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Sikhism Through Its Scriptures

Harpreet Singh, Ravinder Singh, and Damanpreet Singh

Sikhi, commonly known as Sikhism, is a monotheistic religious tradition that was founded byGuru Nanak in late fifteenth-century Panjab in South Asia. Today, Sikhi’s approximately twenty-five to thirty million adherents can be found all over the globe, making it one of the six major religions of the world. Sikhi encompasses a number of religious, social, economic and politicalinstitutions, most of which were established and nurtured by Guru Nanak and his ninesuccessors, known as Sikh Gurus.

For over five hundred years, Sikhs in the Panjab and all over the world have engaged with their scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, through the devotional practices of exegesis, singing,recitation, memorization and calligraphy.

This course examines the Sikh scripture from a doctrinal and historical perspective by providingan overview of Sikh teachings as well as the historical context within which the scripture evolvedand became canonized. It also examines the musical and aesthetic dimensions of the Sikhscripture, as well as ways in which the voluminous text has provided Sikhs with a social, ethical,spiritual and political message to help them respond to and shape the world around them.

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Learning objectives

Exploration of a foundational sikh text, the japji, which was composed by guru nanakand is recited by sikhs as part of their morning prayers
The place of guru granth sahib, the sikh scripture, in sikh life
Interpretative skills to engage in a nuanced reading of guru granth sahib

Gurmat sangit, the sikh musical tradition, as represented in the sikh scripture and itscultural context
The aesthetics of sikhi, including literature, art, and music
The political dimensions of sikh scripture and its impact on the evolution of sikhs as apanth or community

Exploration of a foundational sikh text, the japji, which was composed by guru nanakand is recited by sikhs as part of their morning prayers
The place of guru granth sahib, the sikh scripture, in sikh life
Interpretative skills to engage in a nuanced reading of guru granth sahib
Gurmat sangit, the sikh musical tradition, as represented in the sikh scripture and itscultural context
The aesthetics of sikhi, including literature, art, and music
The political dimensions of sikh scripture and its impact on the evolution of sikhs as apanth or community

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Provides a foundational understanding of the Sikh text, Japji, which is central to Sikh morning prayers

Engages students with the historical and doctrinal aspects of the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib

Introduces the musical tradition of Gurmat Sangit as expressed in the Sikh scripture

Examines the aesthetics of Sikhi across literature, art, and music, providing cultural enrichment

Explores the political dimensions of the Sikh scripture, shedding light on the community's evolution

Requires no prior knowledge of Sikhi, making it accessible to those new to the subject

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sikhism Through Its Scriptures with these activities:

Review Sikhi Doctrine and History

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Review key concepts and events in Sikhism to build a strong foundation before starting the course.

Browse courses on Sikhism

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Read introductory articles or books about Sikhi.
Explore online resources such as websites, forums, and videos on Sikhism.
Visit a Sikh temple or gurdwara to observe Sikh practices and rituals.

Organize and review course notes and materials

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Stay organized and enhance your learning by reviewing and consolidating course materials.

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Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Organize the materials into a logical structure.
Review and summarize the key concepts covered in each material.
Identify areas where you need further clarification or reinforcement.

Read The History of Sikhism

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Gain a historical perspective on Sikhism and its development.

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Set aside dedicated time for reading.
Take notes while reading to improve comprehension.
Discuss the book's insights with a friend or classmate.

Seven other activities

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Learn to Recite Japji

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Practice reciting Japji to improve your understanding of its teachings and develop a deeper connection with the scripture.

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Find audio or video recordings of Japji being recited.
Listen to the recordings and follow along with the Gurmukhi script.
Practice reciting Japji aloud regularly.
Attend workshops or classes on Japji recitation.

Read The Sikh Gurus: Their Lives and Legacy

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Gain a deeper understanding of the Sikh Gurus and their teachings by reading this comprehensive book.

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Set aside dedicated time for reading.
Take notes while reading to improve comprehension.
Discuss the book's insights with a friend or classmate.

Practice reciting Guru Granth Sahib

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Deepen your connection with Sikh scripture through regular recitation.

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Find a quiet place to practice.
Choose a passage from Guru Granth Sahib.
Recite the passage aloud, paying attention to pronunciation and intonation.
Repeat the recitation several times to improve fluency.

Engage in discussions with fellow students

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Exchange ideas and perspectives with other learners to enhance your understanding.

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Join or create a study group with fellow classmates.
Attend online discussion forums related to the course.
Initiate discussions and actively participate in knowledge sharing.
Listen attentively to diverse perspectives and ask clarifying questions.

Follow tutorials on Sikh musical tradition

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Enhance your understanding of Gurmat Sangit by exploring online tutorials.

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Search for reputable sources offering tutorials on Sikh musical tradition.
Select tutorials that align with your learning goals.
Follow the instructions and practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
Record yourself performing Sikh musical pieces to track your progress.

