The Six Major ReligionsThe Six Major ReligionsSocial Studies
Religions Unit
October 2011
Social Studies
Religions Unit
October 2011
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BluePrint Skill: Grade 7 HistoryBluePrint Skill: Grade 7 HistoryBluePrint Skill: Grade 7 HistoryBluePrint Skill: Grade 7 History
• Compare and contrast the tenets of the five major world religions (i.e., Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism).
• Compare and contrast the tenets of the five major world religions (i.e., Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism).
Main MenuMain MenuMain MenuMain Menu
Christianity
Islam
Hinduism Judaism
Buddhism
Sikhism
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ChristianityChristianityChristianityChristianity
• The early Hebrews who eventually developed into the Jewish religion became the foundation of Christianity.
• Jesus, or the Messiah, was a Jewish boy who disagreed with some of the Jewish principles of his day began to profess a new way of thinking.
• This eventually led to the beginning of the Christian religion.
• The early Hebrews who eventually developed into the Jewish religion became the foundation of Christianity.
• Jesus, or the Messiah, was a Jewish boy who disagreed with some of the Jewish principles of his day began to profess a new way of thinking.
• This eventually led to the beginning of the Christian religion.
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ChristianityChristianityChristianityChristianity
• Christianity started about 2000 years ago about the same time of Jesus.
• The central point of Christian belief is that God, the Father, entered into human history as the Son, Jesus of Nazereth, and arose as the Holy Spirit.
• Christianity started about 2000 years ago about the same time of Jesus.
• The central point of Christian belief is that God, the Father, entered into human history as the Son, Jesus of Nazereth, and arose as the Holy Spirit.
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Christian PhilosophyChristian PhilosophyChristian PhilosophyChristian Philosophy
• God is the Creator of the universe. There is one God, Who is Three Persons- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• Jesus is both fully man and fully God. He was born of the Virgin Mary Crucified, resurrected from the dead, and ascended to the Father.
• God is the Creator of the universe. There is one God, Who is Three Persons- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• Jesus is both fully man and fully God. He was born of the Virgin Mary Crucified, resurrected from the dead, and ascended to the Father.
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Christian PhilosophyChristian PhilosophyChristian PhilosophyChristian Philosophy
• Sin and Evil are realities in our existence.
• The Bible is the Holy Book that records God's revelation.
• All believers are promised life everlasting.
• The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and the followers was his 12 disciples.
• Sin and Evil are realities in our existence.
• The Bible is the Holy Book that records God's revelation.
• All believers are promised life everlasting.
• The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and the followers was his 12 disciples.
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BuddhismBuddhismBuddhismBuddhism
• Founding person of Buddhism is Guatama, the Buddha
• The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk who remains the leader of the Tibetans.
• Buddhism is a major religion in China, Japan, India, and Tibet.
• Founding person of Buddhism is Guatama, the Buddha
• The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk who remains the leader of the Tibetans.
• Buddhism is a major religion in China, Japan, India, and Tibet.
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The Major Philosophy of BuddhismThe Major Philosophy of BuddhismThe Major Philosophy of BuddhismThe Major Philosophy of Buddhism
• Love: without conditions
• Compassion: or feeling at one with the person who is suffering
• Sympathetic Joy:Celebrate the happiness of others, and do not resent their good fortune.
• Impartiality: Treat everyone equally, and do not use others for personal gain or to win approval.
• Love: without conditions
• Compassion: or feeling at one with the person who is suffering
• Sympathetic Joy:Celebrate the happiness of others, and do not resent their good fortune.
• Impartiality: Treat everyone equally, and do not use others for personal gain or to win approval.
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The Major Philosophy of BuddhismThe Major Philosophy of BuddhismThe Major Philosophy of BuddhismThe Major Philosophy of Buddhism
• Buddhism states that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation.
• Each person's position in life is determined by his or her behavior in the previous life. This is known as their "karma" (also a Hindu belief).
• Buddhism states that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation.
• Each person's position in life is determined by his or her behavior in the previous life. This is known as their "karma" (also a Hindu belief).
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Buddhism Buddhism Buddhism Buddhism
• Buddhism is the world's oldest universal religion and it is the second fastest growing religion.
• Buddhism is the world's oldest universal religion and it is the second fastest growing religion.
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IslamIslamIslamIslam
• ISLAM is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammad in the 600s A. D.
