Sabd Guru on Sword (ਖੜਗੁ/ਖੰਡਾ)

A Sikh should wear a sword/kirpan of spiritual wisdom .Kirpan’s size has come down from 42 inches to 4 to 6 inches. Its ancient use as a defensive weapon is out of date in view of the present technologically of superior weapons. Should one have to protect self or some one; a more sophisticated weapon can do the job. During my life time I have not seen it being used as a defensive weapon to save some one but is definitly been used often in Gurudwara fights leading to legal consequences and dragging the name of Sikhs in media down the drain. Emotionally wearing it for show of spirituality it can be a few inches long and preferably stitched in. When flying now a days they willingly surrender it otherwise walking or riding a horse will take them years to reach the west.

Why it cannot be worn as a small symbol in a chain around the neck or some where else since it cannot be used for defensive purposes in the present context?

Using it as a small symbol in a comb or necklace can fulfill the emotional and religious needs of the Sikhs as I did in my youth.

The word sword/double edged sword has been used in Sabd Guru for Virtue, Spiritual wisdom, Spiritual path, Name of the Akal Purkh. Here few references;

ਤਰਕਸ ਤੀਰ ਕਮਾਣ ਸਾਂਗ ਤੇਗਬੰਦ ਗੁਣ ਧਾਤੁ ॥

Ŧarkas ṯīr kamāṇ sāʼng ṯėgbanḏ guṇ ḏẖāṯ.

The pursuit of virtue is my bow and arrow, my quiver, sword and scabbard. -----Guru Nanak, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 16-17

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੜਗੁ ਲੈ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਲੂਝੈ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਸਮਾਈ ਹੇ ॥
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/24400-sabd-guru-on-sword.html

Gi-aan Kharhag Lai Man Si-o Loojhai Mansaa Maneh Samaa-ee Hay.

Taking up the sword of spiritual wisdom, duality struggles with the mind, and hope and desire are smoothed over in her mind. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1022-13

ਖੰਡੇ ਧਾਰ ਗਲੀ ਅਤਿ ਭੀੜੀ ॥ ਲੇਖਾ ਲੀਜੈ ਤਿਲ ਜਿਉ ਪੀੜੀ ॥

Kẖandė ḏẖār galī aṯ bẖīṛī. Lėkẖā lījai ṯil ji­o pīṛī.

The spiritual path is very narrow, like the sharp edge of a sword. When his account is read, he shall be crushed like the sesame seed in the mill. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page,1028-7

ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਅਤਿ ਖੜਗੁ ਕਰਾਰਾ ॥ ਦੂਜਾ ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਗੜੁ ਕਟਿਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਾ ॥

Gur Tay Gi-aan Paa-i-aa At Kharhag Karaaraa. Ḏūjā bẖaram gaṛ kati­ā moh lobẖ ahaʼnkārā.

From the Guru, I have obtained the supremely powerful sword of spiritual wisdom. I have cut down the fortress of duality and doubt, attachment, greed and egotism.
-----Guru Amardas, Raag Maru, AGGS, Page, 1087-4

ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਖੜਗੁ ਹਥਿ ਧਾਰਿਆ ਜਮੁ ਮਾਰਿਅੜਾ ਜਮਕਾਲਿ ॥

Gur Gi-aan Kharhag Hath Dhaari-aa Jam Maari-arhaa Jamkaal.

You hold in your hands the sword of the Guru's spiritual wisdom; with this destroyer of death, kill the Messenger of Death. -----Guru Amardas, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 235-4

ਖੰਨਿਅਹੁ ਤਿਖੀ ਵਾਲਹੁ ਨਿਕੀ ਏਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਜਾਣਾ ॥

Kẖanni­ahu ṯikẖī vālahu nikī ėṯ mārag jāṇā.


The path they take is sharper than a two-edged sword, and finer than a hair. -----Guru Amardas, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 918-19

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੜਗ ਪੰਚ ਦੂਤ ਸੰਘਾਰੇ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਜਾਗੈ ਸੋਇ ॥

Gi­ān kẖaṛag pancẖ ḏūṯ sangẖārė gurmaṯ jāgai so­ė.

With the sword of spiritual wisdom, kill the five demons. Remain awake and aware to the Guru's Teachings. -----Guru Amar Das, Raag Sloke Vaaran To Vadeek, AGGS, Page, 1414-6

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਖੜਗੁ ਸੰਜੋਉ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਵਿਡਾਰਿਆ ॥

Saṯgurū kā kẖaṛag sanjo­o har bẖagaṯ hai jiṯ kāl kantak mār vidāri­ā.

