Discuss the history, beliefs, and rituals of Sikhism.
Sikhism was established in Punjab, India, over 500 years ago, and it is the fifth-largest religion in the World. It was initiated by Guru Nanak, who was the first Guru in Punjab region at around the 15th century(Cole, 2017). The majority of the World’s 25 million Sikhs reside in India, with just more than five hundred thousand living in the United States. Guru Singh Ji formalized Sikhism religious practices on 13th April 1699. It is during this period (300 years ago), when the first five pure ones were baptized(Cole, 2017). The establishment of Sikhism led to the formation of the social-political environment in Southwestern India.
Sikhism and jainism
Sikhism believes in one God, equality, and brotherhood of all men and women. Sikhs believe that both men and women are equal before God’s eyes. The first guru with whom Sikhism was revealed divinely is Guru Nanak, who passed away in 1539(Cole, 2017). They keep their hair short, a symbol of harmoniously co-existing with God. Goord-Vahr-ah is a place where they worship their God, and their holy book is called Guru Granth Sahib Ji(Cole, 2017). Additionally, the Sikhi’s primary duty is to learn the teachings of God, and they are expected to put the beliefs in practice at any time.
Among the rituals practiced in Sikhism is child naming. It is typically done in form a celebration immediately after a child’s birth. The significance of this ceremony is to bring the new into the presence of Holly Granth. Amrit or baptism is yet another ritual practice whose purpose is to spiritually connect the children to the teachings of God(Cole, 2017). Besides, the ceremony of bliss is held during marriage and the last one after death.. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Reference
Cole, W. O. (2017). Sikhism. A New Handbook of Living Religions, 310-339.
Discuss the history, beliefs, and rituals of Jainism
Like Buddism and Hinduism, Jainism is also an ancient religion dating back over three thousand years ago, and it originated from the Indian subcontinent. Jainism is quite an ascetic religion that mostly emphasizes ethical conduct, where individual Souls are liberated, and personal purity is of high priority. Importantly, the ancient Jain has a close associationwith Indus Valley Civilization artifacts(Martinez, 2018). Notably, the two main sections Diagambara and Svetambara can be traced back during the 3rd century of BCE. Martinez (2018) opines that the two-section were later divided into other subsection which existed together with Buddhism and Hinduism in medieval and ancient India.
There is no belief of a Creator God in Jainism. It believes that every object in the universe became onto existence all by itself. According to Martinez (2018), ignorance and wrong beliefs does not connect the soul with eternity. While each soul is eternal, it poses both the shapes, sizes, and states. It is also possible to rebirth, and Karma will work out things as it is expected. Liberation is received when it is out of Karma’s sight.Martinez (2018) further suggested that Karma was the root cause of all human being suffering. Overall, the primary objective of life is seeking ways to liberate oneself from Karma.
One of the significant rituals practiced by Jains is the fundraising of temples, which is referred to as Dera Dravya. Mahapuja was yet another ritual that entailed decorating icons and temples in addition to reciting sacred texts. According to Martinez (2018), Jains practiced Ratri-Jangarana, which demanded them to observe religious practices and singing of hymns throughout the night. Besides, Jains are expected to have a deep respect for their fellow followers.
Reference
Martinez, C. (2018). Gale Researcher Guide for: Jainism: Beliefs, Practices, and
Cultural Impact. Gale, Cengage Learning.