• The Islamic religion started in the area known as Palestine in the year 600AD.
• It has about 850 million followers, most of them in the region north and east of the Mediterranean Sea.
• ISLAM is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammad in the 600s A. D.
• The Islamic religion started in the area known as Palestine in the year 600AD.
• It has about 850 million followers, most of them in the region north and east of the Mediterranean Sea.
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IslamIslamIslamIslam
• The holy book of Islam is the "Koran." Muslims believe its words to be those of Allah himself, spoken to Muhammad by an angel.
• Allah, is the Islamic God.• People who believe these ideas are
called Muslims.
• The holy book of Islam is the "Koran." Muslims believe its words to be those of Allah himself, spoken to Muhammad by an angel.
• Allah, is the Islamic God.• People who believe these ideas are
called Muslims.
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Islamic PhilosophyIslamic PhilosophyIslamic PhilosophyIslamic Philosophy
• Muslims learn that life on earth is a period of testing and preparation for the life to come.
• Angels record good and bad deeds.• People should behave themselves and help
others, trusting in Allah's justice and mercy for their reward.
• Muslims learn that life on earth is a period of testing and preparation for the life to come.
• Angels record good and bad deeds.• People should behave themselves and help
others, trusting in Allah's justice and mercy for their reward.
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IslamIslamIslamIslam
• Muslims pray five times daily in their mosques (churches).
• While praying, they face the holy city of Mecca (in Saudi-Arabia) and sometimes kneel with faces to the ground.
• All Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage (trip to a sacred place) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
• Muslims pray five times daily in their mosques (churches).
• While praying, they face the holy city of Mecca (in Saudi-Arabia) and sometimes kneel with faces to the ground.
• All Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage (trip to a sacred place) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
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HinduismHinduismHinduismHinduism
• HINDUISM is one of the world's oldest religions.• Over 2/3's of the world's Hindus live in India; large numbers reside in
Africa also. • Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. They
recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman ("the Absolute.")
• HINDUISM is one of the world's oldest religions.• Over 2/3's of the world's Hindus live in India; large numbers reside in
Africa also. • Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. They
recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman ("the Absolute.")
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Hindu PhilosophyHindu PhilosophyHindu PhilosophyHindu Philosophy
• Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. • They recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman (the Absolute).• The goal of Hindus is to someday join with Brahman. • Until that union takes place, believers are in a continuous process
of rebirth called "reincarnation."
• Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. • They recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman (the Absolute).• The goal of Hindus is to someday join with Brahman. • Until that union takes place, believers are in a continuous process
of rebirth called "reincarnation."
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Hindu PhilosophyHindu PhilosophyHindu PhilosophyHindu Philosophy
• At death, the Hindu's deeds (karma) determine what the next life will be.• Followers work to break this cycle--birth, death, re-birth-- (referred to by
writers as the "Wheel of Life") and gain release. • The Hindu's soul then merges with Brahman in a condition of spiritual
perfection (moksha).
• At death, the Hindu's deeds (karma) determine what the next life will be.• Followers work to break this cycle--birth, death, re-birth-- (referred to by
writers as the "Wheel of Life") and gain release. • The Hindu's soul then merges with Brahman in a condition of spiritual
perfection (moksha).
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HinduismHinduismHinduismHinduism
• Hinduism has many sacred books, the oldest being a series called the "Vedas.“
• Traditional Hindu society was divided into groups of four classes (or varnas). This was known as the "caste system."
• Hinduism has many sacred books, the oldest being a series called the "Vedas.“
• Traditional Hindu society was divided into groups of four classes (or varnas). This was known as the "caste system."
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JudaismJudaismJudaismJudaism
• JUDAISM is a religion of just one people: the Jews.
• JUDAISM was the first to teach belief in only one God. Two other important religions developed from Judaism: Christianity and Islam.
• JUDAISM is a religion of just one people: the Jews.
• JUDAISM was the first to teach belief in only one God. Two other important religions developed from Judaism: Christianity and Islam.
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JudaismJudaismJudaismJudaism
• Jews think that God will send a Messiah (a deliverer) to unite them and lead them in His way.
• Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The Jewish people do not agree; they anticipate His arrival in the future.
• Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come.
• Jews think that God will send a Messiah (a deliverer) to unite them and lead them in His way.
• Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The Jewish people do not agree; they anticipate His arrival in the future.
• Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come.
