KARAM
What is the law of karam based on?
Cause and effect.
What time does Amrit Vela usually begin?
Around 3:00 a.m. before sunrise.
Who controlled Scotland in the movie Braveheart?
The King of England, Edward Longshanks.
What does the word “Lobh” mean?
Greed.
What does the word “Seva” mean?
Selfless service.
According to Gurbani, how can people escape suffering?
By following God and the Guru’s teachings.
What should a Sikh do first after waking up during Amrit Vela?
Take ishnaan (a bath) and prepare for Simran and Nitnem.
What does the Sikh term “Shaheedi” mean?
Sacrifice for truth.
Why are the 5 evils called the “5 thieves”?
Because they steal a person’s good qualities and take them away from God.
What are the three types of Seva?
Physical Seva, mental Seva, and material Seva.
Name wo things that can reduce the effects of bad karams.
Naam Simran and Seva.
Why is it easier to focus on God during Amrit Vela?
Answer: Because there are fewer distractions, less noise, and the mind is calm and weak from sleep.
Why did William Wallace begin fighting against the English?
Why did William Wallace begin fighting against the English?
Which of the five evils refers to strong attachment to worldly possessions and relationships?
Moh
Why did Bhai Kanhaiya Ji give water to enemy soldiers?
Because he saw all people as equal and saw God’s spirit in everyone.
In the story of the thorn and the golden ring, why was the shopkeeper’s punishment reduced from hanging to only a thorn in his foot?
Because he visited Guru Nanak Dev Ji, did Simran, and kept good Sangat
In the story of Kartarpur Sahib, why did the sadhus first think it was not a holy place?
Because they saw Sikhs working and doing chores instead of sitting and meditating during the evening.
Why is betrayal from inside a group more dangerous than enemies from outside?
Because it breaks trust, weakens the group, and helps the enemy succeed.
Why did the Sant-Sipahee stop his sword before attacking the enemy soldier?
Because he realized he was acting out of anger and hate instead of justice.
How are Seva and Simran like two wings of a bird?
Both are needed for spiritual progress. Simran helps calm the mind, and Seva helps build humility and reduce ego.
Explain how present karams and past karams work together to shape a person’s life and future.
Past karams create situations in our current life, while present karams are the choices we make now. These present actions will shape our future and next life.
Explain why Gurbani compares planting Naam at Amrit Vela to planting a seed in the proper season.
Just like seeds grow best in the right season, Naam and Simran grow strongest when practiced during Amrit Vela, the best time for spritiual growth.
Explain why Sikh philosophy considers dying for truth to be a victory instead of a defeat.
Because staying true to faith and values is more important than saving one’s life. Truth and righteousness ultimately win, even through sacrifice.
Explain why overcoming the 5 evils helps a person become closer to God.
The 5 evils pollute the mind and distract people from God. By controlling them, a person can purify the soul, focus on Naam, and live according to Sikh teachings.
Explain why Nishkaam Seva is considered true Seva.
Because it is done without wanting reward, praise, or recognition. It reduces ego, builds humility, and helps a person become closer to God.