Page 60 - Year 7

RE: Being a Sikh in UK: 1 of 1

Context: Keywords: Beliefs and Practices

This unit will provide a chance to explore what is Sewa: Selfless service to humanity (and God) God
Sikhism and who are Sikhs. We will consider what Guru: spiritual teacher • There is only one God
they believe in and what they do to reflect these Baisakhi/Vaisakhi: the festival where Sikhs learnt • God is without form, or gender
beliefs. about self-pride, courage, commitment and bravery • Everyone has direct access to God
Key Facts to learn and explore in our learning 5Ks: these are the 5 artefacts that Sikhs wear for • Everyone is equal before God
Sikhism was started by Guru Nanak in India. He public identification as members of the Khalsa. • A good life is lived as part of a community,
was born a Hindu These are: by living honestly and caring for others
Guru Nanak’s life was eventful in many ways as we Kachera: boxer shorts worn for dignity/modesty • Empty religious rituals and superstitions
shall explore. He became aware of the different Kangha: Wooden comb (tidy hair) have no value
ways that different people were treated based on Kirpan: steel sword (defence) Living in God and community
the caste system in India. He also became aware of Kesh: uncut hair (God’s gift) Sikhs focus their lives around their relationship with
the different religions and their conflicts especially Kara: a streel bangle/bracelet (one God) God, and being a part of the Sikh community. The
the conflict between Muslims and Hindus. Sikh ideal combines action and belief. To live a good
After Guru Nanak, there were other human Gurus Khalsa: a group of Sikhs who show courage, life a person should do good deeds as well as
that led the Sikh religion over time. The last human bravery, commitment and dedication to their meditating on God.
Guru was Guru Gorbind Singh who taught Sikhs a religion to the point of willing to die for it. Getting close to God
sense of pride and identity that they became very Gurdwara: Sikh place of worship
proud of. Amrit: the sugar solution taken by those who are
Baisakhi: the ceremony that celebrates the day joining the Khalsa
when Khalsa was born. Khalsa is day that 5 brave
men and others publicly expressed their desire and Guru Nanak: founder of Sikhism
commitment to die for their God and Guru. Sikhs Guru Gorbind Singh: the last human Guru

celebrate and commemorate this day of heroism Guru Granth Sahib: the living Guru (the holy Text in When a Sikh wants to see God, they look both at the
and commitment. Since then, those who join the Sikhism) created world and into their own heart and soul.
Khalsa wear 5Ks, artefacts that make it public that Waheguru: One, true and eternal God in Sikhism Their aim is to see the divine order that God has
these are men and women who are keen and eager Gurmukhi: language used in the Guru Granth Sahib given to everything, and through it to understand the
to defend their religion, the weak and vulnerable Langar: a free kitchen that Sikhs use to serve a nature of God.
and those who are denied their basic rights. community Most human beings can’t see the true reality of God
Sikhs live to serve God through humanity as they because they are blinded by their own self-centred
seek a meaningful life on this earth. In doing so, pride (Sikhs call it haumain) and concern for
they offer their selfless service to the world through physical things.
seva/sewa/sewar: the philosophy of service to God
through humanity in material, mental and physical
service.