3/3/03
We had a guest speaker on Sikhism-
History of Sikhism-
1500 ad Nanak created a philosophy to tie together Hinduism and Islam.
· Originating in Punjab
· Began as a way of life not so much a religion.
· Refused to adopt the cast system
· Acknowledged that god has many facets. (everyone has a different relationship with god)
· Sikhism follows the notion that god is formless
Philosophy of Sikhism-
The five K’s
· Kesha- Hair, Sikhs refuse to cut hair or modify their body in any way.
· Kanga- comb, Sikhs are expected to remain tidy and clean under any circumstance.
· Kirpan- Knife, stands for fighting for injustices and freedom of religion.
· Kacchera- undergarment, reminder of modesty. Sikhs refrain from premarital sex.
· Karha- Bracelet, represents a shackle to god to help remind not to do bad deeds( intoxicants, gambling ect…)
Gurudwara- house of the guru or the temple.
· Has Four doors one facing in each direction to symbolize that everyone is welcome.
Equality is stressed no cast system or gender segregation, no religious hierarchy (clergy vs. followers).
Amrit- religious initiation, taking vows to follow the five K’s.
Enlightenment is obtained with zero Karma. I f you have to much bad you return to life if you have to much good you return to teach others.

3/3/03 Buddhism follow up
Theravada- seeking nirvana- bliss and freedom form desire.
Followed mostly by monks and nuns who devote their lives to pursuit of nirvana. This caused a perceived elitism where laymen felt the monks were favored by Buddha.