1
The Langar
Aim
To help children understand the fundamental principles of
Sikhism.
To appreciate the function of the langar.
Preparation
Before the lesson, buy, make or ask children to contribute food for
a class feast.
Arrange food for feast.
Read story of Guru Amar Das and the King.
Lesson
Begin lesson by briefly revising what was taught in the previous lesson. Focus on the bracelet. Can the children remember what you told them last week about why a Sikh wears such a bracelet? Answer - to show that he loves God.
But for Sikhs, the bracelet means a lot more besides. It also reminds of what they believe about God and other people.
Ask the children to tell you how many pieces of metal it took to make the bracelet. Answer - one.
In this way, the bracelet reminds Sikhs that there is only one God.
Following on from the game which you played last week, ask the children to stand up if they are in the human beings group. Is there anyone in the school who does not belong to this group ? What about the youngest child? The oldest teacher? What about people in other countries?
The bracelet reminds Sikhs that everyone in the world belongs to the same group - the human race.
Therefore Sikhs believe that everyone should be treated equally, and no-one should think that he/she is better than anyone else.
Select volunteers to help you distribute the food. Give them an instruction which is blatantly unfair, for example boys are to be served first, or girls are to receive larger portions. When the children object, ask them to explain their grievances. What should be done?
Continue giving unfair instructions, which the children are free to challenge, until the concept of equality for all is established.
When the eating finally begins, tell the children about the langar. (See Teacher's Notes) What are the children's opinions of it?
Conclusion
Conclude lesson by reading children the story of Guru Amar Das and the King.
Notes
Teachers wishing to invite a Sikh visitor to school should contact:
Sikh Educational Advisory Services
9 Woodland Grove, Leeds, LS7 4HJ
Telephone: 0113-260 2484
The Gurdwara and Langar
'The gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, is open to all worshippers; anyone and everyone can come in to pray. Regardless of social status, everyone sits on the floor. There are no assigned places or reserved seats. Men and women are given equal position.
Each gurdwara contains a langar or open kitchen. The food is served as an expression of the Sikh principle of the commonness and equality of all humanity. Here men and women of all classes and colours are jointly engaged in preparing and serving to those of equally mixed background, seated and eating in common assembly'.
Kawaljit Kaur Singh, chair of the British Sikh Education Council.
