How much does CAF know about Sikhism?

[Kouyate42]

This is kinda a really general question for CAF, but I’d be interested in any answers.

I’m just wondering what the general population’s knowledge of Sikhism is and the general perception of Sikhs by people of other religions.

I personally didn’t know too much about Sikhism until decently recently, when a friend of mine expressed strong interest in conversion to the religion. So I read up on the major beliefs, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the like and learnt a lot.

Seems that SIkhism in Britain is known, but generally few people here seem to know a huge amount about it, despite the role of Sikhs in British history.

Anyone else?

 

[grasscutter]

I know a fair bit because I used to live in an area with a large Sikh population. It’s definitely a relatively new religion.

 

[Kouyate42]

I know a fair bit because I used to live in an area with a large Sikh population. It’s definitely a relatively new religion.

Same here- I used to live in an area with a decent Sikh population and a gudawara.

 

[rossum]

This is kinda a really general question for CAF, but I’d be interested in any answers.

I’m just wondering what the general population’s knowledge of Sikhism is and the general perception of Sikhs by people of other religions.

I personally didn’t know too much about Sikhism until decently recently, when a friend of mine expressed strong interest in conversion to the religion. So I read up on the major beliefs, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the like and learnt a lot.

Seems that SIkhism in Britain is known, but generally few people here seem to know a huge amount about it, despite the role of Sikhs in British history.

Anyone else?

I don’t know much about Sikhism, though I have worked with and interacted with some Sikhs. Almost without exception they have been cheerful, polite, honest and hard working. If that is down to their religion, then there is definitely something to it.

rossum

 

[Leegal]

This is kinda a really general question for CAF, but I’d be interested in any answers.

I’m just wondering what the general population’s knowledge of Sikhism is and the general perception of Sikhs by people of other religions.

I personally didn’t know too much about Sikhism until decently recently, when a friend of mine expressed strong interest in conversion to the religion. So I read up on the major beliefs, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the like and learnt a lot.

Seems that SIkhism in Britain is known, but generally few people here seem to know a huge amount about it, despite the role of Sikhs in British history.

Anyone else?

We have a significant Sikh community here in NYC. I’ve known Siks and had a Sikh professsor. I seem to recall that they are monotheistic, believe in equality for all, have Gurus and patrons (equivalent to our Saints), and there is a an initiation sometimes called a Baptism under a Guru. There’s some similarities to Christianity.

I believe in India they were the military, under British rule, and participated in the independence movement.

Some undertook a diaspora to Indonesia where they retained the bagpipes – a meld of two cultures, and have enjoyed seeing their performances with the bagpipes. There are some wonderful examples of their bands on You Tube playing the bagpipies.

Though they had long lived in harmony with Hindus and Muslims, there has been some violence [they do have their extremists] as they seek their own independent state, especially since India gained independence. Though not persecuted for their religion in India, they are not afforded all the rights of Hindus. Sikh independence goes back to the 19th Century.

Jain is another fascinating religion – likely the oldest polytheistic religion. Mahatma Ghandi’s mother was Jain.

I find them most interesting.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I work with a number of Sikh physicians. They are monotheists and believe in total equality of all people and men and women. They are NOT a new religion, they’ve been around for about 600 years or more. They are from the Punjab region of India and have a proud history. They actually consider themselves a warrior class

I know they do not cut their hair or beards, seeing it as a source of strength, like Samson in the Bible; the men (and some women) wear turbans, and the men wear silver bracelets–I am not sure if the women do or not.

They are unfailingly polite, kind, helpful, and dignified and are among my favorite Docs to work with. I have never seen one lose their temper or speak disrespectfully, even in rough situations. They never seem to have a “bad day” I really am not exaggerating their good qualities.

Many of the Sikhs I work with have actually been educated in Catholic-run schools in India and are quite familiar with Catholicism and Christianity.

 

[grasscutter]

I work with a number of Sikh physicians. They are monotheists and believe in total equality of all people and men and women. They are NOT a new religion, they’ve been around for about 600 years or more. They are from the Punjab region of India and have a proud history. They actually consider themselves a warrior class

I know they do not cut their hair or beards, seeing it as a source of strength, like Samson in the Bible; the men (and some women) wear turbans, and the men wear silver bracelets–I am not sure if the women do or not.

They are unfailingly polite, kind, helpful, and dignified and are among my favorite Docs to work with. I have never seen one lose their temper or speak disrespectfully, even in rough situations. They never seem to have a “bad day” I really am not exaggerating their good qualities.

Many of the Sikhs I work with have actually been educated in Catholic-run schools in India and are quite familiar with Catholicism and Christianity.

Actually, by 600 years, that’s what I meant by being a new religion. And, I also, have had very positive interactions with Sikhs.