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Guru Granth Sahib
Composition, Arrangement & Layout
ਜਪੁ | Jup
ਸੋ ਦਰੁ | So Dar
ਸੋਹਿਲਾ | Sohilaa
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ | Raag Siree-Raag
Gurbani (14-53)
Ashtpadiyan (53-71)
Gurbani (71-74)
Pahre (74-78)
Chhant (78-81)
Vanjara (81-82)
Vaar Siri Raag (83-91)
Bhagat Bani (91-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਝ | Raag Maajh
Gurbani (94-109)
Ashtpadi (109)
Ashtpadiyan (110-129)
Ashtpadi (129-130)
Ashtpadiyan (130-133)
Bara Maha (133-136)
Din Raen (136-137)
Vaar Maajh Ki (137-150)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ | Raag Gauree
Gurbani (151-185)
Quartets/Couplets (185-220)
Ashtpadiyan (220-234)
Karhalei (234-235)
Ashtpadiyan (235-242)
Chhant (242-249)
Baavan Akhari (250-262)
Sukhmani (262-296)
Thittee (296-300)
Gauree kii Vaar (300-323)
Gurbani (323-330)
Ashtpadiyan (330-340)
Baavan Akhari (340-343)
Thintteen (343-344)
Vaar Kabir (344-345)
Bhagat Bani (345-346)
ਰਾਗੁ ਆਸਾ | Raag Aasaa
Gurbani (347-348)
Chaupaday (348-364)
Panchpadde (364-365)
Kaafee (365-409)
Aasaavaree (409-411)
Ashtpadiyan (411-432)
Patee (432-435)
Chhant (435-462)
Vaar Aasaa (462-475)
Bhagat Bani (475-488)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੂਜਰੀ | Raag Goojaree
Gurbani (489-503)
Ashtpadiyan (503-508)
Vaar Gujari (508-517)
Vaar Gujari (517-526)
ਰਾਗੁ ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ | Raag Dayv-Gandhaaree
Gurbani (527-536)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਹਾਗੜਾ | Raag Bihaagraa
Gurbani (537-556)
Chhant (538-548)
Vaar Bihaagraa (548-556)
ਰਾਗੁ ਵਡਹੰਸ | Raag Wadhans
Gurbani (557-564)
Ashtpadiyan (564-565)
Chhant (565-575)
Ghoriaan (575-578)
Alaahaniiaa (578-582)
Vaar Wadhans (582-594)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੋਰਠਿ | Raag Sorath
Gurbani (595-634)
Asatpadhiya (634-642)
Vaar Sorath (642-659)
ਰਾਗੁ ਧਨਾਸਰੀ | Raag Dhanasaree
Gurbani (660-685)
Astpadhiya (685-687)
Chhant (687-691)
Bhagat Bani (691-695)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਤਸਰੀ | Raag Jaitsree
Gurbani (696-703)
Chhant (703-705)
Vaar Jaitsaree (705-710)
Bhagat Bani (710)
ਰਾਗੁ ਟੋਡੀ | Raag Todee
ਰਾਗੁ ਬੈਰਾੜੀ | Raag Bairaaree
ਰਾਗੁ ਤਿਲੰਗ | Raag Tilang
Gurbani (721-727)
Bhagat Bani (727)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੂਹੀ | Raag Suhi
Gurbani (728-750)
Ashtpadiyan (750-761)
Kaafee (761-762)
Suchajee (762)
Gunvantee (763)
Chhant (763-785)
Vaar Soohee (785-792)
Bhagat Bani (792-794)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁ | Raag Bilaaval
Gurbani (795-831)
Ashtpadiyan (831-838)
Thitteen (838-840)
Vaar Sat (841-843)
Chhant (843-848)
Vaar Bilaaval (849-855)
Bhagat Bani (855-858)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੋਂਡ | Raag Gond
Gurbani (859-869)
Ashtpadiyan (869)
Bhagat Bani (870-875)
ਰਾਗੁ ਰਾਮਕਲੀ | Raag Ramkalee
Ashtpadiyan (902-916)
Gurbani (876-902)
Anand (917-922)
Sadd (923-924)
Chhant (924-929)
Dakhnee (929-938)
Sidh Gosat (938-946)
Vaar Ramkalee (947-968)
ਰਾਗੁ ਨਟ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ | Raag Nat Narayan
Gurbani (975-980)
Ashtpadiyan (980-983)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਲੀ ਗਉੜਾ | Raag Maalee Gauraa
Gurbani (984-988)
Bhagat Bani (988)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਰੂ | Raag Maaroo
Gurbani (889-1008)
Ashtpadiyan (1008-1014)
Kaafee (1014-1016)
Ashtpadiyan (1016-1019)
Anjulian (1019-1020)
Solhe (1020-1033)
Dakhni (1033-1043)
ਰਾਗੁ ਤੁਖਾਰੀ | Raag Tukhaari
Bara Maha (1107-1110)
Chhant (1110-1117)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕੇਦਾਰਾ | Raag Kedara
Gurbani (1118-1123)
Bhagat Bani (1123-1124)
ਰਾਗੁ ਭੈਰਉ | Raag Bhairo
Gurbani (1125-1152)
Partaal (1153)
Ashtpadiyan (1153-1167)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ | Raag Basant
Gurbani (1168-1187)
Ashtpadiyan (1187-1193)
Vaar Basant (1193-1196)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਾਰਗ | Raag Saarag
Gurbani (1197-1200)
Partaal (1200-1231)
Ashtpadiyan (1232-1236)
Chhant (1236-1237)
Vaar Saarang (1237-1253)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਲਾਰ | Raag Malaar
Gurbani (1254-1293)
Partaal (1265-1273)
Ashtpadiyan (1273-1278)
Chhant (1278)
Vaar Malaar (1278-91)
Bhagat Bani (1292-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਾਨੜਾ | Raag Kaanraa
Gurbani (1294-96)
Partaal (1296-1318)
Ashtpadiyan (1308-1312)
Chhant (1312)
Vaar Kaanraa
Bhagat Bani (1318)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਲਿਆਨ | Raag Kalyaan
Gurbani (1319-23)
Ashtpadiyan (1323-26)
ਰਾਗੁ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤੀ | Raag Prabhaatee
Gurbani (1327-1341)
Ashtpadiyan (1342-51)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਜਾਵੰਤੀ | Raag Jaijaiwanti
Gurbani (1352-53)
Salok | Gatha | Phunahe | Chaubole | Swayiye
Sehskritee Mahala 1
Sehskritee Mahala 5
Gaathaa Mahala 5
Phunhay Mahala 5
Chaubolae Mahala 5
Shaloks Bhagat Kabir
Shaloks Sheikh Farid
Swaiyyae Mahala 5
Swaiyyae in Praise of Gurus
Shaloks in Addition To Vaars
Shalok Ninth Mehl
Mundavanee Mehl 5
ਰਾਗ ਮਾਲਾ, Raag Maalaa
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Gurmat Vichaar
Gurmat Vichar - Discussions
Basic Of Sikhism
