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."
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.
