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The Development of the Sikh Faith

Explore the evolution of the Sikh faith through the succession of Gurus, the introduction of important institutions, and the preservation of Guru Nanak's message. Discover the significance of each Guru and their contributions to Sikhism.

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The Development of the Sikh Faith

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  1. The Development of the Sikh Faith

  2. The successor of Guru Nanak • Continuation of human Gurus important for the development of Sikhism • Total of 10 human Gurus and then the Guru Granth Sahib (not all Sikhs though) • Jot (divine light) in all, therefore a continuation. • M1, M2, etc. “Mahalla” abode/body. 1 whole. • Some institutions introduced which may be seen as contradicting the thought of Guru Nanak but were necessary • The continuation of Guru Nanak’s message was important • All 10 Gurus male, Punjabi and belonged to the Khatri caste

  3. The 2nd Guru – Guru Angad • Guru Nanak chose his successor before he died – this was case for all 10 and GGS • Originally called Lehna – renamed “Angad” meaning “limb” – an extension/1 in spirit • Rite of succession: Guru Nanak placed 5 coins (representing 5 elements) , a coconut and bowed at Guru Angad’s feet. Also gave a pothi – same message • Guru Nanak had 2 sons – but neither of these. • Guru Angad responsible for perfecting the Punjabi script now Gurmukhi “from mouth of Guru”. • In vernacular, therefore no priesthood needed to translate. • Encouraged education – females too (unusual in 16th century Punjab)

  4. The 3rd Guru – Guru Amar Das • Not Guru until age of 73, prior a Vaisnavite Hindu • His knowledge of Guru’s teachings through nephew’s wife (daughter of Guru Angad) • By now many Sikhs by birth – need for institutionalization since no longer in initial stage. • Need for a distinction from other faiths in order to prevent re-absorption into former • Some contradictions of Guru Nanak’s message became necessary, eg, pilgrimage. • Construction of the baoli (well) at Goindwal – 84 steps leading down to it – no brahmins needed here so taking over Ganges and Hardwar?

  5. Also introduced the manji system. Manji = authority. • Whole of Sikh community under 22 leaders – own districts – growing community • Langar also established (although been started by Guru Nanak) • Encouraged all to meet 3 times a year on Hindu festivals – hoping for distinction as “Sikhs”, disciples? • 3 times: Vaisakhi (harvest festival, not Khalsa until 1699); diwali, maghashivratri. • Strongly denounced Sati • His son-in-law next Guru

  6. The 4th Guru - Guru Ram Das • Renamed Ram Das (Slave of God) from “Jetha” • Emphasis on namsimran • Founded city of Ramdaspur – later became Amritsar • Started the “masand” system – “noble” – the masands would collect funds for the upkeep of Sikh centres. • Started the construction of the tank in midst of which Harmandir Sahib would be built by Guru Arjan • Successor was his youngest son - Arjan

  7. The 5th Guru – Guru Arjan • 1st Guru to be born a Sikh • Many institutions aimed at distinct identity • Built Harmandir Sahib – later the Golden Temple • Complied the AdiGranth in 1603 – 04 CE. • Installed in Harmandir Sahib • A central place of worship and very own scripture – therefore distinction? • No pilgrimage in Sikhism • 1st Sikh martyr – Emperor Jahangir – tortured to death in 1606 • Martyrdom turning point in Sikh history – unrest between Sikhs and Mughals • Militancy necessary institution – from peaceful to community of warriors

  8. The 6th Guru – Guru Hargobind • Guru Arjan’s son – awareness of him by Mughals • Introduced militancy - necessary • Wore 2 swords – spiritual and temporal authority, miri-piriPir is Islamic term for religious guide, Miri also Islamic menaing commander of faithful • Arms and horses visible feature of Sikh faith • 1609 CE laid foundations for Akal Takht “Throne of the Timeless One” • Therefore Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht represent miri-piri to present day. SGPC at Akal Takht • Imprisoned for 2 years by Mughal emperor, on release also the release of 52 Hindu princes – DIWALI FOR SIKHS TODAY

  9. 7th Guru – Guru HarRai Guru Hargobind’s son not suitable at this time due to withdrawn nature, hence guruship went to Guru Hargobind’s grandson 8th Guru – Guru HarKrishan Child Guru Died at 8yrs old- smallpox. Guru for 3 years 9th Guru – Guru TeghBahadur Originally not chosen – withdrawn nature. Guru HarKrishanchose his uncle as his successor • Had many rivals within Sikh community – splits within community • Founded city of Anandpur – “abode of bliss” • Martyred in 1675 CE by Mughals for defending freedom of worship for all religions • Protected the tilak and janeu of Hindus • Religious liberty as a principle – hence martyred

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