Rehat Maryada

Rehat Maryada

>>>View 1: Unless we Define sikh according to Article I, we go on violating the Sikh code of conduct and all rules layed down by or Guru Sahib. And call this mockery 'parchar'.
Article I
Any human being who faithfully believes in
i. One Immortal Being,
ii. Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib,
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/essays-on-sikhism/543-rehat-maryada.html
iii. The Guru Granth Sahib,
iv. The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and
v. the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion, is a Sikh.

View 2: There are already some discussions going on in some Sikh circles about reviewing Sikh Rehat Maryada. It was not given by our gurus but by scholars who thought what was correct during that period.>>>

In view of two opposing but popular beliefs that we see around on the internet. Here's something for the cyber sangat to think about.
Will not "the Maryada in Article I" leave out over 90% of the "people" whose number have been increasing rather than decreasing abroad as well as in Punjab (I will call "people" due to respect for this Maryada Article I because they are not sikhs according to the sacred maryada)? However, these people have built gurdwaras abroad, run and manage these gurdwaras, arrange seminars on gurbani vichar. Many of them not only recite and understand gurbani, but have provided free gurbani CD with gurmukhi fonts, all kind of transliteration and translation, pictures of gurdwaras and much more. This certainly indicates that they must be considering themselves nothing but sikhs.

IMHO, the only permanent maryada is the gurbani that reminds us: Our individual mind or soul (atma) is divine image of supreme (or Parmatma), but we have to recognize it (mun tu jot saroop hai, apna mool pashaan...Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, p 441; meaning: O’my soul you’re the image of Divine light; so know your source).
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543

As always, those who feel different, I have nothing but respect for their opinions.

With regards to all,
dr sukhraj singh dhillon
usa

 
Do share your immediate thoughts or reactions on this issue? We value your views! Login Now! or Sign Up Today! to share your views with us.. Gurfateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki fateh.
For some time now, I have been observing this sinister campaign by some modern, enlightened, liberal 'Sikh' intelligensia to chip away at the roots of Sikhism.

Most of these scholars and doctors themselves do not observe the basic elements of the Sikh way of life nor does anyone in their family. They are not willing to mould their lives in accordance with the Rahit rather they want the Rahit to me moulded to suit their lifestyle. They think that hiding behind the anonymity of the internet they can pass of their 'gyan' without their agenda becoming known to anyone.

Their only supporting argument is exaggerated numbers. They seem to forget that the Gurus never modified their teachings so as to increase their following. The authority to modify the Sikh Rahit Maryada is vested in the Guru KHALSA Panth. If such scholars feel the need to modify the Rahit, they should give up their 'barber'ic ways and take the initiation of the double edged sword. Rather than passing expert comments standing at the exit door of Sikhism they should first enter the room and then talk..

Time and time again,the "challenge" to the Panth approved Rehat Maryada is seen.More than often the people propogating against the maryada are ussually those who have not enough knowledge about the history and the making process of the SRM or are bent on trying to eliminate the difference between a patit sikh and sehajdhari, to satisfy their own weakness, and justify their reasons for not being able to live to the standards asked in the SRM.

Every Sikh ,kesadhari,mona,patit,sehajdhari needs to make their own effort to get to the ultimate level of rehat and Sikh saroop as dictated by the Guru Sahibaan.That is not for us to judge.But what we can judge is how much can we live to the SRM.


The process to finalise the Sikh Rahit Maryada took many years,begining from1925 with the formation of the 28 member rahu rit committee, to the final approval by the Supreme Sikh body, the SGPC in February 1945, twenty years later.Extensive consultations with wide ranging opinioned Sikh bodies the world over,researches and references from Gurbani,Sikh history and traditions and legal examinations took place before the final agreement upon the SRM.



