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Sikhism

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May 1, 2024 4 minute read

Sikhism, one of the youngest of the world's great religions, was founded in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent in the 15th century. Sikhs believe in one God, who is known as Waheguru, and in the teachings of ten Gurus, or enlightened teachers. The Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, is considered to be the ultimate authority on Sikhism.

Why Study Sikhism?

There are many reasons why someone might want to study Sikhism. Some people may be interested in learning about Sikhism to satisfy their curiosity about different religions. Others may be interested in learning about Sikhism to meet academic requirements, such as for a course in religious studies or history. Still others may be interested in learning about Sikhism to use Sikhism to develop their career and professional ambitions, such as in the field of religious education or interfaith relations.

How to Study Sikhism Using Online Courses

There are many ways to learn about Sikhism using online courses. Some courses, such as Sikhism Through Its Scriptures, focus on the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. Others, such as South Asian Religions & Ecology, examine Sikhism in the context of other South Asian religions and their relationship to the environment.

Path to Sikhism

Take the first step.
We've curated two courses to help you on your path to Sikhism. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

We've selected four 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.
Comprehensive guide to Sikhism that covers a wide range of topics, including Sikh history, beliefs, practices, and culture. Singh provides a detailed and in-depth look at Sikhism in a single volume.
Provides a great overview of the history and main beliefs of Sikhism, in addition to a history of the Sikh diaspora. Singh's work is valuable in understanding how the Sikh faith has been shaped by migration and transnational communities.
This very short introduction to Sikhism that provides a concise overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Sikhism. Nesbitt's book good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about Sikhism.
Provides a concise and clear overview of the main concepts and teachings of Sikhism. Gandhi does a great job of explaining the Sikh faith in a way that is accessible to both Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.
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