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<blockquote data-quote="Sikh80" data-source="post: 64734" data-attributes="member: 5290"><p>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #993300">Questions and Answers</span></span>[/FONT]</strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="color: #993300">[FONT=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><span style="color: #993300"><span style="font-size: 10px">(about Sikhism by Jasprit Singh)</span>[/FONT]</span>[/FONT]</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 12px">SELF-ACCEPTANCE <span style="font-size: 10px">(kesh, tattoos, body piercings...)</span></span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong></strong>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099">[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]<span style="font-size: 12px">Self-acceptance is an integral part of the Sikh faith. Guru Gobind Singh, when confronted with spineless men and women of Indian society...people who blindly followed and bowed before manmade laws, no matter how degrading...introduced the Kesh-Kangha privilege: Kesh (or unshorn hair) as a symbol of acceptance of the Creator's given form, and Kangha (or comb) to take care of the Kesh...to keep it healthy and clean.</span>[/FONT]</span></span>[/FONT]</span></span>[/FONT]</p><p style="text-align: left">[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #000099">In most cultures body modifications such as haircuts (many jobs are off-limits for men with kesh), circumcision, tattoos, etc., are demanded to ensure conformity and order. So much so that in the 1960s when the Hippie Movement started in America, men grew their hair long and kept their beards as a symbol of rebellion. However, the Sikh concepts of kesh-kangha is not a sign of rebellion...it is a sign of acceptance of the Creator's gift and a nurturing of that gift.</span></span>[/FONT]</p> <p style="text-align: left">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong></strong></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"> Why does Sikhism reject haircuts, circumcision and other similar rituals that a large fraction of the world's population practices? Do Sikhs consider these people sinners or bad people?</span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p> <p style="text-align: left">[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]A large part of the world's population does participate in rituals such as shaving of hair, circumcision, body piercing, etc. In this sense, Sikhs are in the minority. However, for a Sikh, acceptance of Nature's beautiful body is an important component of the Sikh value system.[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif] Acceptance of one's God-given physique without "improving" it by razors and scissors is a first step in accepting other laws, the foremost of which is becoming a universal being. Sikhs view others who engage in such rituals as people who carry unnecessary burdens in their lives; not as sinners or bad people.[/FONT] </p> <p style="text-align: left">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"> What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about body modifications such as haircuts, circumcision, tattoos, body piercings, etc.?</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong><span style="font-size: 10px"></span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]It is common for religion texts to provide very detailed outlines of do's and don'ts. The Bibles (old and new) and the Koran provide very detailed guidelines to their flock on daily living. The Guru Granth Sahib refrains from doing this. The Guru only provides us basic Universal principles (One God, Truth brings bliss, oneness of the human race, etc.) and the path to reach Truth (by minimizing ego and seeing oneself in everyone). In the Sikh "rahitnama" or code of conduct, kesh is to be accepted as the Creator's gift and taken care of with a kangha (comb).[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]</p> <p style="text-align: left">[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Acceptance of the Creator's given body is a natural outcome of a lifestyle that is in conformity with the Guru's teaching. Of course, this does not preclude the use of surgery or other medical interventions when the body has become ill.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px">Why are there so few Sikhs and how do Sikhs feel about being such a small minority?</span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]It is true that Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism can claim over a billion followers each, while there are only twenty million or so Sikhs. However, this is not a source of pessimism for a Sikh. A Sikh's goal is to be in Chardhi Kala (unbounded optimism) because Sikhism is a religion of Truth. The Guru's guidance makes sense, because it brings bliss in this life. [/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px">Don't you think that Sikh faith would have a lot more followers if Sikhs were allowed to shave and have haircuts?</span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]The Sikh faith is not a club or a party whose goal is to increase the number of people who profess to be Sikh. Kesh is definately the <u>easiest</u> part of being a Sikh. The other requirements: Always living in Truth; love for all (including non-Sikhs); standing against injustices (even at personal risk); giving up the arrogance of racial or lineage superiority...are immensely more difficult.