Are there different types of Sikhs?

Connected thread http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/new-to...tml#post122540
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/new-to-sikhism/29530-are-there-different-types-of-sikhs.html

Hi guys!

Okay, so I was having a lot of trouble in regards to starting a new thread - I'm finding a bit difficult to navigate my way around, so I thought I'd just post my question here even though I am a Sikh!

My question is - Are there different types of Sikhs- like Muslims can be classed as Sunni or Shiat's, is there anything like this in Sikhism. I've tried googling it, but have never really find a satisfying reply.

 
Do share your immediate thoughts or reactions on this issue? We value your views! Login Now! or Sign Up Today! to share your views with us.. Gurfateh!

There is only one type of Sikhs /Gursikhs. They only belive in one God who is omnipresent and Shri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Once they take "Khande ke Pahul" or get bapitaized and enter into Sikhism's mainstream or Panth, then no differntation is left. All are equal and there are no groups. They only and only belive in tenets of Sikhi as prescribed in SRM or Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji jee.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29530
Yes, there are some splinter groups but they have belifes in some living Baba or diety and thus are not Gursikhs.

Thanks for that reply Hardip! I thought the same, however, I was told there were ...Udasi Sikhs? What makes them different?

Oh, and also .. Nihangs?

Sorry, these might seem like stupid questions to you all.

Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29530
Gurfateh!
Roop

Roop Kaur ji

There are several traditions or sampardayan that differ from "mainstream Sikhism." These are considered historical traditions insofar as they pre-date the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. The Udassis are one of those traditions. They trace their history to the time of Guru Nanak and were founded by his son. Also included are the Nirmalas and the Seva Panthis. Nihangs have an uncertain start date, though they were certainly contemporary with Guru Gobind Singh, and were present at the formation of the Khalsa in 1699.

They are different because they follow their own rehat's and not the Sikh Rehat Maryada. They give parkash to other scriptures than Sri Guru Granth Sahib. For example, Nihangs give parkash to both "Dasam Granth" and "Sarbloh Granth." Seva Panthi's give parkash to the Koran because they were founded by a Muslim who became a Sikh.

We have a section in the forum, under Sikh Sikhi Sikhism, called "Sanatan Sikhism" where you can find more information about the sects that are part of these historical traditions.

The question you raise can lead to considerable controversy because both the Udassis and the Nirmalas are also members of the Sant Samaaj which is an official organization of those "Sikhs" and "Hindus" who consider themselves adherents of "sanatan dharma" and incorporate many beliefs and rituals typical of Brahminism. Those who are strict adherents of the Sikh Rehat Maryada and give parkash on to Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the other hand reject these practices.

This is a complicated topic and difficult to discuss in a clear-cut fashion. :happykaur:

Narayanjot ji wrote
Exactly! There are no water tight compartments. Even a large majority of "Mainstream Sikhs" have an interface with one or several of these Sampradayas and sometimes they merge seamlessly into one another. Also the situation gets more complicated because Akal Takht which is supposed to uphold SRM has issued contradictory edicts.

Sikhism is a young religion and is in a state of dynamic flux and it will be some time before it stabilises.

However the pivotal Guru Nanak's philosophy which cannot change is "Kirit Kar, Nam Jap and Vand Chak" and this is propogated throughout Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Roop Kaur ji

Gurfateh,
Sikhs are Sikhs. One Guru that is Guru Granth Sahib JI
One Type of "Sikhi" SIkh Means Learning each and every day of your life
Ik On Kar so in My knowlodge One Sikh & One Guru

Gurfateh

Thanking you all for your contributions
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29530

God bless

Yes. Here's one of the links : Sikh FAQ: Sects

This is from the FAQ below

Quoted from the article: "The Sikh religion is not an entirely monolithic faith - there are several sects which are not recognized by the majority of Sikhs as orthodox in their teachings and beliefs. One is known as the Udasis, a group of holy men which was founded by an elder son of Guru Nanak, Baba Sri Chand. They are celibate and, either nude or while wearing a yellow robe, carry around a begging bowl to receive food or donations (begging is forbidden among orthodox Sikhs). They are very similar to Hindu ascetics in their mannerisms and habits and they have been active as missionaries of the Sikh faith.



Another group is known as the Sahajdharis, which means "slow adopters." This actually encompasses several smaller sects, all of which tend to be shaven like Hindus and contrary to Sikh tradition. They have largely rejected the more militant teachings which were promoted by Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Guru.



The final group is known as the Keshadharis ("hair-wearers") and it, too, encompasses a number of smaller sects. The Nihangs are the most militant of all Sikhs - they regularly carry a variety of weapons and are more willing to take action to defend their religion. They regard themselves as continuing in the tradition of Guru Gobind Singh's Khalsa army and live a semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Nirmalas, on the other hand, are much less militant than average and members tend to lead contemplative lives while secluded in monasteries.



Another group categorized with the Keshadharis are the Nirankaris, founded by Baba Dayal (d. 1853). They concentrate on the formless, eternal nature of God and accept the existence of a continuing line of living gurus. The final group is known as the Namdari or Kukas. This is a reform group which developed in the 19th century and they follow a living Guru who is descended from he original gurus."
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29530
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29530


I don't agree that Sehajdharis and Keshadharis are sects. Sehajdharis are simply "clean shaven Sikhs. Keshadharis are Sikhs who keep hair but may not have taken charan pahul or Sikh baptism. Both can be found in almost any sangat. These are not sects.

The traditional sampardayas or historical sects include Udassis, Nirmalas, Seva Panthis, and Nihangs. Nirankaris are a sect but not part of the original sampardaya. And the author makes it seem as if Nirankaris are a group within Keshadharis. Which is also wrong. Nirankari did keep hair at one time, but today they may or may not keep hair. Nirankari today are more of an interfaith group that worships one God through prayer and simran that is not taken from the Guru Granth Sahib. They are led by a human satguru. Keshadharis are simply Sikhs who keep hair regardless of tradition. Namdhari are not a sect of Sikhism. Namdhari are an independent tradition. They believe that Guru Gobind Singh did not die but hid in the jungle. They have a tradition of human satgurus, continuing for more than 200 years.

The author Austin Cline is a bit mixed up.

I agree with that. I am wondering if Bhagat Kabir was a keshadhari. In one of his selok he mentioned.....