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Sikh Research Institute
Sikh Research Institute Canada
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As the global Sikh population expands in size and complexion, the definition of a Sikh becomes increasingly important to support and shape the community. This study sets out to establish an understanding of how to conceptualize who is a Sikh.
Download ResourceThe Sikh identity continues to be interpreted in many ways and each understanding is as unique as the individual making the interpretation. It is naive to think that any group of people hold only the practices and traditions that link them but it is equally misguided to say that those unifying linkers are not of great significance.
The Sikh identity continues to be interpreted in many ways and each understanding is as unique as the individual making the interpretation. It is naive to think that any group of people hold only the practices and traditions that link them but it is equally misguided to say that those unifying linkers are not of great significance.
Gurmat (“The Guru’s Way” which forms the Sikh paradigm) paints a picture of an individual who accepts the path of the Guru with humility and a sense of passion, devotedly contemplates on and implements those teachings as well as remains in their natural state of physical appearance.
Defining a Sikh has less to do with the religiosity of the individuals but rather the self and panthic (community) accountability. We aim to display the unique identity of who a Sikh is from the range of beliefs within the Sikh community as well as what is seen in the primary, Guru Granth Sahib, and secondary sources.
Self-identification is important as it allows for a more robust understanding of the people themselves rather than an insight into society’s perception of the group. However, the practice of defining a Sikh is more of a 19th century ideology than one inherent to the Sikh faith itself.
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.