Equality & Sewa A2 unit

o Contemporary expressions of sewa, for

example Khalsa Aid as an expression of

sewa. AO1 (30)

o Changing nature and significance of

sewa in today’s world AO2 (20)

June 2011 A2

A01 Examine ways in which sewa is expressed by Sikhs

in contemporary society. (30 marks)

A02 ‘Sewa has lost its original meaning for Sikhs.’

Assess this view. (20 marks)

Word Meaning

ManMurk

GurMukh

Naam Jappo

Simran

Vand Chhakna

Kirat Karo

Caste System

Untouchable

Sewa

Tan

Man

Dhan

Bhai Kanhaiya Jee

Inequality

Injustice

Kar seva

Sevadar

Sarbat da bhalla

Nimrata

Faith -> Action

Khalsa Aid

Langar

Kartapur community

egalitarian

Social / welfare / political / religious / spiritual

Mukti

Sangat

Pangat

Fraternity

Altruistic

Philanthropic

Langar is “the laboratory of Sewa”

Guru Nanak taught Sikhs to be GurMukh ~ God centred.

A Sikh should not be ManMukh … Ego centric, ME, ME, ME !

What are the three key principles of Sikhism?

Naam Jappo

Vand Chhakna

Kirat Karo Nam Jappo: remember the name of Waheguru – this can be done by meditating on the name Waheguru. Kirat Karo: earn a living by honest means. It does not matter what the work is, provided that it is honest and not against the teachings of the Gurus. Sikhism says that it is not wrong to be rich provided that the money is gained honestly. But it is wrong to live your life just to make a lot of money. Vand Chhakna: share everything in charity with people who are less fortunate. Sikhs should live their lives on the principles of generosity and self-sacrifice.

Inspired by …

Guru Nanak’s background …

WOMEN were the property of men.

Her sole aim was to serve her husband

and children.

Guru Nanak had a sister called

Nanaki. She helped with

house hold chores, her brother

Nanak was given the job of

looking after the families herd

of cows and buffalo.

UNDERNEATH the

population pyramid

are the

UNTOUCHABLES …

AKA the OUTCAST

Guru Nanak

“Everyone is equal in the eyes of God,

there is no rich, poor, male, female,

black nor white. There is no Hindu, nor

Muslim. The only difference between

people is in their actions.”

What practices do you think Guru Nanak

objected to?

RECAP: What are the three key principles of Sikhism?

Naam Jappo

Vand Chhakna

Kirat Karo Nam Jappo: remember the name of Waheguru – this can be done by meditating on the name Waheguru. Kirat Karo: earn a living by honest means. It does not matter what the work is, provided that it is honest and not against the teachings of the Gurus. Sikhism says that it is not wrong to be rich provided that the money is gained honestly. But it is wrong to live your life just to make a lot of money. Vand Chhakna: share everything in charity with people who are less fortunate. Sikhs should live their lives on the principles of generosity and self-sacrifice.

Vand Chhakna

Tan: physical service, eg, working in the langar and helping to look after the gurdwara. Man: mental service, eg, studying the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and teaching it to others. Dhan: material service to other people, eg, giving money to charities or giving time to help people who are in need.

All of these must be done because a Sikh wants to serve Waheguru and not for personal gain. So by performing sewa Sikhs serve God and the world.

SEWA: “Selfless Service” “A place in God’s court can only be attained if we do service to others in this world… Wandering ascetics, warriors,

celibates, holy men, none of them can obtain moksha without performing sewa.” Guru Granth Sahib

There are three varieties of sewa … Tan, Man & Dhan

Physical: Tan Mental: Man Material: Dhan

Can you think of ways one can serve humanity selflessly through their

mind, money and time? Sikhs believe a minimum 10% of their time should be mediation

Sikhs believe a minimum 10% of their time should be devoted to selfless service

Guru Amar Das taught the idea of daswandh. This is giving a tenth of surplus money to the community. This money may be used for building schools or hospitals or to help those who are poor or suffering.

Physical: Tan

Mental: Man M

ater

ial:

Dh

an

Bhai Kanhaiya Jee

Bhai Kanhaiya ~ giving water to both Sikhs and Hindus.