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JudaismJudaismJudaismJudaism
• The "Torah," the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is the most important Jewish scripture.
• It contains the basic laws of Judaism.
• Another important book is the "Talmud," serving primarily as a guide to the civil and religious laws of Judaism.
• The "Torah," the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is the most important Jewish scripture.
• It contains the basic laws of Judaism.
• Another important book is the "Talmud," serving primarily as a guide to the civil and religious laws of Judaism.
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JudaismJudaismJudaismJudaism
• The Jewish house of worship is called a synagogue.
• Rabbis (spiritual leaders) conduct services, act as interpreters of Jewish laws, and deliver sermons.
• Today there are over 18 million followers of Judaism scattered throughout the world. A large number of those people live in the Jewish nation of Israel. Over six million live in the United States.
• The Jewish house of worship is called a synagogue.
• Rabbis (spiritual leaders) conduct services, act as interpreters of Jewish laws, and deliver sermons.
• Today there are over 18 million followers of Judaism scattered throughout the world. A large number of those people live in the Jewish nation of Israel. Over six million live in the United States.
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Jewish PhilosophyJewish PhilosophyJewish PhilosophyJewish Philosophy
• God is one and unique• God is the creator • God is transcendent • God is immanent. • God is lawgiver • God is personal • We have the obligation to worship• The Torah is God's law • God is judge • The Messiah will come.
• God is one and unique• God is the creator • God is transcendent • God is immanent. • God is lawgiver • God is personal • We have the obligation to worship• The Torah is God's law • God is judge • The Messiah will come.
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What is Sikhism?What is Sikhism?What is Sikhism?What is Sikhism?
• A 500 year old, monotheistic religion of Northwest India, followed by some 20 million
• Seeks to make religion a uniting rather than dividing force
• All people – male and female, Brahmin and Shudra, Hindu and Muslim – are united as brothers and sisters in devotion to the one God:
"there is no Muslim, there is no Hindu; all are equal human beings because they are the children of the same Father, God.“ – Guru Nanak
• A 500 year old, monotheistic religion of Northwest India, followed by some 20 million
• Seeks to make religion a uniting rather than dividing force
• All people – male and female, Brahmin and Shudra, Hindu and Muslim – are united as brothers and sisters in devotion to the one God:
"there is no Muslim, there is no Hindu; all are equal human beings because they are the children of the same Father, God.“ – Guru Nanak
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THE FOUNDER OF THE FAITH:THE FOUNDER OF THE FAITH:THE FOUNDER OF THE FAITH:THE FOUNDER OF THE FAITH:
• Guru Nanak (1469-1538) • Hindu by birth and upbringing• Influenced by the Bhakti and Sant tradition of
medieval northwest India• A disciple of both Hindu and Muslim mystics• Composing and singing devotional songs (kirtan)• Drew his own disciples (“sikhs”) following a
mystical realization in 1499 - Sikhs are disciples of the gurus and of the ultimate (wahe) guru, God
• Guru Nanak (1469-1538) • Hindu by birth and upbringing• Influenced by the Bhakti and Sant tradition of
medieval northwest India• A disciple of both Hindu and Muslim mystics• Composing and singing devotional songs (kirtan)• Drew his own disciples (“sikhs”) following a
mystical realization in 1499 - Sikhs are disciples of the gurus and of the ultimate (wahe) guru, God
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Nanak’s teachingNanak’s teachingNanak’s teachingNanak’s teaching
• Preached a unifying message that overcame religious differences, uniting both Hindu and Muslim in common devotion to the same God
• Recognized that behind all human names and forms for God, is one True God (Sat Nam – the “true name”)
• Rejected meaningless ritual, images and idols of gods in favor of simple, heartfelt devotion
• Preached a unifying message that overcame religious differences, uniting both Hindu and Muslim in common devotion to the same God
• Recognized that behind all human names and forms for God, is one True God (Sat Nam – the “true name”)
• Rejected meaningless ritual, images and idols of gods in favor of simple, heartfelt devotion
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BeliefsBeliefsBeliefsBeliefs
• One God (whom people call by many names)– Sat Nam (“true name”), Waheguru (“great
