Word: sikhism
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, president of the Akali Dal, the Sikh political party. Longowal is a moderate who opposes secession of Punjab from India. Talks between representatives of the Akali Dal and Gandhi's government appear likely; the issue, said Longowal, is "the very future of the Sikhs and Sikhism in India...
...religions as inherently hostile towards each other. Yet this interpretation misstates, the true nature of the Hindu religious tradition; the non-credal, non-dogmatic nature of Hinduism allows it to be extremely pluralistic and to uphold coexistence with the Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Moreover, to pit Sikhism and Hinduism against one another overlooks the long history of cross-religious linkages. For instance, Hindus have worshipped Sikh temples and Sikhs in Hindu temples for years and the two groups do intermarry...
Since 1980, nevertheless, the center had participated in negotiations with the Akali party and had in fact conceded to many of the Sikh demands that did not affect the status of the other Indian states. These include the constitutional recognition of Sikhism as a distinct religion different from Hinduism and the arrangement for broadcast rights from the Golden Temple on the All India Radio. The contentious issues, however, have been the very demands of religious, political, economic and territorial nature that involve other states and therefore dismiss the feasibility of simple bilateral bargaining between the Sikhs and the central government...
...teachers, and the founder of a faith now known for its warlike strength, was a gentle sage who preached a code of pacifism. Declaring "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim," Guru Nanak forged a path between the two warring religions, drawing followers from both, when he created Sikhism in Punjab at the end of the 15th century. Two centuries later, however, Guru Nanak's teaching of religious tolerance was radically redirected by the tenth and last of the Sikh gurus, a skilled horseman and dauntless fighter named Gobind Singh. With his people being persecuted by Mogul warlords...
Bhindranwale's death was in the proud, warring tradition of Sikhism. The religion was founded in the 15th century as a monotheistic synthesis of Hinduism and Islam. Sikhs believe in having a direct, personal relationship with God, rejecting Hindu idolatry and the caste system. True Sikhs do not smoke, and the men do not cut their beards or hair, believing that spiritual power flows through long hair. India's 15 million Sikhs are known for being ambitious, hardworking and hospitable. Their gurdwaras, or holy places, throughout India offer free lodging and food for any who happens...