Who wrote “Ki jaana main kaun?”
Bulleh Shah
What are 2 messages of Sikhism?
1 creator
1 human race
Tenth Gate
What is langar?
A community kitchen practice rooted in Sufi and Sikh traditions.
What is Sufism?
This mystical branch of Islam focuses on love, inner purification, and a direct connection to the Divine.
What the Khalsa and its purpose?
The Khalsa Panth is a collective of devout Sikhs who have given their "head" (symbolizing mind, body, etc) to the Guru. The Khalsa acts as both the personal military force of the Guru, as well as the administrative body that guides the Sikh community, and ensures freedom for all. Initiation into the Khalsa Panth is not required in order to become a Sikh or to attain spiritual liberation, however it is a recommended goal for Sikhs and involves undergoing and initiation/baptism ceremony.
Who is Baba Farid?
A key figure in establishing langar, associated with the Chishti Sufi order.
What are the 3 pillars of Sikhism?
Kirat Karna, Naam Japna, Vand Chakhna
Why do Sikhs wear a turban?
To maintain a distinct Sikh identity and stand out.
To protect and manage the Kesh.
To symbolize ones sovereignty and commitment.
What is zikr?
This is the Arabic term for "remembrance of God", often repeated in chant or song.
What does ik oankar mean?
ੴ (Ik Oankaar) is the One universal force that permeates the universe, existence, and beyond. "Ik-Oan-Kaar" refers to: a single unified non-dualistic (Ik) transcendent ultimate reality (Oan) which creates, sustains, destroyed as well as pervades everything (Kaar). ੴ is an all encompassing infinite force that is not separate from creation, but exists intertwined in it in each and every single atom, but is ultimately sovereign and also exists beyond the confines of time and reality. Sikhi teaches that the One Creator has countless names, however Sikhs most often refer to the creator using the name Vaheguru, Akaal, and ੴ . The purpose of Sikhi is for the individual to connect and directly experience the creator, and to recognize their true self as not a human individual, but as a drop of water in the ocean of ੴ .
Who started the Sikh faith, and in what century?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 15 Century
1st Guru --> travelled and spread messages about 1 god and equality
3rd Guru --> appointed 52 women preachers and gave equal rights
5th Guru --> made the Golden Temple
6th Guru --> built a mosque for the poor
9th Guru --> gave his life to protect the religious freedom of Hindu's
The basic Gurdwara etiquette includes:
Covering one's head, preferably with a scarf or bandana. If you don't have your own head covering the Gurdwara will provide one for you, they can usually be found near the entrance of Gurdwaras.
Taking off shoes and placing them in the dedicated shoe area near the lobby/entrance.
Washing hands (or feet) before entering Darbar (the royal court) of the Guru.
Try not to be loud or disruptive in the Darbar Hall, as it's often a place for meditation, but feel free to talk all you want in the Langar hall.
Dress modestly. As long as one's chest area to their knees is covered, it should be fine.
No drugs or alcohol allowed on Gurdwara property.
Sufism reminds us of the power of unity, tolerance, and love
What is tawakkul?
This term means “trust in God,” a value embraced by Malangs and Dervishes.
What is Warith Shah famous for?
Heer Ranjha
What are the parts of Khanda? Explain at least 1.
How is qawwali more than music in the Sufi context?
While often seen as a musical performance, this ritual acts as both spiritual remembrance (zikr) and a means to dissolve the ego through rhythmic repetition and collective energy.
Sufis often gather in spiritual assemblies called this, where they chant the names of God.
What is dhikr?
What does Guru mean? (Both defintions)
The word "Guru" means one who brings you from darkness/ignorance (Gu) to light/truth (Ru), it also commonly refers to a teacher. In Sikhi, "The Guru" is the Bani, the divine essence of the One with the Creator.
What qawwali is Lal Shahbaz Qalandar popularly known for?
“Dam Mast Qalandar.”
What does Esoteric philosophy deal with? What is its aim?
Esoteric philosophy deals with hidden, inner knowledge. Spiritual truths not accessible through ordinary reasoning or dogma
The ultimate aim is fana (annihilation of ego) and baqa (subsistence in God) by spiritual union beyond selfhood
The Chishti, Suhrawardi, Qadiri, and Naqshbandi are examples of these spiritual lineages in South Asian Sufism.
What are Sufi orders (or tariqas)?
What are fana and baqa?
These two stages — one meaning “annihilation of the self” and the other “living in God” — represent the heart of Sufi transformation.