From: Joy Sebren
Monday, March 3
Religions of India

We had a guest speaker and the professor said the material was testable for the final exam. The speakers name was Kartika Hunter.
5 main K's that Sikhs follow:
1. Kesh (hair) they don't cut their hair (facial hair or body hair) no piercings, tatoos or makeup allowed). No circumcisn.
2. Kanga (Comb) Both men and women wear their hair in a bun on top of their heads. Men put the comb in the front of their buns women put the combs in the back.
3. Kirpan (knife) mostly for ornamental and symbolic reasons. Fight for the right to worship. The kirpan can be tucked in the turin.
4.Kacchera (under garment) like boxer shorts with drawstring. Men wear below the knee, women slightly shorter. For chaste and modesty.
5. Karha (bracelet) remind sikh of their shackle to God. No drinking, drugs, cigarettes, gambling or stealing. Everytime they put their arm out to do something they see the bracelet and think of God.
Their early language was Ponjavi and they lived in Punjab.
Anyone can perform a marriage, less emphasis on hierarchy and structure. After ceremony everyone eats together.
Amrit (ceremony of initiation) their are a number of prayers and vows. Not everyone takes the vows.
3 ways to liberation:
wife of saint
mother of saint
if you are a saint
a man must become a saint
Names are chosen - usually by a saint or through the text. Goes by sound, exact time of birth and place of birth.
In the late 60's Yogi Bajan brought Sikhism to America.
Most American Sikhs have adopted the last name of Khalsa meaning " people of the pure"
Males take middle name of Singh representing a lion or fighter for justice.
Women take the middle name of Kaur (princess), meaning graceful, elegant in all they say or do.
A lot of Sikhs with the same name marry each other. It has somthing to do with destiny and it was their destiny to be together.
Most sikhs are vegetarian, no eggs, meat, fish or poultry. Can eat dairy products because the cow is not hurt.

Buddhism continued:
Nirvana - bliss, freedom, extinguishment.
Tathagata - title for Buddha- truthful one or perfected one.
Dhamma - pali for Dharma.
Dharma in Hinduism - sacred duty according to caste. Social obligation.
Dharma in Buddhism - truth or Buddha's "gospel" teaching.
Study guide for final given out in class Mon.
10 March.
3 March - had to turn in faith interviews if you wanted them back 3/10. Otherwise, turn in 3/10 and get back next term.
3/10 - Film on buddhism and some people can share their interviews with the class.