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Sikh Research Institute
Sikh Research Institute Canada
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The focus of this report is to understand the role of the local Gurduara within Sikh communities from the Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). In understanding the Gurmat explanation of the function of the Gurduara, local governance teams and Sikh sangat (community) can come together to create a Gurduara that is a cohesive community-focused place of learning.
Download ResourceIn understanding the Gurmat explanation of the function of the Gurduara, local governance teams and Sikh sangat (community) can come together to create a Gurduara that is a cohesive community-focused place of learning.
The Gurduara is considered to be the heart of the Sikh community. Throughout all components of the Gurduara, the teachings of the Gurus must be visible in both abstract heights and concrete realities. The goal of each Gurduara must be to impart the Guru’s worldview, articulated in the Miri-Piri (Political-Spiritual) doctrine, through the appropriate mediums for the local Sikh communities they serve. In recent times, there has become a disconnect between the Gurduara governance teams and the local sangat of the Gurduaras.
The Gurduara is considered to be the heart of the Sikh community. Throughout all components of the Gurduara, the teachings of the Gurus must be visible in both abstract heights and concrete realities. The goal of each Gurduara must be to impart the Guru’s worldview, articulated in the Miri-Piri (Political-Spiritual) doctrine, through the appropriate mediums for the local Sikh communities they serve. In recent times, there has become a disconnect between the Gurduara governance teams and the local sangat of the Gurduaras.
This study presents recommendations based on the Gurduara components on an individual and institutional level as a way to create a safe and open place of learning within global Sikh communities.
The Gurduara is the central space for Sikhs, playing a vital role in the daily lives of local Sikh communities around the world. Gurduara is derived from “gur” and “duara,” together forming “through the Guru.” In Sikhi, the worldview of a Sikh is centered around the Guru. “Through the Guru” is the lens from which Sikhs strive to see the world.
The role and function of the Gurduara is specified throughout Bani, Tavarikh, and Rahit. Building Gurmat-focused Gurduaras is essential to create community-centered places of learning.
This educational series provides students with historical insights that strengthen their connection to Sikhi.
This educational series provides learners with historical insights that strengthen their connection to Sikhi.