Religions of South Asia

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Religions of South Asia
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Five Main Religions of South Asia

• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Jainism
• Islam---We studied Islam in depth in the Middle
  East Unit, so we will not be learning about this
  religion within this lesson.
• Sikhism

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What Religions are found in India?

• Hinduism 81.3
• Buddhism 0.7
• Islam 12
• Christianity 2.3
• Jainism 0.5
• Sikhism 1.9

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CULTURE OF SOUTH ASIA

• A culturally fragmented region
• Religious and linguistic diversity
• Religions
• Islam is predominant in Pakistan and Bangladesh
  (165 million in India).
• Hinduism is predominant in India.
• Sikhism thrives in northern India.
• Buddhism is predominant in Sri Lanka.

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• Hinduism emerged from the beliefs and practices
  brought to India by the Aryans. (6th century BC)
• Buddhism emerged during the 6th century BC
  made the state religion of India in 3rd century
  BC
• Islam swept through central India from the 8th
  -10th centuries AD

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RELIGIOUS CONTRASTS

• ISLAM
• Monotheistic
• No idols
• One sacred book
• Uniform dogma - 5 pillars
• Intolerant (of other religions)
• Eat beef/Sacrifice cows
• Bury Dead
• Social Equality (in theory)
• Theocratic society

• HINDUISM
• Polytheistic
• Many idols
• Various sacred writings
• Varying beliefs
• Absorbed other religions
• Venerate cows
• Burn dead ( alive)
• Caste separation
• State of secondary importance

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Hindu/Muslim-practices/perceptions

• Hindus tend to be vegetarians (ahimsa and
  reincarnation beliefs foster this)
• Cows are sacred animals
• Believe in reincarnation
• Brahman, if it is God, is an impersonal one
• Follow caste system no social or religious
  mobility within one lifetime
• Formerly practiced sutee

• Muslims see Hindus as polytheistic infidels not
  to be tolerated
• Muslims eat meat (cows) not pork
• Muslims are strict monotheists
• Muslims believe in a personal God
• Muslims reject the concept of castes equality
  of believers
• Reject reincarnation

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Similarities Between Hinduism and Buddhism

• Both religions believe in the concept of karma
  and reincarnation.
• Both emphasize compassion and non-violence
  towards all living beings.
• Both believe in spiritual practices like
  meditation and concentration to help reach a
  certain state of mind.

• Both believe in renunciation of worldly life to
  enter spiritual life. Both consider desire as
  the chief cause of suffering.
• Both believe that liberation, nor rebirth or
  heavenly life, is the best solution to the
  problem of suffering and bondage.

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Similarities Between Hinduism and Buddhism

• Both believe the goal of religion is to attain
  enlightenment and be released from the cycle of
  rebirth and death.
• This is not all the similarities, but a starting
  point for your compare and contrast essay!

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Differences Between Hinduism and Buddhism

• Hinduism was not founded by any prophet.
  Buddhism was founded by the Buddha.
• Hinduism believes in the supremacy of the Vedas
  and Caste System. While Buddhists reject the
  Vedas and Caste System.

• Buddhism does not believe in the existence of
  souls who come from God. While Hindus believe
  in the existence of Atman, which is the
  individual soul and Brahman, the Supreme Creator.

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Differences Between Hinduism and Buddhism

• Hinduism believes in the trinity of Gods. The
  Buddhist doe not accept any Hindu god either as
  an equal or superior to the Buddha.
• The original followers of Buddhism as taught by
  Buddha do not worship the images of Buddha nor
  believe in the Bodhisattvas.

• Hinduism recognizes four chief aims of life
  dharma, artha, kama, and mosksha. Buddhism
  considers the world full of suffering and
  resolving it the chief purpose of life through
  dharma and liberation/nirvana.

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Differences Between Hinduism and Buddhism

• Hindus believe in the four ashrams or stages of
  life. This is not followed in Buddhism. People
  can join the Buddhist Order any time depending on
  their spiritual preparedness.

• Buddhists organize themselves into a monastic
  Order. And the monks live in groups. Hinduism
  is basically a religion of the individual.

