Kirpans on necklaces -- one of the 5K's?

DharmicSeeker9393 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-Jun-2012, 10:40 AM

Gurfateh,

I myself am very new to Sikhi so please excuse me if this seems like a silly question.

But i was wondering if the small kirpan on a necklace is seen as the same as carrying a typically sized kirpan? Could a sikh opt to carry one that small around their neck at all times instead of around their waist? Does it matter how big the kirpan is according to the Guru's teachings?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/questions-and-answers/38632-kirpans-on-necklaces-one-of-5ks.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38632

Many Blessings!
*

Kanwaljit Singh · #2 (**permalink**) 08-Jun-2012, 10:51 AM

Why do you think Guru Sahib gave us the Kirpan?

Luckysingh · #3 (**permalink**) 08-Jun-2012, 11:12 AM

Well it wasn't to cut your apples with!!!!cheerleader

Gyani Jarnail Singh · #4 (**permalink**) 08-Jun-2012, 11:43 AM

ha ha and for sure it wasnt meant to be hung around the "neck"......
i have seen "kirpans"... on the wooden comb kangha...BUT never a KANGHA on a Kirpan !!
Neither have i seen or heard about a Karra on a comb..or on a kirpan....in fact the KARRA is the MOST WORN of all the 5 kakaars..and no oen even asks..is a tiny one enough for me...NO way..the karra got to be ..Bigger the Better..more cool..more macho..
we have really LOST THE PLOT...if we go after such questions..and seek answers form the Guru's teachings ??? Has anyone heard the US Army issuing tiny assault rifles to be hung around the neck ??..IF so why shoudl the kirpan be hung around the neck...?? a KIRPAN is a KIRPAN....worn on a gatra around the WAIST.period.

Luckysingh · #5 (**permalink**) 08-Jun-2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DharmicSeeker9393

Gurfateh,

I myself am very new to Sikhi so please excuse me if this seems like a silly question.

But i was wondering if the small kirpan on a necklace is seen as the same as carrying a typically sized kirpan? Could a sikh opt to carry one that small around their neck at all times instead of around their waist? Does it matter how big the kirpan is according to the Guru's teachings?

Many Blessings!

There is no presribed length for the kirpan as far as I know.
You are in US, and I believe the US homeland security and federal agencies are aware and have strict protocol when searching sikhs. They have strict guidelines when conducting searches.
In this sense I believe you don't need to worry or make changes.

In general I do know that the rehat doesn't specify how the kirpan is to be worn, ie some wear it under clothing and some wear it over the clothing. However, it does specify that the kirpan be 'strapped'.
Well a necklace is not the same thing.
I do remember encountering a little episode in UK where some people that wore their kanga on their necks rather than have it tucked in to their khes were advised not to do this.
I then remember noticing a decline in the number of kangas worn on the neck!!!

How does this go with the kirpan ?
I'm not too certain, but I would say if you are in a job where it may be a risk to be wearing a large one on gatra strap, ie... say a prison officer, then it is reasonable to wear a small one on the neck. (I have known a prison officer who did this, as it was a risk if inmates could grab his off the strap)

If it is just by personal choice that you want to wear this symbolic kakkar on your necklace, - then you should honestly ask yourself why ?
You should ask yourself does it symbolise what it means if you are doing this out of personal preference and choice, or is this what the Guru ji intended ?

So, my real question is what's the reason to make you want to wear a small one on the necklace ?
I think this is what you should answer so as to get the most suitable answer.

Waheguru

Ishna · #6 (**permalink**) 08-Jun-2012, 16:20 PM

I've heard of all the 5 Ks as charms on a necklace. Like health, wealth, faith, hope and charity or something. o.O
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38632

Not sure how I feel about that.

DharmicSeeker9393 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-Jun-2012, 18:18 PM

Gurfateh,

Thank you for the feed back Giani-ji and Luckysingh-ji.

Actually it was purely a question of interest. As I came across an article where this Sikh woman wore it as a fashion and just wanted to know if a kirpan that small counted as an article of faith, with regard to the Rehat and/or Khalsa.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38632
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38632

I am much more focused right now on reading the Sri Guru Granth Sahib-ji and much less about becoming Amritdhari right now... Joining Khalsa is not something I am ready for just yet.

Waheguru!

Gyani Jarnail Singh · #8 (**permalink**) 08-Jun-2012, 21:12 PM

Good for you Dharmicseeker jio..you are on the RIGHT TRACK.

You may be surprised that born in a solid amritdharee family going back to Baba Banda Singh days..i learnt the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and began doing paaths and even taking part in Akhand paaths at age 5++ and studying Gurbani menaings sikh hsitpry etc etc..I only became an amritdharee at age 55 !! - after 5 decades of doing nitnem, daily bath at 2.30 am from as back as i can remember...doing a sehaj paath each month..12 a year...each year...i decided it was time on my 55th birthday....so a LONG and sweet path is also one way...to each hsi own ji...Guru ji will do his Kirpa when its right...keep it up.

DharmicSeeker9393 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-Jun-2012, 04:51 AM

Gurfateh,

Thank you for sharing with me, Gyani-ji! That is an impressive story. It is true the Guru's Will is all that matters and will be done when its meant to be done. We can only live in Hukam...
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38632

Waheguru!