So to those that beleive it was formed by the jathedars over night, need to reconsider their unfounded facts. Dr Dhillon writes....Unless we Define sikh according to Article I, we go on violating the Sikh code of conduct and all rules layed down by or Guru Sahib. And call this mockery 'parchar'..................well,my question is whose fault is it ?That of the SRM or the Sikhs who have fallen short of the principles as laid out clearly,and well defined in the SRM?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543

The fault lies with us parents,who have failed our children.The fault lies with those of us,who have had no respect for the values as laid down in the Sikh code of Conduct.



Dr sahib ji,as a doctor you are governed by a set of rules and ethical code of conduct by your medical council,to how you conduct yourself with your patients.Now many Drs have failed to live up to and by that code,and these have been disciplined by the medical body.Many others have been litigated against legally and further disciplined by the medical body.Just because there has been an apparent rise in litigations against the medical profession,does that mean the medical council lower its set high standards and accomodate those who cannot maintain or live up to the standards required?



Like wise,the fault is not of the SRM,it is of individual Sikhs who cannot live up to the standards, for whatever reasons they mitigate.We are not here to discuss that.



In view of two opposing but popular beliefs that we see around on the internet. Here's something for the seekers of truth--cyber sangat to think about. Will not "the Maryada in Article I" leave out over 90% of the "people"
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543



It is possible ,it will leave out 90% of the people.But what is the cause of that?That is not caused by the Rehat maryada,it is the people who have failed to live up to it.The maryada is clear,the people are not clear which way they need to go.Because many have been not prepared to learn about the Sikh tenets of faith,organisations and parents have failed them from day one.Many others are confused by the mushrooming dehraa rahits etc.Many more with little knowledge of the values, are rattling off their self concieved ideas...



Honestly how many speak to their children in their mother tongue,a tool very essential to learn about Gurbani and Sikhi.Let us not go far,and I am not being personal,tell me honestly,how many times have you spoken to your children in Punjabi today ?That is where the fault lies.with us,NOT the SRM.



Now I again cannot agree with your idea that there is an increasing trend to discard the hair and turban,I have been following this closely,I have travelled abroad very extensively,where the first generation Sikhs discarded their turbans due to material difficulties and lack of support,the younger generation that has had the opportunity clearly to learn about the Sikh religion is making a come back in a BIG way.UK is another fine example. Canada USA has many CEO Siksh who go to their ultra modern offices in full bana and no one bats an eyelid.
In Kuala Lumpur recently A khalsa friend told me his boss sent him to the Airport to welcome one of their Company Vice Presidents from the States...he went to the airport expecting a White man...but what he saw coming towards him was a Full Blown KHALSA in Flowing Dharra and Bana Kamarkasa. He accompanied my friend to the security to get his one foot magnificent kirpaan back.


In the UK in the early 70's Turbans were very few and far in between,one was lucky if one saw one outside London for months on end;but 31 years later,go to any part of UK a turban is a common sight.Surely all these have NOT migrated from other countries.Most are british born Sikhs.The difference is they are all well versed in their religion.Open dharras among the young are NO MORE a rarity.They wear it with pride.The recent Sikh youth presence in Trafalgar Square is a crystal clear evidence of such Sikhs,among the 700 hundered odd, Sikh youth ,there were only about 100 that were not kesadharri.

Once upon a time we had not a single sikh lawyer with an open dharra ( those who were keshadhari tied their dharris in a net)...now in Kuala Lumpur there are Sikh lawyers who go to court with flowing dharras.


So it goes back to how we prepare our children.Individual weaknes is not an excuse to change collective rules.In fact such individuals should try and live to change their weakness to a strength.

Yes it is true that at one time Malaysia had 15 Govt Punjabi Schools and in 2000 we had NONE due to declining enrolment....but the Sikh parents soon realised their mistake and now in 2004 the Punjabi Education Trust has Punjabi Education centres all over the country and enrollment is increasing by the week..and we have a successful Private Khalsa School as well. Previously the Govt paid everything and we had free education...BUT we declined...NOW WE SIKHS PAY ( and pay through the nose !!) for PUNJABI EDUCATION and the enrollment is INCREASING....and with this trend will come MORE AMRITDHAREE SIKHS and not less....