guru”)• Equality of all human beings (reject caste
distinctions)• Karma and reincarnation• Reject asceticism (no monastic life in Sikhism)• The spirit of the guru (Nanak) continued for 200
years through a succession of ten human gurus…
• One God (whom people call by many names)– Sat Nam (“true name”), Waheguru (“great
guru”)• Equality of all human beings (reject caste
distinctions)• Karma and reincarnation• Reject asceticism (no monastic life in Sikhism)• The spirit of the guru (Nanak) continued for 200
years through a succession of ten human gurus…
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Development of the faithDevelopment of the faithDevelopment of the faithDevelopment of the faith
• 2nd guru (Angad Dev) developed written form of Punjabi language for recording hymns
• 3rd guru (Amar Das) instituted the community kitchen (Langar) to feed all in need
• 4th guru (Ram Das) built the Sikh holy city of Amritsar (in Punjab)
• 5th guru (Arjun Dev) built the Golden Temple in Amritsar as the center of the Sikh world; also compiled hymns of the earlier gurus, creating the Sikh holy book: Adi Granth
• 2nd guru (Angad Dev) developed written form of Punjabi language for recording hymns
• 3rd guru (Amar Das) instituted the community kitchen (Langar) to feed all in need
• 4th guru (Ram Das) built the Sikh holy city of Amritsar (in Punjab)
• 5th guru (Arjun Dev) built the Golden Temple in Amritsar as the center of the Sikh world; also compiled hymns of the earlier gurus, creating the Sikh holy book: Adi Granth
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Martyrdom and defenseMartyrdom and defenseMartyrdom and defenseMartyrdom and defense
• 5th guru was martyred, 6th guru (Har Gobind) began a tradition of training Sikhs in martial arts to protect those persecuted for their religion (Sikh, Hindu or otherwise)
• 7th guru (Har Rai) best known for opening hospitals and offering free medical treatment to those in need
• 8th guru (Har Krishan) was just a child but continued caring for the sick (died at age 8)
• 9th guru (Tegh Bahadur) worked to combat religious persecution, ultimately became the 2nd Sikh martyr
• 5th guru was martyred, 6th guru (Har Gobind) began a tradition of training Sikhs in martial arts to protect those persecuted for their religion (Sikh, Hindu or otherwise)
• 7th guru (Har Rai) best known for opening hospitals and offering free medical treatment to those in need
• 8th guru (Har Krishan) was just a child but continued caring for the sick (died at age 8)
• 9th guru (Tegh Bahadur) worked to combat religious persecution, ultimately became the 2nd Sikh martyr
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The 10The 10thth Guru – Gobind Singh Guru – Gobind SinghThe 10The 10thth Guru – Gobind Singh Guru – Gobind Singh
• Wrote hymns and completed the compilation of the Adi Granth
• In 1699, Initiated the Sikh Khalsa (“brotherhood”) as a military defense force
• Declared the end of the line of human gurus, transferring guruship to the Khalsacommunity and the holy book, nowknown as “Guru Granth Sahib”
• Died 1708
• Wrote hymns and completed the compilation of the Adi Granth
• In 1699, Initiated the Sikh Khalsa (“brotherhood”) as a military defense force
• Declared the end of the line of human gurus, transferring guruship to the Khalsacommunity and the holy book, nowknown as “Guru Granth Sahib”
• Died 1708
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The KhalsaThe KhalsaThe KhalsaThe Khalsa
• Today, the Khalsa is simply the community of the faithful
• Amrit ceremony as baptism andinitiation into the Khalsa (maleand female, must be at least16 years of age)
• Khalsa members take a new last name: Singh (“lion”) for men, Kaur (“princess”) for women
• Khalsa members wear the “Five K’s” as symbols of their faith…
• Today, the Khalsa is simply the community of the faithful
• Amrit ceremony as baptism andinitiation into the Khalsa (maleand female, must be at least16 years of age)
• Khalsa members take a new last name: Singh (“lion”) for men, Kaur (“princess”) for women
• Khalsa members wear the “Five K’s” as symbols of their faith…
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The Five K’sThe Five K’sThe Five K’sThe Five K’s
• Kesh: Long, uncut hair (both men and women)– Men wear a turban to cover their hair
• Kangha: a comb to keep the hair clean and presentable
• Kara: a steel bracelet worn on the right wrist as a reminder to think of God and do one’s duty
• Kachh: undergarments as a reminder of chastity (outside of marriage) and purity
• Kirpan: a defensive sword symbolic of God’s power and the Sikh duty to protect the weak and persecuted
