How Do You Explain What a Kirpan is to a Non-Sikh?

waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh!

I was just wondering what you tell someone when they ask you why you wear a kirpan? I have tried many times to explain to my non-sikh friends why it is that i have started started wearing a kirpan, but they just don't understand. For me being a girl and just taking amrit was a big step but if i can not explain to my friends what our religion is and why i wear me 5 k's they may interpret our religion.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-youth/777-how-do-you-explain-what-kirpan.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

Fateh
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truthseeker bhain ji,

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa,
Waheguru ji ki Fateh.

Kirpan is a reminder to constantly fight against sin.

In Guru ji's times, this kakaar was taken as a last measure of protection in case the need to defend oneself, or another, arises.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

In present times, this is a constant reminder to fight against oppression.

I will look for more information regarding this, for our knowledge.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

Best Regards.

Veerji,

Thank you very much for responding. That is what i have tried to explain to my friends but they seem to think that i can just take it out and use it when i feel like it. I dont want them to think that i wear it because i want to show others that i have a "weapon" or make others afraid.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

I myself will try to find out some more information, by guru's grace we will find our answers.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

Fateh

Kirpan is neither to scare anyone, nor to be taken out just any time one feels like.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

We are to consider this kakaar as a reminder or committment to fight against oppression, and protection of needy ones.

Regards.

Dear Sewadar ji
I was wondering that are there any strict guidlines about kirpan I mean about make , size and all that stuff

I dont about know about the specifications.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

Although we know there was a big old time sword, then 12/6 inches kataar type, and now I see some necklace kind of things too. Rehat Maryada must be talking about these things in more detail, which I am unaware of. Anyone, who comes across useful information, please post that here.

Thanks much.

As far as my knowledge goes, I dont think rehat maryada speaks of size of the kirpan ( i wud look into it and would get back to you), but i strongly believe that no matter what kirpan represents philosophically or symbolically as explained above by arvind veer above, i dont feel right about kirpans as pendants..I feel its a shastar and it should be kept like that..and there are very strict guidelines for kirpan like never to be used to threaten or intimidate..
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

as far truth seeker query is concerned, dear sis what i feel that you can tell ur non-sikh friends that as people worshipping different religions adorn various symbols like crosses, janeyu,kipa (small caps by jews) and so on..and you can also explain that as you are a baptised sikh so you have to follow certain guidelines and this includes kirpans among the other 5 kakaars.
And what else i can suggest is that as kirpan is lot many tomes being frowned weapon and considered a weapon, its best to practice keeping it hidden, instead of wearing sideways with a gatra you can wear it like a belt. What i feel is that it is not for show off but adherence to the rehat maryada.
hoping i m of some help
gurufateh

Kirpaan is a weapon of defence against oppression.Not only in Gurus' times,but even today,it is a weapon.That is what Guru gave it to his Sikhs for.But since the usurping of Khalsa Raj by the British in the 19th century,Sikh leaders have surrendered it to conquering authorities(first the British,then Hindus) and have agreed that it is only a 'symbol'.Hence it is now treated no different from the Brahmin's janeu or the Muslim's taveet,or any other good-luck-charm.Fact is, our holy shastar,the Kirpaan has been sold away by our so-called leaders in exchange for position,or subordinate authority.They have gone against Guru's teachings,and that is why Panth is in constant trouble.Our sovereignty has been surrendered,and today we invite VIP's to our functions and give them shining new Kirpaans as saropa!Whereas Khalsa himself is not even allowed to use his Kirpaan!What irony!There are cases all the time where Sikhs are attacked,even their hair is cut off(as with some Sikh teenagers in UK and USA)but they are unable to use their Kirpaan for defence,because it has been reduced in law to a tiny,blunt,'symbol'.When Guru blessed us with the Kirpaan,wearing it was no joke(like today!),it was meant to be used in defence of self and other poor,weak and oppressed ones.But today,when a Sikh is theatened or attacked,he/she seeks the police for help,and police can't be with you all the time.But Kirpaan will.Wearing a Kirpaan is serious business.It calls for solid commitment.It is not a mere ritual like most Sikhs wrongly take it to be.Kirpaan is a weapon and it is so for ever.Sikhi's values are eternal,not only for Gurus' times.Kirpaan is as important today as it was 300 years ago.It has to be accorded its true role and status if the Khalsa is to be in Chardi Kala.Kirpaan is our sovereignty,and we have lost it - to the British,to the West,and to the Hindus.We have to wrench it free from them,if we are to survive.We have to fight for the rightful place of our holy Kirpaan and restore its true meaning. Bole so Nihaal!Sat Sri Akal!

Bharat Vir Singh ji,

Please dont take this as a personal attack on yourself by me, I am just using you and me as an example in this hypothetical situaion.

While living in present world governed by civil laws of a particular country, will you draw your kirpan out and fight against something bad happening in front of you. Or perhaps start keeping a sophisticated weapon which is more powerful and can attack from lot of distance too! Well, if you say - Yes, then I beg to differ veer ji.

I may be ignorant, but my understaing is to consider kirpaan as a reminder about things already mentioned, which in no situation should be used to threaten or intimidate anyone in any situation.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=777

With no offence to anyone. If you dont agree, apna chotta veer samajh ke maaf kar dena ji.

Best Regards.