As one may be probably VERY aware that if the rules of a medical professional body needs changing,then it is only the members of the medical profession who are members can vote to change,not any tom,**** and harry medicine man,witch doctor,a vaid or herbalist or even a Medicine Man, Voodoo doctor,who may all call themselves a doctor!!!After all they all see to the needs of a patient who is sick.

Gyani Ji: I respect your comments. I hope you realize that:
1. The 2 Views are not mine. These are quoted.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543
2. I don't think, I ever suggested that we change anything (IMHO, perhaps attitude?).

With regards,
dr sukhraj singh dhillon
usa

First Know SELF , Change SELF .

If everyone does it , then there is no need to change anyone .

If you wish to change others there are billions of people and it will take billions of years.

But Knowing Self and changing Self , means you have to change only one person and that is you .
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543

Frist try to develop the Common Sense and understand the ground realities and stop living in the FAIRY TALE DREAMS.

Dear Khalsa Ji,

I agree with Gyani Ji, that

'Most of these scholars and doctors themselves do not observe the basic elements of the Sikh way of life nor does anyone in their family. They are not willing to mould their lives in accordance with the Rahit rather they want the Rahit to me moulded to suit their lifestyle.'

Sikhi is a way of evolving in spirituality. It is not a commercial entity where one tries to achieve a greater market share. I hold the opinion that number is not important Quality of Sikh is.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543

I also agree with Gyani Ji that

'Gurus never modified their teachings so as to increase their following'.

I am of the opinion that Panth should follow this.

We Sikhs should never allow others to hijack our institutions and modifiy its contents i.e. teachings, the resulting values, beliefs and the way of living. We have to be very careful

During the conclave of Sikhs in Chandigarh for ISC and very important statement was made:

"In the past, during Mughal rule Sikhs were under attach but never Sikhi. In the present time Sikhi is under attack and not Sikhs".

History tells that our Gurus under the custody of Mughal rulers were offered support to continue and expand their religious activities if they give up the activities related to the society. Our Guru Sahib laid down their lives but did not allow the Piri to be separated from Miri.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543

This along with eqality between sexes and brotherhood of mankind make Sikh religion the most modern and unique.

We should preserve our religion in the way Guru Sahibs design and gave to it us. This we do for ourselves, our families and for entire humanity.

With love and respect for all.

Amarpal Singh

Great reminder. Thanks for the thought provoking statement ji.

Dear Giayani Ji
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543


You gave a good explanation of , comparing the code of conduct of medical council with that of SRM .

Is Religion a Profession ?

Do sikhs practice any paid service ?

If yes , then how much do they charge ?

You see , I am Mentally Sick , I am in search of a Sikh who can make me mentally Ok . please do mention how it will cost me.

Gurfateh

Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=543
yuor doctor is Gurubani and you can get to sites srigranth.org or dassamgranth.org to get treated but if you want serously to get treated.

Okay, so you are pretty much saying that if you are not an Amritdhari, then you can’t be a Sikh at all, right?


If so, then that means there are not too many Sikhs in this world since most Sikhs nowadays don’t even follow the 5 K’s.

Dear veer, Gurfateh.

If you can read Punjabi i wish you to read the following article by Dr mann Singh Nirankari..
http://www.rozanaspokesman.com/image...pages/FRS6.JPG

Religion is not a Profession...but when "profession" is attached to it..then the rot begins...Example..An Akhand Paath is meant to purify the Soul..bring peace and serenity through reading and vichaar of Gurbani...BUT Now a days Akhand Paath is a "profesional..commercialisation process"...moment you mention you want an Akhand Path...someone will come up with FEES of paathis, kharcha for langgar, cooks, waiters, maids to wash bhanddeh, ragis for kirtan..., tents, chairs and tables,..and a thousand other things...NOT a word about Serenity..peace..Gurbaani Vichaar...

Sikhi is Not for SALE..but you can get it by GIVING YOUR HEAD...Totally voluntary.

Stay in chardeekalla veer..

Jarnail singh gyani