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Summary of Question:Sociology And Sikhism
Category:Other
Date Posted:Wednesday, 2/21/2001 3:09 AM MST

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

I am studying A'level Sociology and as I was reading a text book called'Sociology An Interactive Approach and as I was reading the summary of each religion I noticed a lot of wrong information about sikhism. I want to write to the the author but I would like your advice about how to correct his mistakes as your knowledge is more extensive than mine.Here is the extract:"Sikhism was established in the 15th centuary in the Punjab in India. It shares many of the ideas of Hinduism-for example, reincarnation and karma-but is monotheistic in the sense that sikhs beleive that there is one god with many different names.
In practice, Sikhs accept the caste system. Sikhs are organized in caste associations which they tend to marry within:they will also share rituals with Hindus of the same caste. Orthodox Sikhs are committed to, and wear, five symbols of thier religion:uncut hair in a turban; the small comb in the hair; a steel bracelet; knee length undergarments; a dagger. They worship in a Gurdwara which is- as with the Islamic mosque and Hindu temple- a religious centre for the community".
I feel this article has a lot of misleading information and many sociology students use this text book. I am very grateful for your help in this matter.
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Reply
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You are very correct to say that this information about Sikhs is off base, incorrect and extremely misleading.

We normally contact the publishers and authors of books to correct their misinformation.

Sikhism evolved out of the inequities of Hinduism and Islam. Guru Nank was the first Guru or guide of the Sikhs. He teaches that there is one Creator which has created this entire creation. He teaches that we are all a part of creation and have no use for a caste system because Sikhs teach that no one is higher or lower than anybody else. The Sikhs Guru's did away with any caste associations.

The Sikh "Gurdwara" is a house of God where people of all religions are welcome to worship. Singing the songs of the Sikh Scriptures, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, by the congregation is the daily form of prayer and devotion.

The Sikh tradition is a way of life that has evolved through the enlightened teachings of ten "Masters" called "Gurus".

The Sikh Scriptures called the "Siri Guru Granth Sahib" contains the spiritual revelations of 33 saints such as Kabir a Sufi, as well as other spiritual traditions.

It would help to know the exact title of this book as well as the Publisher and library of congress number. Can you tell us so I can forward this to be addressed.

Thanx



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