The Basics Of Sikhism
By Sukhmandir Khalsa, About.com Guide to Sikhism
This section introduces the basic concepts of Sikhism. What is Sikhism? Who is a Sikh? What Do Sikhs Believe? Learn about the lives of the 10 gurus of Sikh history. Get acquainted with the scriptures and text of Guru Granth Sahib.
- Scriptures, Texts and Hymns
- Top Sikhism Reference Books & Gurbani Resources
- Picture Dictionary Of Sikh Words and Meanings
Important Beliefs
Are you a newcomer to Sikhism? Find answers to your questions here, and become familiar with the basic fundamentals and principles of Sikhism. Compare the beliefs of Sikhism to those of other major religions.
- What is Sikhism?
- What Are the Origins of Sikhism?
- What Do Sikhs Believe?
- What Do Sikhs Believe About God and Creation?
- What Do Sikhs Believe About the Afterlife?
- Do Sikhs Believe in Saints and Prophets?
- Do Sikhs Believe in a Bible?
- Do Sikhs Pay Tithe?
- Amrit, the Sikh Baptism Ceremony
- The Sikh Way of Life and the Gurus' Teachings
- The Three Principles of Sikhism
- What Are the Four Cardinal Commandments of Sikhism?
- The Five Defining Essentials of Sikhism
- What Are the Five Required Articles?
- What Are the Five Required Prayers?
- What are the Five Evils?
- Eight Guidelines For Langar
- Top Ten Sikh Beliefs
- Top Ten Tips for Establishing Early Morning Meditation
- Eleven Sikhism Dos and Don'ts
The Gurus
Founders of the Sikh religion, the 10 gurus were each instrumental in introducing various concepts important to Sikhism. Here you can find important dates and events in the lives of the gurus.
- Do Sikhs Believe in Saints and Prophets?
- The Ten Gurus of Sikh History
- Guru Nanak Dev (1469 - 1539)
- Free Guru Nanak Coloring Pictures
- The Life of Guru Nanak
- Guru Angad Dev (1504 - 1552)
- Guru Amar Das (1479 - 1574)
- Guru Raam Das (1534 - 1581)
- Guru Arjan Dev (1563 - 1606)
- Guru Har Govind (1595 - 1644)
- Guru Har Rai (1630 - 1661)
- Guru Har Rai and the Rosebush
- Guru Har Krishan (1656 - 1664)
- Guru Teg Bahadar (1621 - 1675)
- Guru Teg Bahadar and 22 Impostors
- Guru Gobind Singh (1666 - 1708)
- The Story of Guru Gobind Singh's Birth
- The Guru Granth, Sikhism’s Holy Scripture
Women in Sikh History
Women played a vital part in the course of Sikh history. Many Sikh women including the mothers, daughters, and sisters, of the Sikh gurus, were instrumental in bringing about time honored traditions and shaping important events. Learn about important women in Sikh history here.
Sikh Men in History
Heroic Sikh men played a vital part in the course of history serving beside the ten gurus. Many Sikh men including the fathers, sons, and brothers, of the Sikh gurus, were instrumental in bringing about time honored traditions and shaping important events. Learn about important male figures in Sikh history here.
Scriptures, Texts and Hymns
Sikhs consider their scripture to be their guru and the guide to enlightenment. If you are new to Sikhism start here to find out the proper care for the scripture of Guru Granth, and the method for reading the texts.
- Gurbani Cross Stitch Gallery
- Everything You Need to Know About Sikhism Prayers
- The Guru Granth, Sikhism’s Holy Scripture
- Learn to Read Sikh Scripture at Home
- Hukam, the Divine Command
- What You Need To Know Before You Read a Hukam
- Hymns, Prayers and Verses for All Occasions
- Why Read Gurbani If You Don’t Understand the Words?
- Introduction to the Gurmukhi Script
- Numeric Significance of Gurmukhi Script in Sikh Scripture Illustrated
- Alphabetical Significance of Gurmukhi Script in Sikh Scripture Illustrated
- Share a Gurbani Tuk, Treasure of Guru Granth Sahib
Top Sikhism Reference Books & Gurbani Resources
Whether you are new and just learning the basics, or a serious scholar of Sikhism, these are top reference books and resources that you won't want to be without.
- "Bani Pro" Nitnem CD by Rajnarind Kaur: Review
- Gurbani Kirtan CD's Bhajans, Shabads and Hymns by Gurmat Gian Group: Review
- Top 3 Sikhism Reference Books
- Top Books for Learning Gurmukhi With English
- Top Sikhism Prayer Books in Gurmukhi and English
- Sacred Nitnem Prayerbook in Gurmukhi and English
- Sacred Sukhmani CD and Prayerbook in Gurmukhi and English
- Learn Gurbani Kirtan Book DVD CD by Bhai ManMohan Singh: Review
Picture Dictionary Of Sikh Words and Meanings
Many words commonly used in Sikhism are of Indian origin. Learn the meanings of terms and concepts which are essential to a basic understanding of Sikhism.