[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Kesh and Khanga are a privilege we are given by the Creator...a privilege Guru Gobind Singh asked us to enjoy. Sikhi is a faith of the individual and his/her relation with the Creator. It requires courage and confidence even if one has to walk a lonely path.[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px">I am a young woman. All of my friends shave thier legs. I do the same, but feel guilty. How can Sikh women participate in society if they don't carry out practices that are expected of them from that society?</span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Women around the world and in all cultures have had to participate in all sorts of fashion pracitces to be "beautiful and desirable." Men were not subjected to these practices...practices which were sometimes degrading and always frivilous...because men set the rules. In China women's feet were bound...to the extent that grown women could barely walk due to their small and deformed feet. In many Islamic societies women are covered in cloth from head to toe, which puts them in a vulnerable position in public. In Western societies women are expected to pluck out their eyebrows, shave their legs, and if they wish to be on the beach in swimsuits, they undergo painful waxing procedures to strip out "unwanted hair"...a painful process. Most men would not dream of doing the same.[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Sikh women have an opportunity to make a statement here...provide personal examples of healthy living without these silly and irritating practices. Of course, it is much easier to conform![/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px">I am a twelve year old boy. When I go to the gym locker room I see that most of the other boys are circumcised. I feel so different because I am not circumcised and I keep my hair long. How should I get over these feelings of being different?</span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]According to Jewish and Islamic beliefs is the duty of a good *** or Mulsim to be circumcised. This practice spread in North America and by the 1970s almost all American boys were routinely circumcised. This practice is reversing, and fast. It is expected that in another generation very few American boys will be circumcised (in European countries, this practice is rare).[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]In a way, the idea of self-acceptance is spreading and more people are looking at male circumcision as a barbaric practice. Respected child psychologists and the American Association of Pediatrics are raising their concern against this practice. Even Jewish groups are arguing for the discontinuation of the practice of circumcision.[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]So it is very likely that the boys you see in the locker room are envious that your parents did not circumcise you.[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px">A number of women (Sikh) and men I know have piercings in thier ears (even in their nose and belly button). Is this acceptable?</span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Only you should be the judge of what is acceptable. However, here are some comments that you may find useful. Only the person voluntarily having their body parts pierced can know why they would want to mutilate their God-given beautiful body. Perhaps they lack self-confidence, perhaps they are succumbing to peer pressure, or perhaps they have a desire to "rebel" against some imaginary power. In any case it would be logical to infer that this is not a practice in harmony with Sikh faith.[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px">Is uncut hair and a turban all that is needed to become a good Sikh?</span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]No! A Sikh must incorporate universality into all aspects of his or her life. This is a lifelong discipline. [/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #000099"><strong>[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #993300">Q:</span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]<span style="font-size: 10px">Why do Sikhs cut their nails and not their hair? Isn't it the same thing?</span>[/FONT]</strong></span></span>[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]If one does not clip the nails, they will grow too long and limit your ability to work and lead a healthy purposeful life. The hair offers no such problem. In life we have to make lots of choices...and the choice about what to do with our bodies and with nature are ever expanding. We can get tatoos, pierce our ears, nose, eyelids, and stomach. We can have implants in our breasts, chins, nose, buttocks...Some choices we make for healthy living. This is a good reason for a Sikh. Other choices we make to overcome our sense of insecutiry, or to feel fashionable or to belong to a particular group.