Year 7 - Religious education
Sewa: Selfless service
Social justice: how might Sikhs promote equality?
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils study in depth at the idea of equality and service in Sikhi. Beginning through a study of Guru Nanak they will learn of his critique of Indian society. They will look at further stories to see how the fight for justice is central to Sikh identity historically and today.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the importance of sewa for Sikhs in Britain today.
Key Notes
- Sikhs have many beliefs, but there are three known as 'golden rules'.
- They are to remember God constantly, earn an honest livelihood, and to share with others.
- Selfless Sewa contributes to these principles by ensuring people are never too self important to serve others.
- Sewa may be tan (physical), man (mental), or dhan (material), meaning all Sikhs are able to perform Sewa in some way.
- Examples can include serving at the Gurdwara (tan), offering counselling and advice (man) or through donations (dhan).
Vocabulary To Learn
- dhan: refers to material or financial service
- langar: the community or 'free kitchen' in a gurdwara
- man: refers to mental or emotional service
- sewa: helping others selflessly, an important Sikh value
- tan: refers to physical service
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Sewa in Sikhi is limited to physical labour, especially tasks like cleaning the Gurdwara, cooking in the langar (community kitchen), or serving food.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Sikhs have many beliefs, but there are three known as 'golden rules'. They are to remember God constantly, earn an honest livelihood, and to share with others.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'dhan'
refers to material or financial service.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Sewa in Sikhi is limited to physical labour, especially tasks like cleaning the Gurdwara, cooking in the langar (community kitchen), or serving food. Correction: Sikhi emphasises that sewa can be of three types: physical service, mental or emotional service or material and financial service.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Religious education guide library.