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Differences Between Hinduism and Buddhism

• Buddhism believes in the concept of Bodhisattvas.
  Hinduism does not.
• Buddhism acknowledges the existence of some gods
  and goddesses, but they are not very important.

• Buddhists require following the Eight-Fold Path
  and believing in the Four Noble Truths for
  liberation. Hinduism offers many choices to its
  followers on the path of self-realization.

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Differences Between Hinduism and Buddhism

• Although both religions believe in karma and
  rebirth, they differ in the manner in which they
  operate and the impact they have on the existence
  of individual beings.

• A God or gods have been wholly rejected by
  Theravda Buddhists. Their only refuge are the
  three jewels of the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the
  Sangha.

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Differences Between Hinduism and Buddhism

• The previous slides contain only some of the
  differences, but not all.
• They are a starting point for your compare and
  contrast essay.

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Hinduism
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HINDUISM

• One of the worlds oldest religions.
• Not just a religion also a culture in itself.

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Hinduism

• Originated more than 3000 year ago.
• Do not have 1 specific founder.
• 3rd most practiced religion in the world with
  about 1 billion followers (1.4 million in US)
• Originated in India
• Belief in a supreme spirit
• Oldest in the world but developed over the
  centuries from many different texts.
• There is no hierarchy like Catholic

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Religions

• Hinduism
• Grew out the Aryan culture, the Vedas, and the
  work of Brahman priests
• Everyone has a moral duty dharma
• Good actions are rewarded and bad ones punished
  karma
• People are reincarnated and either move up or
  down on the caste system based on their karma
• Ultimate goal is to be reunited with the
  universal spirit after living as Brahman priest

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Hinduism
2500 250 BC

• The religion of Hinduism developed and evolved
  over a long time in India, giving rise to a
  variety of beliefs and practices and to other
  religions, including Buddhism.
• One of the oldest religions of humanity, founded
  in 1500 BCE or earlier.
• It is the 3rd largest religion in the world.
• No particular founder

Brahman
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Background

• The term Hindu originates from the Sindhu, the
  ancient name for the Indus river.
• Classical languageSanskrit. It is the language
  for Hinduism and is one of Indias 22 official
  languages (less than 50000 fluent)
• The faiths traditions and beliefs developed from
  the ancient Vedic tradition.

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MAJOR TENETS OF HINDUISM

• Three main ideas are important in understanding
  the Hindu religion and the caste system
• Reincarnation
• Karma
• Dharma

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REINCARNATION

• Every living thing has a soul.
• When a living thing dies, its soul moves into
  another living creature.
• Souls are reborn in a newly created life.

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What is reincarnation according to the Hindus?

• It is rebirth of the soul in various forms.
• After the body dies, the soul may be reborn as
  anything from a god to a flower to a snake.
• Each form in only temporary.

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KARMA

• Every action brings about certain results.
• There is no escaping the consequences of ones
  actions.
• Good behavior is rewarded when the soul is reborn
  into a higher ranking living creature.

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Karma

• The cycle of reincarnation continues until one
  reaches moksha. The cycle is governed by the law
  of karma.
• Karma is derived from the Sanskrit word to do.
• The law of karma states that every deed-mental or
  physical-in this life affects a persons fate in
  a future life.
• Your present situation is the result of your
  deeds in a past existence, says karmic law.

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Hinduism Beliefs

• How does a Hindu achieve moksha?
• Karma every deed in a persons life affects a
  persons fate in a future life
• Reincarnation rebirth of the soul
• Karma determines where you are reincarnated in
  the caste system
• Good Karma higher in caste system
• Bad Karma lower in caste system

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DHARMA

• A set of rules that must be followed by all
  living things if they wish to work their way up
  the ladder of reincarnation.
• Each persons dharma is different.

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Hinduism Beliefs

• How does a Hindu achieve moksha?
• Dharma duties and obligations of your caste
• Doing your dharma will get you good karma

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Hinduism Beliefs

• Atman the essential self
• Also, part of the Brahman
• Nonviolence
• Every living thing has an atman

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Unity of all Life---Atman

• The essential self or the vital essence in human
  is the same as that in an ant, the same as that
  in a gnat, the same as that in an elephantindeed
  the same as that in the whole universe.