[/FONT]</p><p>[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]A Sikh does cut his/her toenails, brushes his/her teeth, takes medication, etc., since these actions are required for healthy livng. We reject body piercings, circumcision, tatoos...and haircuts because they disfigure our bodies and are either useless for health or are quite unhealthy. The same approach can be used in our dealings with the Creator's other manifestations...animals, plants, rivers, oceans...[/FONT]</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><a href="http://www.akalsangat.com/qa1.html" target="_blank">Akal Sangat</a></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Sikh80, post: 64734, member: 5290"] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=3][COLOR=#993300]Questions and Answers[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][COLOR=#993300][FONT=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=2] (about Sikhism by Jasprit Singh)[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=3]SELF-ACCEPTANCE [SIZE=2](kesh, tattoos, body piercings...)[/SIZE][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [/B][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=3]Self-acceptance is an integral part of the Sikh faith. Guru Gobind Singh, when confronted with spineless men and women of Indian society...people who blindly followed and bowed before manmade laws, no matter how degrading...introduced the Kesh-Kangha privilege: Kesh (or unshorn hair) as a symbol of acceptance of the Creator's given form, and Kangha (or comb) to take care of the Kesh...to keep it healthy and clean.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [LEFT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000099]In most cultures body modifications such as haircuts (many jobs are off-limits for men with kesh), circumcision, tattoos, etc., are demanded to ensure conformity and order. So much so that in the 1960s when the Hippie Movement started in America, men grew their hair long and kept their beards as a symbol of rebellion. However, the Sikh concepts of kesh-kangha is not a sign of rebellion...it is a sign of acceptance of the Creator's gift and a nurturing of that gift.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2] Why does Sikhism reject haircuts, circumcision and other similar rituals that a large fraction of the world's population practices? Do Sikhs consider these people sinners or bad people?[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]A large part of the world's population does participate in rituals such as shaving of hair, circumcision, body piercing, etc. In this sense, Sikhs are in the minority. However, for a Sikh, acceptance of Nature's beautiful body is an important component of the Sikh value system.[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif] Acceptance of one's God-given physique without "improving" it by razors and scissors is a first step in accepting other laws, the foremost of which is becoming a universal being. Sikhs view others who engage in such rituals as people who carry unnecessary burdens in their lives; not as sinners or bad people.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2] What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about body modifications such as haircuts, circumcision, tattoos, body piercings, etc.? [/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]It is common for religion texts to provide very detailed outlines of do's and don'ts. The Bibles (old and new) and the Koran provide very detailed guidelines to their flock on daily living. The Guru Granth Sahib refrains from doing this. The Guru only provides us basic Universal principles (One God, Truth brings bliss, oneness of the human race, etc.) and the path to reach Truth (by minimizing ego and seeing oneself in everyone). In the Sikh "rahitnama" or code of conduct, kesh is to be accepted as the Creator's gift and taken care of with a kangha (comb).[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Acceptance of the Creator's given body is a natural outcome of a lifestyle that is in conformity with the Guru's teaching. Of course, this does not preclude the use of surgery or other medical interventions when the body has become ill.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/LEFT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Why are there so few Sikhs and how do Sikhs feel about being such a small minority?[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]It is true that Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism can claim over a billion followers each, while there are only twenty million or so Sikhs. However, this is not a source of pessimism for a Sikh. A Sikh's goal is to be in Chardhi Kala (unbounded optimism) because Sikhism is a religion of Truth. The Guru's guidance makes sense, because it brings bliss in this life. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Don't you think that Sikh faith would have a lot more followers if Sikhs were allowed to shave and have haircuts?[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]The Sikh faith is not a club or a party whose goal is to increase the number of people who profess to be Sikh. Kesh is definately the [U]easiest[/U] part of being a Sikh. The other requirements: Always living in Truth; love for all (including non-Sikhs); standing against injustices (even at personal risk); giving up the arrogance of racial or lineage superiority...are immensely more difficult.