Originally Posted by dalsingh

Brothers Bhagat and Singh

No one should dispute that kesh is a central part of the Khalsa identity. But the reality (like it or not) os that right now the majority of people who are referred to as Sikhs are monay. This includes the people in Panjab.

I think an approach that berates an individual or group for not keeping kesh is actually quite detrimental to the panth. The mona of today can well be the Amritdhari of tomorrow. I have seen a fair number of instances of people with kesh cutting them. Conversely I have seen many people who were monay become amritdhari. If you have kesh, belittling or looking down on others is not exactly the peak of high spirituality. I'm just suggesting letting people progress on their spiritual awakening as life or God reveals to them.

I don't have kesh, many I admire greatly, do. What do you all think of the suggestion that we all take a break from judging each other and realise that despite failings on rehat, an individual can still be a good soul and beloved of God.

One problem I noticed when I was at university over a decade ago, was that some people had kesh and had no idea why they kept it. Years later, as a teacher I often meet Sikh students who despite being lovely personalities, have absolutely no idea of why they kept their kesh beyond their parents telling them they have to. This is the danger of stressing kesh and not other essential elements of Sikhi in unison.

Ultimately as Sikhs we will answer to God for our actions. Let us not try and take his/her/its place and concentrate on our own spiritual development, which is hard enough these days.

I hope I haven't offended anyone.