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Ahimsa

• Seeing all life as sacred a part of a oneness
• Results in the life principle of non-violence
• Supports the idea of being in harmony with nature
• A principle also found in Jainism and Buddhism

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Hinduism Beliefs

• Moksha freeing your atman/soul from your body
• The ultimate goal of all Hindus
• Your atman is reunited with the Brahman and you
  will have true peace.

Brahman
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Hinduism Beliefs

• How does a Hindu achieve moksha?
• Caste system strict social classes
• Handed down from the Aryan varna
• A Hindu must reach the top of the caste system in
  order to achieve moksha
• How do you get to the top?

Priests, brahman
Traders, merchants
Commoners, peasants
Untouchables
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CASTE SYSTEM
1) Brahmans, the priestly and learned class 2)
Kshatriyas, the warriors and rulers 3)
Vaisyas, farmers and merchants 4) Sudras,
peasants and laborers. 5) Panchamas, the
untouchables who performed the most
menial tasks.
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The Varna (Caste System)

• 4 different castes Never change within a
  lifetime.
• Brahmin- priests and educated people
• Kshatria- Rulers and Aristocrats
• Vaisia- Landlords and Businessmen
• Sundra- Peasants and working class
• Untouchables (literally cannot be touched by the
  other 4 castes)- Cleaning, sewage, etc.

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Jat

• The Varna is broken down further into various Jat
  or Jati.
• Must eat according to Caste
• Must work according to Caste
• Must marry within the Caste

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Hinduism Beliefs

• Brahman the single supreme force of the universe
• Only a few people can fully understand it
• Many gods are worshiped as part of the Brahman
• Nameless, formless, unlimited
• Names and faces given to certain aspects of the
  Brahman

Shiva, destroyer
Brahma, creator
Vishnu, protector
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What do Hindus believe?
2500 250 BC

• 1. Brahman -the eternal being - created and
  preserves the world. Everything in the world is
  an aspect of Brahman.
• 2. Atman - the soul each person has one that is
  an aspect of Brahman. Cant ever be destroyed.
• 3. Devas manifestations of Brahman that are
  active in the world and who help to maintain
  order.
• 3 of the most commonBrahma, Vishnu, Siva
• 4. Reincarnation being reborn into this world
  lifetime after lifetime (Samsara)
• 5. Karma the sum effect of a persons actions,
  good and bad, which helps shape future
  experiences
• 6. Moksha - goal of human existence, escape from
  the cycle of reincarnation to join with the
  Brahman.
• 7. Dharma set of spiritual duties and
  obligations that must be fulfilled to achieve
  moksha.

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Hinduism

• Sacred texts
• Vedas scriptures/hymns that explain Hindu
  teachings
• Upanishads
• Help explain the ideas of the Vedas

Vedas
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Vedas and Roots of Hinduism

• Unlike many religions, Hinduism bases its
  principles on a collection of teachings compiled
  over time.
• Earliest collection are the Vedas Scriptures.
• Other notable scriptures are the Bhagavad-Gita,
  the Brahma Sutras, and the epics Ramayana and
  Mahabharata

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What are the Sacred Texts?
2500 250 BC

• Oldest, most authoritative
• 1. Four Vedas (truth) sacred hymns of praise
• Contain knowledge revealed by Brahman
• 2. Upanishads philosophical reflections on the
  Vedas
• Also revealed to, not written by, people
• the Great Indian Epics (composed by sages)
• Ramayana
• Mahabharata (includes Bhagavad-Gita)
• Both tell stories that reflect on what it means
  to live according to Vedic teachings

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THREE BASIC PRACTICES

• Puja or worship corporate worship not required
  largely individual practices
• Cremation of the dead
• Regulations of the caste system

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What are the religious practices of Hinduism?
2500 250 BC

