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a few simple questions for you.??? lol gotta love that comment :D

1 - Have you ever heard of this before? no but it is intresting thought

2 - Have you ever met someone who may happen to follow this religion? will look for some one to pick there brain :)

I've never heard of it before..

How much longer are these new "religions" going to form before people start realizing that some of these faiths are just ways of living?

Do you HAVE to be part of a religion to think maybe what you do will come back to you some way?

Do you have to be part of a religion to believe in equal rights for women?

Never explored this particular system, but Sikh's appeared in Santa Fe about twenty years ago. The men wore red turbans and beards, and were heavily involved in Security (for hotels and businesses in this tourist mecca). Don't recall seeing Sikh females.

I automatically have a negative reaction to any system which requires special garb.

Large group of Sikhs in Yuba City, CA:

My reading and education on Sikhism is very limited. It was glossed over in a Middle and Near East course I took years ago. I recall that over time it was a controversial belief system since it was primarily located in the Pakistan/Indian region, but it bucked societal stratospheres by advocating equality beyond the local caste systems.

I have never met anyone who has practiced Sikhism- or perhaps I should say, I typically do not device religious surveys of everyone I meet. Though I do without a doubt believe it would be interesting to sit down with one to get a first person interpretation of the faith.

I think I've heard of Sikhism but never took the time to give it a look over.

It seems to be an interesting mix of Hinduism, Christianity and Judaism. Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. It teaches the full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.

Perhaps this is one of the progressive religions that will allow the East to meet West and open the doors wider to the possiblity of co-existence and merging of different religious and ethno-religious communities.

1. Yes I have heard of it before but I don't know a lot of this religion.

2. I had Childhood friend who was brought up with this religion though honestly we where to busy playing for me to learn much from them.

3. All together it seems like such a peaceful and gentle religion which many including myself could learn much from.

I actually found a really good book on the Sikhs.

The Sikhs - their Religious Beliefs and Practices by W. Owen Cole and Piara Singh Sambhi

It's an older book and I found it in a used book store so I dont know if its in publication.

It's a very complex religion and I tend to think religious tolerance is rather erroneous in their explanations of any religion they post on.

Hinduism and islam had influence into it, but are not the primary sources for the religion. it originated in Punjab, India as a monotheist religion.

1 - Have you ever heard of this before? If so, do you know anything else about the practices of the followers of this religion?

I do recall, my friend sister talking bout it, when she was down south. she thought it was very peaceful. a melted pot of different aspects of different faiths.

2 - Have you ever met someone who may happen to follow this religion? I dont beleive that I have.

And 3 - What are your over all thoughts on this? Just anything about it.

Well i think that any religion that can bring a sense of peace and unify others is always a good thing

Whoa i live in CA and we have some major weird religions.
But this one is new to me How ever since i am not fond of following any.I really wont look further in to this but thank you for posting this.

I have many friends who are Sikh, and they are all very nice. It is a very similar religion to Hinduism, I think in their most common beliefs. The thing I hate to see, is when something bad happens, I've seen many public outcry from the Indian Community that I am in, mistaking Sikh's for terrorists because of their turbans.
In Spike Lee's Inside Man one of the bank employees who is Sikh was called a terrorist by a guard. I think that is a common misconception these days, and I think Spike Lee was making a comment on America in general because of that outcry by the guard.

I saw a few Sikhs while attending High School in California, they were identified by the turbans they wore on their heads. I never spoke to them of their religion.

They seem to be very grounded and practical. Believing in one God and rebirth. An interesting combination. Instead of things like the 10 commandments they have what they call the 5 vices. A blending of many religions they seem to take the best from them. I find it rather refreshing.

sikhism is widely practiced in india. they call their god as guru(teacher),follow his advice deep heartedly. guru Govind singhji formed this religion and called themselves as protectors. they wear turban on their head and keep beards .they never use scissors on their hair.

There are hundreds of Sikhs where I live...As a matter of fact, evey faith/race/etc is here...I love the San Francisco bay Area! Anyway, looking at this thread, along with the one on Zoroastrianism has made me go dig up my books on comparative religions...thanks again!

Does anyone here know of or can direct me to info on the Sikh's "Five Ks"? ( Articles of faith, like the uncut hair, iron bangle they wear, that little knife they carry...etc)?

Isis101,

You can find info here on the items you're asking about (Kesa, Kacha, Kanga, Kara and Kirpan):

http://altreligion.about.com/library/faqs/bl_sikhism.htm

But that is evidently for a sect of sikhism or an order within the religion and not every member of the religion as a whole.