Devotional worship of the Akal Purkh is the sword and armor of the True Guru; and has killed and cast out Death, the torturer. -----Guru Ram Das, Raag, AGGS, Page, 312-13

ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਗਿਆਨ ਖੜਗੁ ਹਥਿ ਦੀਨਾ ਜਮਕੰਕਰ ਮਾਰਿ ਬਿਦਾਰੇ ॥

Saṯgur gi­ān kẖaṛag hath ḏīnā jamkankar mār biḏārė.

True Guru has placed the sword of spiritual wisdom in my hands; I have overcome and slain the Messenger of Death. -----Guru Ram Das, Raag Vadhans, AGGS, Page, 574-14

ਮਾਨ ਮੋਹ ਮੇਰ ਤੇਰ ਬਿਬਰਜਿਤ ਏਹੁ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਖੰਡੇ ਧਾਰ ॥

Mān moh mėr ṯėr bibarjiṯ ėhu mārag kẖandė ḏẖār.

To forsake pride, emotional attachment, and the sense of 'mine and yours', is the path of the double-edged sword. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Devgandhari, AGGS, Page, 534-13
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=24400

ਗਰੀਬੀ ਗਦਾ ਹਮਾਰੀ॥ ਖੰਨਾ ਸਗਲ ਰੇਨ ਛਾਰੀ॥ ਇਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਕੋ ਨ ਟਿਕੈ ਵੇਕਾਰੀ॥ ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਏਹ ਗਲ ਸਾਰੀ॥

Gareebee Gadda Hamaree, Khanna Sagal Rayn Chaari, Iss Aagai Ko Na Tikai Vaykaaree,Gur Pooray Ayh Gal Saaree.

Humility is my mace, and being the dust of the dust of all men’s feet is my two edged sword, which no evildoer can withstand. The matter has been arranged by the perfect Guru. -----Guru Arjan, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 628-13

ਗਿਆਨ ਖੜਗੁ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਦੀਨਾ ਦੂਤ ਮਾਰੇ ਕਰਿ ਧਾਈ ਹੇ ॥

Gi-aan Kharhag Kar Kirpaa Deenaa Doot Maaray Kar Dhaa-ee Hay.

In Its Mercy, God has blessed me with the sword of spiritual wisdom; I have attacked and killed the demons. -----Guru Arjan, Maru Sohlay, AGGS, Page, 1072-2

ਵਾਟ ਹਮਾਰੀ ਖਰੀ ਉਡੀਣੀ ॥ ਖੰਨਿਅਹੁ ਤਿਖੀ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਪਿਈਣੀ ॥

vāt hamārī kẖarī udīṇī. Kẖanni­ahu ṯikẖī bahuṯ pi­īṇī.

The righteous spiritual path is very arduous and difficult as it is sharp and narrow like a two edged sword. -----Sheikh Farid, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 794-15

Conclusion:

IMHO a Sikh should wear a sword of spiritual wisdom or a small symbol consistant with local laws fulfilling the religious feelings.

Virinder S.Grewal
Williamston, MI

 
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imho "Kaal Kntaak" is FEAR OF DEATH...and this FEAR must be killed.(Mariaah)
The Five "vices" only need to be "controlled"...kept on a short leash...and not allowed to over-run..over-power US..we must remain in CONTROL.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=24400
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=24400
A DEAD sex drive would mean no more humans....but one out of control..means more rapes/molestations/assaults. Similarly "Krodh" is an emotion that must not run wild....controlled anger is necessary in WAR - its called BIR-RASS. Krodh in control..running wild..means road rage..road bullies..domestic violence..child beatings..gang warfare..etc..etc....????

Virinder ji

Guru Fateh.

You write:

Unfortunately for some these kakaars have become the symbols of show off and ," I am better than you are" arrogant attitude against those who have not taken Khandei de pahul but are Sikhs in their deeds.

One can envision the time not in too distant future when the "Mini-me" versions of 5 kakaars including a diamond encrusted kachera with a dangling golden nara around people's necks will become the Sikhi nishani.

Tejwant Singh

Majority of these shabads speak of the inner battle and Guru Sahib has used the sword as a metaphor to say fight the 5 theives. if a person comes to a conclusion that a kirpan is not needed because of the above shabad then they have distorted Gurbani to fit their concept, instead of reading Gurbani and then trying to understand the tuk in the shabad.

As Guru Sahib has told Sikhs to keep the metaphorical sword fighting the five theives from within and keep the kirpan on the outside as to protect yourself and others from harmful people. The importance is given more to the inner sword because this will give you the knowledge on how to use the outer sword (kirpan) with control. Both swords are needed and they serve there purpose to defend.