• Vary greatly because worship can take place
  anywhereusually a temple or in the home.
• Spiritual leaders are called gurus or sages.
• Yoga-integrated physical and mental exercises.
  They teach people to focus their minds and bodies
  which will aid their meditation in order to
  attain moksha
• Pilgrimage to Ganges (thought it flows through 2
  devas so its water is holy. Bathing in it will
  purify them and remove bad karma.
• Ultimate goal of life to release Atman and
  reunite with the divine, becoming as one with
  Brahman (Moksha)

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Hindu and Diet

• Many Hindus are vegetarian
• Since the divine soul flows through all beings,
  many devout Hindus support non-violence.
• Some will not eat meat on important days
• If meat is eaten, usually fish or chicken
• Cows are Venerated (highly respected) at it is
  illegal to slaughter a cow in most Indian states
• Because they provided milk and helped plow
  fields. They were caretakers

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Who do Hindus worship? 3 Most Important Devas
2500 250 BC
Brahma, the creator
Vishnu, the Preserver
Siva, the Destroyer
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The Three Main Gods of Hinduism

• Brahma the creator
• Vishnu the preserver
• Shiva the destroyer
• Different sects worship different gods and their
  families.
• Hindus believe in the unity of all life and every
  person has an essential self or atman part of
  the universal soul.

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Brahma the creator
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Vishnu the preserver
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Shiva the destroyer
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All these deities are but Aspects of
the impersonal Brahman
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Temples

• Originally did not have temples, idols or icons.
  
• There are temples that exist today that are
  usually dedicated to one deity.
• Temples are often sites of pilgrimages.

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Hindu Temple
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Festivals

• Diwali, also known as the festival of lights.
• Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival celebrating Lord
  Ganesha.
• Maha Shivaratri, The night of Lord Shiva when he
  drank Halahala to save gods and demons from its
  effect.
• Ramanavami, celebrates the birthday of Lord Ram
• Holi, The spring festival of colors and light.

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Symbols

• Aum- (Om) is the most sacred symbol of Hinduism.
  Most mantras begin with this sound. It
  represents Brahman (the universal spirit)
• Swastika- Represents the 4 Vedas

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Hinduism Map!
AUM! AUM! AUM!

• Hinduism in 1500 C.E.

• Hinduism Today

Hinduism located in India and SE Asia Then and Now
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Buddhism
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Religions

• Buddhism
• Four Noble Truths
• Noble Eight-fold Path

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2500 250 BC
Buddhism

• Buddhism, which teaches people that they can
  escape the suffering of the world through the
  Buddhist teachings, developed in Northeast India
  in 520 BCE and spread to other parts of Asia
• 4th largest religion in the world

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BUDDHISM
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563 - 483 B.C.)

• Focuses on knowledge, especially self-knowledge
• Elimination of worldly desires, determination not
  to hurt or kill people or animals

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Buddhism

• Siddhartha Gautama, founder
• He was a reformer who tried to limit the power of
  the brahman, or priest, caste in India

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2500 250 BC
Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

• Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism can be traced to one
  single founder, Siddhartha Gautama
• Prince of a small kingdom he lived a sheltered
  life and sought the answer to ending suffering
• After years of meditation and searching, he sat
  under a Bodhi tree where he became Enlightened
• He transformed into the Buddha-the Enlightened
  One.

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Siddhartha Gautama

• Born in 560 BCE into wealth
• One day journeyed beyond walls and saw suffering.
  
• He left his wife and family and searched out the
  cause of suffering.
• After six years of searching he found
  enlightenment while sitting under a sacred tree.

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Was Buddha a Hindu?

• Yes he thought of himself as a Hindu and
  believed in reincarnation and karma.
• He did deny the existence of any gods and thought
  that priests were unnecessary.
• People had to seek nirvana on their own.

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BUDDHISM

• Objected to harsher features of Hinduism such as
  the caste system
• Focuses on knowledge, especially self-knowledge
• Enlightenment ends the cycle of reincarnation
• Elimination of worldly desires, determination not
  to hurt or kill people or animals

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2500 250 BC
The Teachings of Buddhism
What is the fundamental cause of all suffering?
Desire!

