Sikh Tradition

Catalog description

Taught by GTU. A CASE STUDY IN GLOBAL RELIGIONS The Sikh religion, or Sikhism, offers students an educative example of how a religious tradition emerges in the full light of history to become one of the youngest of the "world religions". In this course, students will share in the tradition's intellectual, spiritual, and cultural heritage while exploring the question of how to study religions. By the course's end, students will be able to recapitulate major moments in the tradition's history, and also offer informed comment on its future. One of the core principles of this 500-year-old religion is the unity of all women and men under one deity. This god is called by many names but has no one name. Sikh tradition refers to that deity by several names, one of which is Kartar "the Creator." Kartar looks over the world he created, and humans have a unique opportunity in this life to enjoy and care for that world. These tenets emerged from the religious experiences of the founder of the Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak (1469-1539 C.E.)., who was born in what is today Pakistan, in the region known as Punjab ("land of five rivers"). In the 16th century, the rulers of the region were Muslims, as was much of the populace. The rest of the population practiced some form of Hindu religion. The religion Guru Nanak founded was completely distinct from these two, and yet would draw followers from both of these pre-existing traditions. Lectures, discussions, and field trips to local Bay Area gurdwaras. Evaluation by exam and reflection papers. (Doctoral and MA students may upgrade by writing a research paper.) Especially appropriate for students interested in comparative methodologies and interreligious studies. [Auditors with faculty permission]