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Summary of Question:	What Are The Similarities And Differences Of Sikhism And Hinduism
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 10/09/2001 6:12 PM MDT

Do u think sikhism is its own religion or simply a diverse path from Hinduism. I know that Sikhism developed out of the Hindu bhakti movement in India and also adopted some concepts of Islam but what are some of the concepts that distinguish it from hinduism. How does sikhism differ in regards to dharma, karma, bhakti/devotion. This question is for a university essay I am doing and so I need some opinions to compare and contrast hinduism and sikhism. My topic essentially is : How sikhism developed the Hindu soteriology (discourse on salvation and transformation)?

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Sat Siri Akaal.

As you can imagine, you have asked us questions that have had BOOKS written for answers. So, I am not going to attempt to answer your queries here; it is not the place. This Sikhnet site is FULL of information about Sikhi, and so is this site: Http://www.sikhseek.com. You would have to do an internet search on how Sikhi differs from Hinduism. But this much I will categorically affirm: Sikhism is NOT a branch or sect or offshoot of Hinduism (or of Islam, for that matter)! It is the 5th major religion of the world. It grew up in Northern India, which is historically dominated by the Hindu faith, so there are a few crossover teachings. But it is NOT NOT NOT an offshoot of Hinduism.

It was INFLUENCED by the Hindu bhakti movement, but it is wrong to say that Sikhism was BORN of this movement. A study of Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib will prove to you that Guru Nanak was REJECTING ALL the current modes of spirituality common in India in his time (and now). Keep that in mind as you do your research. Good luck.

-DKK