Moral Education

Lecture 12 Chapter 3: The Values of Religion and Belief Sikhism & Indigenous Beliefs

Sikhism
Sikhism originated around the beginning of the 16th century with Guru Nanak. Guru is composed of two words : Gu means dispeller of ignorance and darkness; Ru means bringer of enlightenment. Nanak mysteriously disappeared while bathing in a river and when he reappeared he came with a revelation.

Sikhism
Since there is neither Hindu nor Muslim, whose path shall I follow? I will follow Gods path. God is neither Hindu nor Muslim, and the path I follow is Gods. In his absence he had been taken into Gods presence and given the amrit (nectar) and was told: This is the cup of the adoration of Gods name. Drink it. I am with you. I bless you and raise you up. Whoever remembers you will enjoy my favor. Go, rejoice in my name and teach others to do so also. Let this be your calling

Sikhism
Guru Nanak arose in a Hindu culture, he was himself from the Ksatriya caste. He valued his Hindu heritage while also recognizing the nobility of Islam. He forged a middle path between the two to evade the bloodshed and hatred at that time. Nanak believes in the formless God which is beyond human conceiving.

Sikhism
He rejects caste distinctions, images as aids of worship and the sanctity of the Vedas. He endorses the reincarnation doctrine of the Hindus. The official number of Gurus is 10 with the last Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru Granth Sahib became the guide for the Sikhs after his death.

Sikhism
The 10th Guru instituted the Khalsa (The Pure Order) which is a way of life for the Sikhs. They are to abstain from alcohol, meat and tobacco and to wear the five Ks. Uncut hair, a comb, a sword or dagger, a steel bracelet and undershorts. Singh for men and Kaur for women. One-tenth of income to charity.

Khalsa: Its symbolic meanings

Uncut hair : uncut hair protects vitality and draws it upwards. Comb: cleanliness and good order. Steel bracelet: shackling its wearer to God and hands should be used in Gods service. Undershorts: one is always dressed for action. Dagger: originally for self-defence.

Sikhism
Ultimate Value is God the Absolute. Spiritual Values are the means to attain the Ultimate Value. Their realisation ends in attainment of the Absolute Value and they are intrinsic because they provide spiritual satisfaction. They are: truth, love, goodness, beauty, bliss, humility, contentment, patience, compassion, non-violence, forgiveness, righteousness, chastity, self-control, temperance and courage.

Moral Goodness
Implies good will for all beings. All beings are the same essence. This moral obligation is for the agent to act rightly for all humankind. This can only be done without compulsion through perfect will which occurs when we see all in same spirit. This happens only from a person whose Truth is known to him then only love flows out of him. Goodness then becomes his nature and he enjoys blissful existence.

5 Moral Vices
Kam : Desire. Lobh: greed or covetousness. Moh: believe in or worship something that is false. Krodh: anger. Ahankar: arrogance, conceit. All these five vices are said to disturb peace in a person and cause him to behave in an immoral manner.

Indigenous Population
The Native people believe in animism i.e. the belief that each living thing and object possesses a soul of its own. Negrito believe that all things posses power. They believe that Tok Pendin created this world. His assistant Karei communicated his orders to the people. His wife Yak Manoi also protects the welfare of the Orang Asli.

Indigenous Beliefs
The Senoi have four main deities, Engku, Karei, Hilok, and Hiwoh. Each have power and act justly. Anyone who breaches any custom will be punished by misfortune or mishap. Negritos and Senois believe that wicked actions bring about disastrous consequences.