• Therefore, extinguish the self, dont obsess
  about oneself. Give up all materials and
  possessions of the world.

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Buddhism

• The Four Noble Truths
• Suffering is universal
• The cause of suffering is want/desire
• The only way to end suffering is to end desire
• Nirvana condition of wanting nothing
• The way to achieve nirvana is to follow the
  Eightfold Path
• Compassion for all creatures, kindness,
  truthfulness, meditation

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FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

• Sorrow and suffering are part of all life.
• People suffer because they desire things they
  cannot have.
• The way to escape suffering is to end desire.
• To end desire, follow the middle path.

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Eightfold Path
2500 250 BC
Right Understanding
Right Speech
Right Intention
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Concentration
Right Mindfulness
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EIGHTFOLD PATH TO THE MIDDLE WAY

• Right understanding
• Right purpose
• Right speech
• Right conduct
• Right means of earning a living
• Right effort
• Right awareness
• Right meditation

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2500 250 BC
Eightfold Path
Nirvana

• Nirvana is a state of perfect peace in which the
  soul would be free from suffering forever. It
  would escape from the cycle of rebirth.
• If nirvana is not achieved, then the soul would
  be reborn to live through the cycle of suffering
  again.
• Spiritual leaders are called monks or lamas.
• Worship takes place in a temple or meditation
  hall.

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Buddhism Beliefs

• Ultimate goal of Buddhism
• End suffering by achieving nirvana.
• Once you are in the condition of wanting
  nothing, you will be Enlightened, or understand
  the universe and cause of human suffering

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Could you do it?

• No drinking or mind-altering substances.
• No eating animals (vegetarian)
• No violence.
• No doing harm to any living creature, verbally or
  physically.
• Constant meditation
• Giving up material possessions

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Sacred Texts

• Pali Canon
• Dhammapada
• Both record the words of the Buddha

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Spread of Buddhism

• People began carrying the message of Buddhism
  throughout Asia
• Monasteries and convents provided a place where
  people could devote themselves to the Eightfold
  Path.
• Two sects developed
• Theravada Did not worship anyone
• Mahayana Worshiped Buddha and other enlightened
  ones as god

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Buddhism

• Two main Buddhists sects have emerged
• Theravada monastic life to reach nirvana, Buddha
  is a great teacher
• Mahayana worship Buddha as a god, more popular

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2500 250 BC
Types of Buddhism

• Therevada Buddhism
• Mahayana Buddhism
• Tibetan Buddhism

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2500 250 BC
Theravada Buddhism

• The oldest school of Buddhism.
• Found in southern Asia.
• The monastic life is the best way to achieve
  nirvana.
• Focus on wisdom and meditation.
• Goal is to become a Buddha, or Enlightened
  One.
• Over 100,000,000 followers today.

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2500 250 BC
Mahayana Buddhism

• Founded in northern Asia (China, Japan).
• Buddhism for the masses.
• One doesnt need to be a monk or nun to reach
  nirvana anyone can do it with some help.
• Seek guidance from Boddhisatvas, wise beings,
  people who have found enlightenment but have
  stayed on earth to help others find their way.
• Goal Not just individual escape from the wheel,
  but the salvation of all humanity through
  self-sacrifice of those who are already
  enlightened.d few.

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2500 250 BC
Tibetan Buddhism

• Developed in Tibet in the 7c CE.
• A mix of Theravada and Mahayana.
• Boddhisatvas include Lamas, like the Dalai Lama.

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Buddhism Map!

• Buddhism in 1500 C.E.