It was the year 1704, there was a battle at Anandpur between the Khalsa (Sikhs) and combined Hindu hill Rajas and Mughals. The Khalsa were defending the Anandpur fort as the enemies launched a heavy attack. Bhai Kanhaiya was given the duty of giving water to the injured Sikh’s during the battle. When Bhai Kanhaiya got on the battle field, all he could see was the face of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in everyone and God dwelling in everyone, therefore neither seeing anyone as friend or foe, he served everyone. Bhai Kanhaiya was seen by other Sikh’s giving water to the enemy and told Guru Ji, “We have a traitor in the camp, he is helping the enemies heal so that they can get up and attack the khalsa again.” When hearing this some of the Sikhs got angry and went for their swords and asked Guru ji’s permission to punish Bhai Kanhaiya. But Guru ji told the Sikhs to look into Bhai Kanhaiya’s eyes . When they gazed closely into his eyes they saw Guru jis reflection instead of their own. Guru Ji gave Bhai Kanhaiya a hug and said, he is not a traitor, but has a pure heart and see’s God in all. He is innocent. We are all children of Waheguru (God), we are the creation of the same creator, and just as Bhai Kanhaiya saw me in all, in the same way God, dwells in all. God dwells in the good and evil. We don’t fight with hate; we only fight for truth, justice and humanity. Our fight isn’t due to racism it is to uphold righteousness in the world. “Recognise the Human Race as one” Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji - Dasam Granth.

So what is Sewa?

Sikhism teaches that people should try to become less self-centred (manmukh) and more God-centred (gurmukh) and should live their lives in the selfless service of others (sewa). This means that for Sikhs, helping others as part of their worship to God. Sewa may mean giving money, time to help someone else. Sikhism requires service to Waheguru (God), to the Khalsa and to all of humanity. “True worship consists in the meditation of God’s name (Simran).… There can be no worship without performing good deeds. “ Guru Granth Sahib

The Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak.

It was a way of putting his beliefs into action!

What does the word Inequality mean? Inequality means that people are NOT treated EQUALLY. What does the word Injustice mean? Injustice ~ when something is NOT fair or NOT right.

Seva also Sewa, short for the word Karseva refers to "selfless service", work or service performed without any thought of reward or personal benefit. In the Punjabi language the person performing such service is called a Sevadar. All Sikhs are encouraged by their Guru (Guru Granth Sahib) to perform Seva or Selfless Service. This is not only good for community relations but also is good for the moral uplifting of the person. You will find Sikhs engaged in free service in Gurdwaras washing dishes, cleaning the floors, serving food, etc. Sikhs are also encouraged to help the community by performing unpaid work in hospitals, 'old peoples' homes, community centres, etc. Volunteers engaged in Seva are referred to as Sevadars and for many people this activity forms an essential part of their life, providing spiritual fulfilment and practical benefits. Sikhism is founded on principles of Sarbat da bhalla - working towards the "common good of all". For Sikhs, this means reaching out to serve and uplift all of humanity as an expression or devotion to the Creator. Many other Sikh institutes, such as Guru-ka-Langar, Kirtan, Paath, etc., depend on the performance of Seva by many in the congregation. So the principles of Seva underpin many Sikh values - such is the importance given to Seva in Sikhism.

Karseva at Harimander Sahib, The cleaning of the ' Amritsar' - The pool of Nectar

Doing Sewa sweeping the Gurdwara floor

Sevadars working in the Guru's kitchen

Doing Sewa chopping vegetables for langar

Doing Sewa cooking the Guru's langar

Nimrata/Humility and Sewa/Service

The history of the Golden Temple

Guru Nanak says the fourth Guru will build

here

Guru Ram Das builds a large

pool and names the

place Amritsar

Guru Arjan Dev builds a

Gurdwara in the centre of

the pool

1601 1577 Around

1510 1604

Guru Arjan completes the Adi Granth and places the first

copy in the Gurdwara

The first brick is laid, starting

the building of the Gurdwara

1588

The Gold plating of the

building is finished

1830

Guru Ram Das excavated a pool using voluntary labour ~ Kar Seva

What are the three key principles of Sikhism?

