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.
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?
- The Three Principles of Sikhism
- The Five Defining Essentials of Sikhism
- What Are the Five Required Articles?
- Top Ten Sikh Beliefs
- Top Ten Tips for Establishing Early Morning Meditation
- What Do Sikhs Believe About God and Creation?
- Do Sikhs Believe in a Bible?
- Do Sikhs Believe in Saints and Prophets?
- What Do Sikhs Believe About the Afterlife?
- The Sikh Way of Life and the Gurus' Teachings
- Amrit, the Sikh Baptism Ceremony
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)
- 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 Gobind (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.
- Influential Women in Sikh History
- Bibi Nanaki (1464-1518)
- Mata Khivi (1506 - 1582)
- Bibi Bhani (1535 - 1598)
Scriptures and Texts
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.
- The Guru Granth, Sikhism’s Holy Scripture
- Why Read Gurbani If You Don’t Understand the Words?
- Introduction to the Gurmukhi Script
- 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
Top Sikhism Reference Books
Whether you are new and just learning the basics or a serious scholar of Sikhism, these are top reference books you won't want to be without.
- Sikh Nitnem Prayers in Gurmukhi and English
- Sacred Sukhmani Prayerbook in Gurmukhi and English
- Top 3 Sikhism Reference Books
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.