• Buddhism Today

Buddhism located in Southeast and East Asia
(China) Then and Now
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Buddhism Beliefs

• Similarities with Hinduism
• 1. Belief in reincarnation
• 2. Belief in nonviolence
• Differences with Hinduism
• Buddhists deny the existence of gods
• Priests are not necessary, you must seek nirvana
  on your own
• Buddhists reject the caste system

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Buddhism Vs. Hinduism

• Siddhartha believed himself to be a Hindu
• Nevertheless
• Rejected the caste system
• God did not exist
• Priest were not necessary Individual journey

• Similarities
• Reincarnation
• Karma
• Dharma
• Nirvana (Moksha) self-enlightenment

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Jainism
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THE ORIGINS OF JAINISM

• Vardhamana (He who augments)
• Born c. 599 BCE in Patna, city on the Ganges
  River in northeastern India, to ksatriya family
• Possibly elder contemporary of the Buddha
  Sakyamuni
• Became renunciant at age 30
• After 13 years of severe asceticism, achieved
  kevala-jñana (unique knowledge, omniscience)
• Hailed as Jina (victor) and Mahavira (Great
  Hero)
• Attracted disciples, whom he accepted from both
  genders and all classes
• Starved himself to death at 72 in order to obtain
  moksa

86
Jainism

• Jainism
• Based on Hinduism
• 3 Jewels Right Faith, Right
• Knowledge and Right Conduct
• Mahivira was the founder
• Emphasized Ahimsa (non-violence)
• Strict vegetarians
• Swept ground to avoid killing
• Reincarnation
• Objective Rid jiva (soul) of all Kharma
• Gods do not help (religion of self-help)

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THE TEACHINGS OF THE MAHAVIRA

• All matter (animal, vegetable, mineral) is alive
  (hylozoism)
• The cosmos proceeds in a series of ascending and
  declining phases, without creation or
  intervention by deities
• The self (jiva)
• Completely individual
• Eternal
• Encumbered by karma, thus preventing its ascent
  to realms of bliss after death (moksa)
• Path to moksa
• Ahimsa (nonviolence) to purify ones karma for
  better rebirth
• Tapas (heat, asceticism) to eliminate karmic
  encumbrances

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Jainism Continued

• 5 Mahavratas
• Non Violence
• Non-Attachment
• Sexual Restraint
• Not Lying
• Not Stealing
• Agamas Sacred texts (had to be memorized due to
  non-attachment)
• 2 Sects-- the Digambara (meaning "sky clad") sect
  and the Svetambara (meaning "white clad") sect
• Nuns and Monks are spiritual leaders

89
JAINA ETHICS

• Primary ethical obligation for all Jainas (lay or
  monastic) ahimsa
• Commitment to nonviolence in ones work, as well
  as social roots of Jaina movement, account for
  predominance of Jainas in mercantile profession
• Laypersons take 5 vows
• To avoid violence
• To avoid lying
• To avoid theft
• To avoid illicit sex
• To avoid material attachments
• Monastics follow stricter code, involving
  meditation, fasting, voluntary poverty, etc.

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JAINA RITUAL LIFE

• In theory, moksa attainable only through
  conscientious individual effort, without need for
  deities, priests, or sacrifices
• In practice, many aspects of Hindu tradition are
  assimilated to Jaina spirituality
• Veneration of images, including those of
  explicitly Hindu deities
• Construction of temples
• Conceptualization of Brahman as totality of
  liberated jivas
• Prayer to Tirthankaras
• Theism and devotionalism rationalized as
  participation in the karmic merit (punya) of the
  Tirthankaras

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Sikhism
92
Historical Origins Sikhism
CHINA
IRAN
INDIA

• 22 million Sikhs worldwide
• 20 million Sikhs in India

AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN
INDIA
93
Guru Nanak

• Founded Sikhism
• Born in 1469
• 10 Gurus provided spiritual guidance
• Guru Nanak founded Sikhism based on equality and
  justice for all

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Sikhism

• Sikhism
• 1500 CE
• Nanak was the founder
• One God- Waheguru
• Teachings of 10 Sikh gurus
• Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture)
• Punjab almost exclusively
• Attention on god rather than self
• Karma
• Become one with god by serving others

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Beliefs of the Sikhs

• One god/creator
• All humans created equal
• Goal is to be one with god
• Human life a precious blessing
• All carry a spark of divine light consequently
  no race, pigmentation, gender, is intrinsically
  superior to others
• Defenders of social and spiritual justice,
• Truth, fearless,non-hateful spirit are important
  in attaining salvation