Naam Jappo

Vand Chhakna

Kirat Karo Nam Jappo: remember the name of Waheguru – this can be done by meditating on the name Waheguru. Kirat Karo: earn a living by honest means. It does not matter what the work is, provided that it is honest and not against the teachings of the Gurus. Sikhism says that it is not wrong to be rich provided that the money is gained honestly. But it is wrong to live your life just to make a lot of money. Vand Chhakna: share everything in charity with people who are less fortunate. Sikhs should live their lives on the principles of generosity and self-sacrifice.

Seva (Vand Chhakna)& Simran (nam jappo) go hand in hand.... HOW?

“For a Sikh, simran and seva are the spiritual right and left hand. As a Sikh, you must do both to keep a balance. These

are like the two wings of a bird - the bird must use both otherwise it will not be able to fly.”

You must put your faith into action!! Actions without faith are meaningless!

Inspiring The Future Generation

http://www.sevafoodbank.com

Khalsa Aid Practical help for others.

Vand Chhakna ~ Dhan

http://www.khalsaaid.org/

Khalsa Aid founder and chairman Ravinder Singh writes in the newsletter: ” Every trip I have made back to my village in Punjab has ended in sadness due to the rising levels of poverty, drugs abuse, economic downturn and hopelessness amongst the people.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/sewa-in-action/3779.html

Baljit Singh explains how the Sikh religion is based on equality and love and how this expresses itself in 'sewa', or selfless service to others. This inspired Sikhs in Hounslow, London, to organise a convoy of trucks during the Kosovo conflict. Baljit describes how they delivered relief supplies to Albanian people, and felt the importance of prayer.

In the back of your book write down 10 words that YOU best feel sum up Khalsa Aid.

Important Vocabulary

Word Meaning

Gurdwara A Sikh temple

Langar The Sikh free kitchen

Pangat Sitting in rows or lines in the langar

Sewa Selfless service

Sewadar A voluntary helper in a Gurdwara

Vand Chakna Sharing

Daan Charity

What happens in the Langar?

Anyone can eat for free in the langar http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/sikh-beliefs-and-worship/3777.html

Rules of the tradition of Langar The langar must be:

1. Simple vegetarian meals ~ all faiths can participate. Provides nutritious and wholesome food for the poor (Welfare)

2. Prepared by devotees who recite Gurbani while preparing the langar. (Spiritual / Religious)

3. Served after performing Ardas (prayers / Religious)

4. Food distributed in pangat. (Social)

5. All food must be fresh, clean and hygienically prepared

What values does the langar represent? The langar or free kitchen was started by Guru Nanak. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the

world, regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. The langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and

oneness of all humankind. Guru Nanak designed a way in which all people would sit on the floor together,

as equals, to eat the same simple food. It is here that all people, high or low, rich or poor, male or female all sit in

pangat (row or line) to share and enjoy the food together. The langar helps to ensure women and children participate in service for

mankind. Women help to prepare the food, and children serve the food to the pangat.

Everyone is welcome to the langar; no-one is turned away. (Guru Nanak made a stance to welcome untouchables!)

The food is usually served twice a day, every day of the year. Each week, a family or several families volunteer to provide and prepare the

langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, cooking and washing-up is done by volunteers or voluntary helpers called Sewadars.

The following questions and

answers are AS level NOT A2

Jan 2010 Explain the concept of sewa and how it is practised today. (30) The Sikh ideal of service, rendered in accordance with God’s will and without expectation of reward. Selfless service for the community, done for the goodwill and benefit of others. It counteracts egoism. It is devotion to duty in all aspects of life. Several forms of expression. • Service in the gurdwara, preparing and serving in the langar, fanning the congregation, minding and cleaning their shoes. • Kar sewa is voluntary labour constructing and cleaning the gurdwara buildings and grounds. • Service to the wider community in contributing to local charities and community projects. • Sewa in daily life. Two elements, explanation of the concept and application in practice. No more than Level 5 if only one of these is dealt with.(30 marks) AO1

‘There is nothing more important in Sikhism than sewa.’ Assess this view. In support This concept when put into practice develops such selflessness that it changes the person and purifies them and so they become God-centred rather than ego-centred. This leads to ultimate liberation. In a practical sense sewa ensures a more harmonious, generous and shared community with shared values and where each person is valued, cared for and develops their human potential.