Dear Tej Ji,

Thanks For your comments. It is interesting to observe that I am sharing my experiences or learning’s and other are welcome to share theirs-the purpose of the forum, but it seems to me (may be I am wrong) that I am being attacked directly or indirectly.

I respect all the 5 K's and Sikh Baptism but one should prepare one's self to be worthy of it. You have to prepare the field as a farmer your body and mind by subjugating lower instincts and developing higher instincts with evolvement of good character before jumping on Baptism.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=24400

Let me tell you a little happening. Few years ago I just finished writing about "Truth". I asked Manjit (my wife) that let us make an attempt to live the truth. She pleasantly agreed. In about 15 minutes telephone rings and ID tells me it is Republican Party (asking for donation). With out thinking what we have discussed before I blurted out-tell them I am not home and she did. Getting off the phone she shouted that I could not live the Truth even for 15 minutes.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=24400

This is what I am talking about 5 K's, Turban, Baptism and when caught for a crime/quarrel then the Sikh Leaders say that they are being profiled.

One has to become a good candidate to become a Khalsa (pure) by cleaning the inner filth first;

ਅੰਤਰਗਤਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਮਲਿ ਨਾਉ ॥ਸਭਿ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ਵਿਣੁ ਗੁਣ ਕੀਤੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥
Regards.

Virinder

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The difference between us is outer & inner. For me inner comes first following Guru Nanak in Asa the Vaar;
ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਝੂਠੇ ਪੈਜ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਫੈਲੁ ॥ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਜੇ ਨਾਵਹਿ ਉਤਰੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਮੈਲੁ ॥ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਪਟੁ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਗੁਦੜੁ ਤੇ ਭਲੇ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਨੇਹੁ ਲਗਾ ਰਬ ਸੇਤੀ ਦੇਖਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੇ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
Anḏrahu jẖūṯẖe paij bāhar ḏunī▫ā anḏar fail. Aṯẖsaṯẖṯirath je nāvėh uṯrai nāhī mail. Jinĥ pat anḏar bāhar guḏaṛṯe bẖale sansār. Ŧinĥ nehu lagā rab seṯī ḏekẖnĥe vīcẖār.

Those who are false within, and honorable on the outside, are very common in this world. Even though they may bathe at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage, still, their filth does not depart. Those who have silk on the inside and rags on the outside, are the good ones in this world. They embrace love for the Akal Purkh, and contemplate beholding It.
-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 473-15
Cordially,

Virinder

Virinder Ji,

Guru Fateh.

For me Khalsa means one who is pure hearted. Nothing more. And in order to be pure hearted one needs a continues action of breeding goodness within. That is why Guru Nanak used the word "Vin gun kitei Bhagat nah HOYEI",not BANEI or to have become because words like Bhagat, Brahmagyani etc etc that are used in Gurbani are not used as TITLES but traits of continuous actions. It is like the spring of water. The moment the water stops coming, it is just a hole in the ground. Our Gurus used the right language and showed us the subtle difference through this beautiful poetry.

I want to thank you for your dedication and hard work and only Ik Ong kaar knows which milestone each of us is at. Some Sikhs will never cease playing God by judging others.

So I would suggest, you carry on what you are doing. You are doing a great service to all of us. Atleast I am learning a lot from your hardwork and dedication and depth. It is your journey as it is the journey of the individual and each of us carries our own spiritual torch.

Tejwant Singh

PS:- Do you remember a Sikh candidate from Illinois if I am not mistaken who ran as a Senator from the GOP in the primaries many years ago and lost? I think he was a doctor.

Virinder, I'm advise you to read my post again. I have stated that:

The importance is given more to the inner sword because this will give you the knowledge on how to use the outer sword (kirpan) with control.

I never said outer sword comes first, you have misintrepreted what I said as you can see above what I said from the start.

Thanks for the shabad though

What is the point of wearing it around the neck in a chain? And who said the Kirpan can't be used as for defensive purposes? Also why don't those people that wear it around there neck as a small symbol put a little Kachera in there as well and while there at it put some hair in the necklace aswell and to finish it off put a little kara in there aswell. Then they don't have to keep there hair uncut, wear a kirpan, a kara, carry a comb, and they can go commando style, without a kacheraa.

If you wear the 5 kakkar then wear them the way Guru Sahib gave them to us. And about the kirpan lenght, the 4 inch or 6 inch can still help defend a person when in need to defend oneself or another. You don't need a weapon to defend yourself, but Guru Sahib's Sikhs have the right to wear one and every Sikh should execrise this right.