PSEB SS Religion key terms

A title for a spiritual teacher or enlightener. In Sikh usage it refers to the ten human Gurus and then to the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal scriptural Guru.

The Sikh name for God, expressing wonder at the Divine. It is used in prayer, meditation and devotional singing to address the One Creator.

The opening phrase of the Mool Mantar, meaning there is only one God. It affirms divine unity and is the first statement of Sikh belief.

The foundational statement of Sikh belief that opens the Guru Granth Sahib. It describes God as one, self-existent, without fear or hate, timeless and beyond birth and death.

The Sikh scripture, compiled mainly by Guru Arjan and finalized by Guru Gobind Singh. It holds hymns of the Gurus and other saints and is honoured as the eternal Guru.

The revealed word or hymn of the Gurus found in the Guru Granth Sahib. It is recited, sung and reflected on as a source of spiritual guidance.

A word meaning sound or utterance, used for a hymn or passage of scripture. It also refers to the divine Word that guides the mind toward truth.

Devotional singing of scriptural hymns, usually with instruments such as the harmonium and tabla. It allows the congregation to hear and reflect on the Guru's word.

A musician who performs devotional hymns in the Sikh tradition. Ragis sing the verses of the Guru Granth Sahib in their prescribed musical measures during worship.

A prescribed melodic framework in Indian music. Sikh hymns are arranged by raag in the Guru Granth Sahib, so each verse is sung in its traditional musical setting.

The divine Name, understood as the presence and remembrance of God. Sikh practice encourages meditating on Naam as a way to purify the mind and overcome ego.

Remembrance or meditative repetition of God's name. It is a core devotional practice meant to steady the mind and keep awareness of the Divine throughout daily life.

The Sikh place of worship, literally the doorway to the Guru. It houses the Guru Granth Sahib and is used for congregational prayer, hymn singing and community meals.

The gathered congregation of Sikhs, especially those assembled for worship. It is valued as a setting where shared devotion and guidance strengthen individual spiritual practice.

The free community meal served in a gurdwara, open to all visitors regardless of background. It expresses equality, service and sharing and is usually taken while seated together.

Selfless service offered without expecting reward. It may be physical, such as cooking or cleaning, or material and emotional help given for the welfare of others.

A paired ideal in Sikh teaching: selfless service joined with remembrance of God. The two are meant to balance outward action with inward devotion in daily life.

A voluntary practice of setting aside one tenth of one's income for charitable or community use. It supports gurdwaras, education and help for those in need.

The ten human Sikh Gurus from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh. Their lives and teachings shaped Sikh belief, community institutions and the eventual transfer of authority to scripture.

The founder of the Sikh faith, born in 1469 in the Punjab. He taught the oneness of God, the rejection of ritualism and the equality of all people.

The tenth Sikh Guru, known for founding the Khalsa in 1699 and for his literary works. He ended the line of human Gurus and installed the Guru Granth Sahib as eternal Guru.

The fifth Sikh Guru, who compiled the first authoritative version of the Sikh scripture. He was executed under Mughal authority and is remembered for sacrifice and steadfast faith.

The community of initiated Sikhs established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Members commit to a disciplined life of faith, service and the wearing of the five Ks.

The sweetened water used in the Sikh initiation ceremony, prepared in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Drinking it marks formal entry into the Khalsa.

The five outward articles worn by initiated Sikhs: kesh, kanga, kara, kachhera and kirpan. Each has a practical and symbolic meaning tied to identity and discipline.

A steel bracelet worn on the wrist by Sikhs, one of the five Ks. It reminds the wearer of restraint, commitment to truth and constant remembrance of God.

A small sword or dagger carried by initiated Sikhs as one of the five Ks. It symbolises the duty to protect the weak and to stand against injustice.

Uncut hair, kept by Sikhs as one of the five Ks. It expresses respect for the natural form given by God and is usually covered with a turban or scarf.

A head covering worn by many Sikhs, especially initiated men, and also by women. It protects the uncut hair and publicly signals commitment to Sikh identity and values.

The formal Sikh prayer offered while standing, often at the close of worship or before a significant undertaking. It recalls the Gurus, the Khalsa and the community's shared history.

The divine order or command that governs creation. In practice it also names the random scriptural passage read aloud at the end of worship as guidance for the day.

Sharing one's earnings and food with others in need. It is one of the three core Sikh practices and expresses generosity as a religious duty rather than an optional kindness.

Earning a living through honest work and effort. Sikh teaching treats lawful labour as a religious responsibility that supports family and community without exploitation.

Remembering and meditating on God's name as a regular practice. It is one of the three core Sikh duties, alongside honest work and sharing with others.

A written order or edict from a Guru or Sikh authority. Historically such directives guided community conduct and are still issued by the Akal Takht.

The principal seat of Sikh religious authority, located opposite the Golden Temple in Amritsar. It issues guidance on matters of Sikh doctrine and community discipline.

The acceptance of suffering or death for faith and justice, honoured in Sikh tradition through figures such as Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur. It is remembered as steadfast courage rather than defeat.

The ninth Sikh Guru, remembered for defending the right of another community to practise its faith. He was executed in Delhi and is honoured for sacrifice on behalf of religious freedom.

A follower of the Sikh faith, a word meaning learner or disciple. Sikhs accept the ten Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib and follow teachings on one God, equality and service.