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Article
Sikh Leadership: Establised Ideals and Diasporic Reality
Teaching Theology and Religion
  • Harinder Singh
  • Simran Jeet Singh, Trinity University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2006
Disciplines
Abstract

As established in the Sikh scriptural canon, ideal leaders internalize qualities of self-sovereignty, intentional servitude, integrative creativity, authentic compassion, and perhaps most significant of all, Divine inspiration. Models of communal decision-making can also be derived from the lives of the Gurū-Prophets (1469–1708 C.E.) and the institutions they established. Though the faith recognizes no clergy class, graduates of historical seminaries often emerge as significant leaders for the Sikh nation. The community outside of the homeland, however, has experienced a lesser effort in the cultivation of leadership. With a primary focus on education, religious centers, youth camps, and retreats have played a critical role in imparting Sikh culture to the masses. While ideals are clearly articulated within the Sikh tradition, it is the application of the ideals that is necessary – Sikh leadership continually works towards these ends, and will ever seek to progress as individuals as well as a community.

Identifier
10.1111/j.1467-9647.2006.00275.x
Publisher
Wiley
Citation Information
Singh, H. & Singh, S. (2006). Sikh leadership: Established ideals and diasporic reality. Teaching Theology and Religion, 9(2), 133-138. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9647.2006.00275.x