Sikhism

[Apprentice666]

Brightest Blessings,

I was pondering whether Sikhism is considered "pagan" or not... just a question that came to mind. lol... I know all about it and all, I just don't know if it is considered Pagan or not...

[sari0009]

Brightest Blessings,

I was pondering whether Sikhism is considered "pagan" or not... just a question that came to mind. lol... I know all about it and all, I just don't know if it is considered Pagan or not...

Not an expert but I used to go to Sikh temple.

They believe in one God and ten human (all men) gurus (these are guided individuals, not gods). That's monotheistic in my eyes.

Here is a site that also calls it monotheistic. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/people/features/world_religions/sikhism.shtml

[Apprentice666]

I see their one "god" in more of a form of a taoist like existence, an ultimate force, like the force in star wars. Haha, like a ever existing spiritual force... Sorry if I sound confusing.

[sari0009]

You might enjoy http://www.sikhreview.org/june2002/theo2.htm. Their definition of God was very much like what I was taught God was when I was a Lutheran (type of Christian) child (God is undefinable, God is love).

They way I understand it, and again, I'm no expert, "is" that the big difference is that their God is not so dualistic ... It's not a trinity either.

What stands out is respect for different types of monotheism ... for different visions of God ... it's all the same thing to them.

[Toby Stimpson]

In affect, Sri Guru Nanak Devji, proclaimed that God was the Ultimate, but also strictly monotheistic. The strict monotheistic bent on some of the Hindu concepts coems from Islam as a way to unite all Punjabi/Sikhs under one God instead of several different sects vying for social power. I dont necessarily think it would be pagan, as there are definite laws against any idol or representation worship....and since a vast majority of Pagan traditions honour through representation...it isnt compatible. Yet at the same time I know there are frnge groups which fully accept the Yogic teachings of the brother (or son??) of Sri Nanak called Sri Baba Chandji, who when represented and painted looks strikingly similar to Shiva. These groups honour Baba Chand (who I believe is seen as an outcast and Heretic)....and ofcourse all Sikhs pay respect to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy book of verses and stories compiled by the 10 Gurus. In this way we could say it is Pagan, as well as some theology...but really I wouldnt call it soemthing it isnt...it has a lot of good, but it is not Pagan.

Namaste

Tobias

[LadyCelt]

I thought all relgions that aren't islam, judaism, or christianity were "pagan."

[CleftOfLight]

No Lady not all religions outside the Judeo-christo-islam world is considered pagan.Buddhism is not considered pagan,Baihai,sikhs and a few others I cant remember are not considered pagan.

[StarSpiral]

I thought all relgions that aren't islam, judaism, or christianity were "pagan."
Depends on your definition of "pagan" to some that is the case, another definition is earth-based spritualities, another use is more correctly termed "neo-pagan" the resurgance of pre-Christian European-based spiritualities and practices.

So is Sikhism Pagan? Depends on the definition you're using though a Sikh would likely (and vehemetly) say "no".

[Paracelsus]

Sikhism is not Paganism (and if that changes into "people", I'll be pissed off - it is an obnoxious form of religious imperialism) - it's a fusion of ideas from mystical Islam and Mystical Hinduism - emphasising the one-ness of God, and how that God may be served through the service of mankind (sewa).
For me, what is most interesting about Sikhism is the way that it portrays itself very effectively to the west as being one thing - the Khalsa, when in fact, there are lots and lots of less "orthodox" sikh organisations, as Galadraal has so eloquently pointed out.
For a good intro, I would recommend Gobind Singh Mansukhani's "Introduction to Sikhism" (published in India, but you can get it through abebooks)

[Paracelsus]

Bollocks - it did turn pagan into people.
That sucks

[sari0009]

in fact, there are lots and lots of less "orthodox" sikh organisations, as Galadraal has so eloquently pointed out

Sikhism seems to explicitely seek to avoid a dualistic view of God but while it is draws people together with much love and strength, it's flip side is that it has a religious of war mentality to it (I think it's supposed to be only militant self-protection).

Also, yes, for promoting a oneness of all versions of God, yes, there sure are many versions of Sikhism.

Sikhism is said by some to be marked by simplicity ... but that's not what I found. It was a complex mesh of quite a few influences that struck entrenched social/tradiational chords (or so it seemed to me).

[StarSpiral]

Bollocks - it did turn pagan into people.
That sucks
Indeed, but it is used that way.

[Apprentice666]

Wow, okay guys.. thanks, I appreciate it.. plus I learned more than I asked for, that's marvelous!

[Toby Stimpson]

I would be careful to call 'Sikhism' or in a better way Sikh Dharma as wanting military self protection. Now, it is true that Sikhism has been attached to war, and it has been attached to terrorism (you look at the reprisals after the shelling of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, and Air India bombings claimed by militant Khalsa groups)...but at the same time it does not say in Sri Guru Granth Sahib to activly go out and kill people or claim war. In another way, these are actions of SOME Sikhs, not all Sikhs. Many of the symbols of Sikhism, i will admit, are symbols of war...the Khanda, the Knives, the Chakram...but at the same tiem these are all symbols of protection. And I beliebe that it was Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (sp?) who first put together the Khalsa order....BUT put it together to protect the weak from the many people who would try to destroy peace. They protected Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs...but that in no way is correlated to war. Your right that it is supposed to be self defence, and defence of anyone who is weak in the communbity...but by no means does it say that it is a war mongering religion.

Namaste

Tobias