Write an essay on the impact of Sikh scripture on Sikh identity

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Develop a deeper understanding of the role of Sikh scripture in shaping Sikh identity.

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Research the topic thoroughly.
Brainstorm ideas and develop an outline.
Write a draft of the essay.
Revise and edit the essay.
Share the essay with a peer or instructor for feedback.

Design a multimedia presentation on Sikh aesthetics

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Explore and present the unique artistic and cultural expressions of Sikhi.

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Research Sikh aesthetics across different mediums, such as architecture, painting, and music.
Select and curate relevant images, videos, and audio clips.
Design and arrange the presentation to create a cohesive and engaging experience.
Practice delivering the presentation to ensure clarity and flow.
Share the presentation with a peer or instructor for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Sikhism Through Its Scriptures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Religious Historian

A Religious Historian explores the beliefs and practices of religious traditions. As a Religious Historian, you may work with historical texts and artifacts to piece together the history of religions. The Guru Granth Sahib is a foundational text for the Sikh tradition and this course will provide you with the skills you need to explore the beliefs and practices enshrined within this text.

See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Historian

Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums, which may include historical artifacts, artwork, and documents. This course examines the aesthetics of Sikhi, including its literature, art, and music, making it highly relevant to you as a Museum Curator. Understanding these aesthetic dimensions will be essential to curating collections related to Sikh culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Archivist

Archivists maintain and preserve historical records, such as documents, photographs, and artifacts. You may specialize in a particular field such as religious history. This course will provide you with an overview of the history of the Sikh tradition and the development of its scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. These skills will be instrumental for your success as an Archivist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Sikh Studies Professor

A Sikh Studies Professor teaches about the history, beliefs, and practices of the Sikh tradition. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Sikh teachings, including the teachings found within the Guru Granth Sahib. It will also provide you with interpretive skills to engage in a nuanced reading of Sikh scripture. These factors make this course highly relevant to your career aspirations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sikh Studies Professor

Religious Studies Professor

A Religious Studies Professor teaches about the beliefs and practices of different religious traditions. This course provides an overview of Sikh teachings and examines the Guru Granth Sahib from a doctrinal and historical perspective. It provides you with the necessary knowledge to effectively teach about Sikhism and its place within the broader religious landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Studies Professor

Musician

Musicians perform music using instruments or their voices. This course examines the musical and aesthetic dimensions of the Sikh scripture, including Gurmat Sangit, the Sikh musical tradition. Understanding these musical dimensions will aid you as a Musician, particularly if you specialize in traditional or religious music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Theology Professor

A Theology Professor teaches about the beliefs and practices of different religious traditions. This course explores the doctrinal and historical perspectives of Sikh scripture, providing you with a strong foundation in the teachings of Sikhism. This knowledge will be invaluable as a Theology Professor, as it will allow you to effectively teach about Sikhism and its place within the broader religious landscape.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, such as books, articles, and scripts. This course examines the aesthetics of Sikhi, including literature. This may be helpful if you wish to write about the Sikh tradition or if you are interested in writing about religion and spirituality.

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Artist

Artists create visual art using a variety of media and techniques. This course examines the aesthetics of Sikhi, including art and literature, which will greatly benefit you as an Artist. Understanding these aesthetic dimensions will provide a significant advantage as you create works inspired by or related to Sikhism.

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Educator

Educators help people learn and grow. You may teach in a variety of settings, such as schools, universities, or community centers. This course can benefit you if you are interested in teaching about religion or if you work with students from diverse religious backgrounds. It will provide you with a solid understanding of Sikhism and its scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. You may specialize in a particular field, such as religious studies. This course provides an overview of Sikh teachings and examines the Guru Granth Sahib from a doctrinal and historical perspective. It will provide you with the knowledge you need to effectively assist patrons interested in Sikhism and its scripture.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. You may specialize in a particular area, such as religion. This course may be helpful if you are interested in studying the Sikh community or the role of religion in society. It will provide you with a solid foundation in the history and teachings of Sikhism as well as the social and political dimensions of Sikh scripture.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. You may specialize in a particular region or culture. This course may be useful if you are interested in studying the Sikh community or the culture of the Punjab region. It will provide you with a solid grounding in the history and teachings of Sikhism.

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Historian

Historians research and write about the past. You may specialize in a particular field, such as religious history. This course may be useful if you are interested in researching the history of Sikhism or the history of religion in general.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Journalist

Journalists write and report on current events. You may specialize in a particular area, such as religion. This course can provide you with the background you need to report on the Sikh community or on issues related to religion. It will give you a solid understanding of Sikhism and its scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sikhism Through Its Scriptures.

The Sikh Religion, Its Gurus, Sacred Writings And...

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Classic work on Sikhism that provides a comprehensive overview of the religion's history, beliefs, and practices. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Sikhism.

Sikhism Through Its Scriptures

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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