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Beliefs of the Sikhs

• Freedom of speech, religion
• Equal rights in all walks of life for all persons
  of all faiths and external looks
• Note that many countries still ask require
  religion, race, or nationality on employment
  applications
• Elsewhere, people discriminate based on looks
• Compensation based on merit rather than outward
  differences
• Justice and liberty for all
• Origin of universe is from one light source
• Life is by gods evolution
• There are many planets, solar systems and
  galaxies

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Values Practices

• Seva Daily selfless service to humanity
• Vand Chakna sharing with others
• Langar Community Kitchen,
• An expression of service to community
• Kirat Kamaiyee Honest Labor
• Honest earnings by hard work
• Do not become burden on the society
• Daily Prayers Meditation
• No passive mediation
• Maintain channel of knowledge by actively
  engaging in the society.
• Prevent stagnation of social and intellectual
  skills
• Introspection connect now, dont wait for later

Bhai Kanyia pioneer of the Red Cross
humanitarian aide organizations
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Respect for All

• Protectors of social and spiritual justice for
  ALL
• Believers of non-violence
• Equality of all religions
• Give relevance to god rather than religion
• Believers of interfaith diversity
• Equality of persons
• Social, spiritual, political rights for all women

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Sikhism

• 3 foci
• Keep god in mind at all times
• Earn an honest living
• Give help to others
• 5 Vices
• Lust
• Covetousness and greed
• Attachment to things of this world
• Anger
• Pride

100
The Five Ks

• Every man and woman who belongs to the Khalsa
  must wear five symbols which show that they are
  Sikhs.
• They are usually called the Five Ks because in
  Punjabi their names all begin with the letter K.

101
(1) Kesh

• Kesh is hair. Sikhs promise not to cut their hair
  but let it grow as a symbol of their faith.
  Because during their lifetimes it will get very
  long they wear turbans to keep it tidy.
• They believe that this demonstrates their
  obedience to God.

A Sikh wearing a Turban
102
(2) Kangha

• The Kangha is a small wooden comb. It keeps the
  hair fixed in place, and is a symbol of
  cleanliness. Combing their hair reminds Sikhs
  that their lives should be tidy and organised.
  Take note year 6!

The Kangha
103
(3) The Kara

• The kara is a steel bangle worn on the arm. It is
  a closed circle with no beginning and no end...as
  with God there is no beginning and no end.
• It is a reminder to behave well, keep faith and
  restrain from wrong doing. Wearing it will remind
  a Sikh of his duties.

The Kara
104
The Last two are a reminder that Sikhs are
warriors and always fight for what is right!

• The last two Ks are
• The Kachera
• The Kirpan

105
(4) The Kachera

• These are short trousers worn as underwear. They
  were more practical than the long, loose clothes
  most people in India wore at the time of Guru
  Gobind Singh.
• The Guru said they were a symbol that Sikhs were
  leaving old ideas behind, following new better
  ones.

The Kachera
106
(5) The Kirpan

• The warriors sword. These days a very tiny one is
  worn as a symbol of dignity and self respect.
• It demonstrates power and reminds Sikhs that they
  must fight a spiritual battle, defend the weak
  and oppressed, and uphold the truth.

The Kirpan
107
Sikh Turbans

• Mideast headcoverings different
• 99 of people with turbans in US are Sikhs, not
  Muslims or Hindus
• Covers long, uncut hair
• Approx. 15 feet of cloth wrapped neatly around
  the head every time it is put on
• Symbolizes discipline, integrity, humility, and
  spirituality
• Religious requirement - must be worn at all times
  in public

108
Importance of Identity

• Sikhs feel severely humiliated if asked to remove
  their turban in public, as this breaks a sacred
  covenant with god and exposes an intimate part of
  the body
• It is very insulting and disrespectful to a Sikh
  to remove his or her turban
• Turbans are a mandatory part of Sikh faith
• A turban is not a hat. It cannot be casually
  taken on and off. It must be carefully retied
  each time it is removed
• Treat the turban with respect

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Golden Temple
Golden Temple, Amritsar Harmandir
Sahib1588 Fifth Guru
Sentiment of Sikhs Symbol of strength
endurance Survived tyrannical raids