• Kesh: Long, uncut hair (both men and women)– Men wear a turban to cover their hair
• Kangha: a comb to keep the hair clean and presentable
• Kara: a steel bracelet worn on the right wrist as a reminder to think of God and do one’s duty
• Kachh: undergarments as a reminder of chastity (outside of marriage) and purity
• Kirpan: a defensive sword symbolic of God’s power and the Sikh duty to protect the weak and persecuted
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Other Sikh symbolsOther Sikh symbolsOther Sikh symbolsOther Sikh symbols
• The Khanda: the double edged sword represents God’s power, the circle is for continuity, the two outer swords for spiritual and political balance
• “Ek-Onkar” meaning “one God”• The Golden Temple: a place of worship,
pilgrimage, and seat of worldwide Sikh leadership; open on four sides for access by all people; surrounded by a pool of water for purification rites
• The Khanda: the double edged sword represents God’s power, the circle is for continuity, the two outer swords for spiritual and political balance
• “Ek-Onkar” meaning “one God”• The Golden Temple: a place of worship,
pilgrimage, and seat of worldwide Sikh leadership; open on four sides for access by all people; surrounded by a pool of water for purification rites
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The Gurdwara – The Gurdwara – the Sikh templethe Sikh temple
The Gurdwara – The Gurdwara – the Sikh templethe Sikh temple
• “Door to the Guru,” housing andhonoring the Guru Granth Sahib
• A “Granthi” (priest) is caretaker of the Gurdwara and the holy book as well as spiritual leader of the community
• “Door to the Guru,” housing andhonoring the Guru Granth Sahib
• A “Granthi” (priest) is caretaker of the Gurdwara and the holy book as well as spiritual leader of the community
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The Gurdwara – The Gurdwara – the Sikh templethe Sikh temple
The Gurdwara – The Gurdwara – the Sikh templethe Sikh temple
• Contains a kitchen and dining hall (for Langar) and prayer hall for singing of Kirtan (hymns) from the holy book
• Open daily (in India) with continuous reading and singing from holy book,serving food to all who come
• Following worship, all partake in theLangar, sitting (on the floor) and eatinga meal together (equality)
• Contains a kitchen and dining hall (for Langar) and prayer hall for singing of Kirtan (hymns) from the holy book
• Open daily (in India) with continuous reading and singing from holy book,serving food to all who come
• Following worship, all partake in theLangar, sitting (on the floor) and eatinga meal together (equality)
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Sikh holy days and ceremoniesSikh holy days and ceremoniesSikh holy days and ceremoniesSikh holy days and ceremonies
• Vaisakhi: April 13th, anniversary of founding of the Khalsa
• Guru Nanak’s birthday (November)• Baby naming• Amrit/Baptism (Initiation into Khalsa)• Marriage (Anand Karaj): takes place in the
Gurdwara with the communitybefore the Guru Granth
• Death: cremation of body
• Vaisakhi: April 13th, anniversary of founding of the Khalsa
• Guru Nanak’s birthday (November)• Baby naming• Amrit/Baptism (Initiation into Khalsa)• Marriage (Anand Karaj): takes place in the
Gurdwara with the communitybefore the Guru Granth
• Death: cremation of body
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The Sikh way of lifeThe Sikh way of lifeThe Sikh way of lifeThe Sikh way of life
• Mediation and personal prayer morning and evening
• Honest and hard work• Charity• Service to humanity, God, and guru• Strong family values• Strong identity with the Sikh community• Khalsa members abstain from smoking,
drinking and illicite drugs
• Mediation and personal prayer morning and evening
• Honest and hard work• Charity• Service to humanity, God, and guru• Strong family values• Strong identity with the Sikh community• Khalsa members abstain from smoking,
drinking and illicite drugs
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Sikhism on the Web:Sikhism on the Web:Sikhism on the Web:Sikhism on the Web:
• The Sikhism Home Page: http://www.sikhs.org/topics.htm
• The SikhNetwork: a virtual worldwide Sikh community (includes areas for on-line discussion and live chats with
Sikhs from around the world) http://www.sikhnet.com/
• The Sikhism Home Page: http://www.sikhs.org/topics.htm
• The SikhNetwork: a virtual worldwide Sikh community (includes areas for on-line discussion and live chats with
Sikhs from around the world) http://www.sikhnet.com/
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How much have you learned?How much have you learned?How much have you learned?How much have you learned?
• Let’s take a • Let’s take a
ChalkboardChallenge