teaching in Sikhism is the belief in ?” : have equality between all people. Sikhs also believe that "all religious traditions are equally valid and capable of enlightening their followers". In addition to sharing with others Guru Nanak inspired people to earn an honest living without exploitation and also the need for remembrance of the divine name (God). Guru Nanak described living an "active, creative, and practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity" as being higher than a purely contemplative life. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, established the political/temporal (Miri) and spiritual (Piri) realms to be mutually coexistent. According to the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadhur, the ideal Sikh...
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...This is something that cannot be seen every day, so staff will meet in the car park at ten or eleven. This will be safe, if you pay a moderate cost. Memo from Floor Manager to Supervisor: Ten or eleven staff are to go to the car park, where the CEO will eclipse the sun for two minutes. This doesn’t happen every day. It will be safe, and as usual it will cost you. Memo from Supervisor to Staff: Some staff will go to the car park today to see the CEO disappear. It is a pity, this doesn’t happen everyday. A classic example of "miscommunication"..... About a century or two ago, the Pope decided that all the Sikhs had to leave Italy. Naturally there was a big uproar from the Sikh community. So the Pope made a deal. He would have a religious debate with a member of the Sikh community. If the Sikh won, the Sikhs could stay. If the Pope won, the Sikhs would...
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...The way Sikhs dress is very much due to their religion. Men can be identified by the turban, which they wear over their head. The turban is usually made a material called “muslin” which is five metres long. The turban must be worn at all times for Sikh men when he is in public, but can be taken off in the privacy of his own home and when he goes to bed. Sikh women tend to wear Shalwar Kameez which is a long tunic and matching trousers. The reason for this is because women must dress modestly from head to toe. Guru Gobind Singh, the final Guru, gave the Sikhs the symbols of the Khalsa – known as the Panj Kakke or ‘Five K’s’ - so they could all be recognised. The five K’s are worn by all Sikhs who have been baptised. ‘Kesh’ is the long uncut hair symbolising complete devotion to God. ‘Kanga’ is a comb which symbolises discipline. ‘Kacca’ are shorts which symbolise spiritual freedom. The ‘Kara’ is a steel bracelet worn on the right wrist and symbolises strength. Last of all, the ‘Kirpan’ is a sword that symbolises authority and justice. Sikhs (as Hindus also do) see the principle of ahimsa – the intention to avoid negative karmic influences which result from violence - as an integral part of their religion. Sikhs believe meat results in bad tempers, high blood pressures and cancers so many choose to become vegetarians. Jewish men and women are expected to dress modestly at all times as tradition places more emphasis on the soul inside rather than physical features...
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