Against this view It is one of many beliefs and practices all of which reinforce each other, e.g. sewa and langar are inseparable. The spiritual and religious practices of daily prayer, reciting God’s name, and reading of the Guru Granth Sahib can be seen as equally important. (15 marks) AO2

June 2011 Examine the concept and practice of sewa in Sikhism. AO1(30)

Concept Sewa means to serve with honour and devotion. Selfless service for altruistic purposes on behalf of, and for the betterment of the community, and humanity generally. Sewa refers to 'selfless service', that is service performed without any thought of reward or personal benefit. Sewa in Sikhism is imperative for spiritual life. It is the highest blessing – and a means to acquiring spiritual liberation. A Sikh often prays for a chance to render sewa. It destroys egoism and cultivates humility and compassion for others Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, institutionalized sewa, and based it on working towards the common good for all. For Sikhs, this means reaching out to serve and uplift all of humanity as an expression of devotion to God.

Practice A sewadar is one who performs sewa through philanthropic, voluntary, selfless, service. Cleaning shoes. Maintaining the gurdwara. Charity and voluntary work. Preparing and serving food in the langar – langar as the ‘laboratory of sewa’. No more than Level 5 if only concept or practice. ‘For Sikhs, the practice of sewa is more important than simply having faith.’ Assess this view. In support • Sewa is considered to be one of the most distinctive feature of Sikhism. • As a principle and a form of practice it contains all the teachings. • It is the means of developing spiritual qualities which when fully developed lead to a god-centred life. • Sewa is essential to a harmonious, stable and caring community and society. In refutation • Having faith and belief in God and living life with devotion to God is more important than doing the occasional good deed in the gurdwara. • Faith is more comprehensive and affects one’s thoughts and outlook on life. • Faith is the source of all forms of action. (15 marks) AO2

Jan 2011 Explain the meaning and practice of langar for Sikhs. Meaning

Langar can refer to the kitchen / eating area; the meal itself, or the service provided. It was established in the past to express and ensure social equality and justice. It challenged Hindu notions of caste.

Practice

The practice was encouraged by Guru Nanak to create fraternity and equality amongst his followers. The practice of all sitting on the floor together. Free food being provided to all by the community regardless of creed, race or ethnicity. Only vegetarian food. Means of practising seva and means of consolidating Sikh community. In contemporary society voluntary service to langar is a distinctive practice amongst the Sikh community. Privilege to provide langar.

Maximum Level 5 if both meaning and practice are not included(30 marks) AO1

‘Langar today has little connection with its original intentions.’ Assess this view. In support The social and political context today is totally different even in India, where the elimination of caste is not the main aim. Langar today has a social and symbolic function Langar is an expression of social acceptance and tolerance The practice of langar varies according to the country in which it is practised In some instances of caste distinctions are being re-established in gurdwaras today which is totally contradictory to the original purpose. Other views The main principles of equality and service are the same as those which inspired its historical origins. The Sikh religion needs to adapt and evolve according to present day conditions and make langar have relevance today. (15 marks) AO2

June 2009 Explain both how the langar was established in the past and how it is practised today.

Instituted in the past Free kitchen established by Guru Nanak as a means of challenging the Hindu caste system. Also at Kartapur community it was helpful and necessary for travellers making special visit, for those working nearby to hear his teachings. Examples of generosity and to provide for those in need. Practical example of belief in everyone’s equality in the sight of God. His disciples always provide hospitality in the dharmsalas. Gurus served their followers in the langar.

Today It is a way of practising sewa and developing spiritual qualities conquering ego. The langar is referred to in the Rahit Maryada as the ‘laboratory of sewa’. It brings the community together as people of all ages and gender serve on the langar. It demonstrates how the Sikhs are egalitarian. Enables non Sikhs to be welcome. Maximum Level 5 (23 marks) if only one part answered. (30 marks) AO1 ‘The langar is even more important today than it was in the past.’ Assess this view.

In support Today, for Sikhs in India, it has more religious importance, as they are still a minority culture. Still meets needs of those who are in need. In UK, very important for community cohesion and communal events. Other views It was really important in the past as a direct challenge and contrast to prevailing cultural norms had much more impact and significance. Much less significant today as other ways available to feed and house those in need. (15 marks) AO2