[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Kesh and Khanga are a privilege we are given by the Creator...a privilege Guru Gobind Singh asked us to enjoy. Sikhi is a faith of the individual and his/her relation with the Creator. It requires courage and confidence even if one has to walk a lonely path.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]I am a young woman. All of my friends shave thier legs. I do the same, but feel guilty. How can Sikh women participate in society if they don't carry out practices that are expected of them from that society?[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Women around the world and in all cultures have had to participate in all sorts of fashion pracitces to be "beautiful and desirable." Men were not subjected to these practices...practices which were sometimes degrading and always frivilous...because men set the rules. In China women's feet were bound...to the extent that grown women could barely walk due to their small and deformed feet. In many Islamic societies women are covered in cloth from head to toe, which puts them in a vulnerable position in public. In Western societies women are expected to pluck out their eyebrows, shave their legs, and if they wish to be on the beach in swimsuits, they undergo painful waxing procedures to strip out "unwanted hair"...a painful process. Most men would not dream of doing the same.[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Sikh women have an opportunity to make a statement here...provide personal examples of healthy living without these silly and irritating practices. Of course, it is much easier to conform![/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]I am a twelve year old boy. When I go to the gym locker room I see that most of the other boys are circumcised. I feel so different because I am not circumcised and I keep my hair long. How should I get over these feelings of being different?[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]According to Jewish and Islamic beliefs is the duty of a good *** or Mulsim to be circumcised. This practice spread in North America and by the 1970s almost all American boys were routinely circumcised. This practice is reversing, and fast. It is expected that in another generation very few American boys will be circumcised (in European countries, this practice is rare).[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]In a way, the idea of self-acceptance is spreading and more people are looking at male circumcision as a barbaric practice. Respected child psychologists and the American Association of Pediatrics are raising their concern against this practice. Even Jewish groups are arguing for the discontinuation of the practice of circumcision.[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]So it is very likely that the boys you see in the locker room are envious that your parents did not circumcise you.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]A number of women (Sikh) and men I know have piercings in thier ears (even in their nose and belly button). Is this acceptable?[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Only you should be the judge of what is acceptable. However, here are some comments that you may find useful. Only the person voluntarily having their body parts pierced can know why they would want to mutilate their God-given beautiful body. Perhaps they lack self-confidence, perhaps they are succumbing to peer pressure, or perhaps they have a desire to "rebel" against some imaginary power. In any case it would be logical to infer that this is not a practice in harmony with Sikh faith.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Is uncut hair and a turban all that is needed to become a good Sikh?[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]No! A Sikh must incorporate universality into all aspects of his or her life. This is a lifelong discipline. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=4][COLOR=#000099][B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][COLOR=#993300]Q:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Why do Sikhs cut their nails and not their hair? Isn't it the same thing?[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]If one does not clip the nails, they will grow too long and limit your ability to work and lead a healthy purposeful life. The hair offers no such problem. In life we have to make lots of choices...and the choice about what to do with our bodies and with nature are ever expanding. We can get tatoos, pierce our ears, nose, eyelids, and stomach. We can have implants in our breasts, chins, nose, buttocks...Some choices we make for healthy living. This is a good reason for a Sikh. Other choices we make to overcome our sense of insecutiry, or to feel fashionable or to belong to a particular group.[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]A Sikh does cut his/her toenails, brushes his/her teeth, takes medication, etc., since these actions are required for healthy livng. We reject body piercings, circumcision, tatoos...and haircuts because they disfigure our bodies and are either useless for health or are quite unhealthy. The same approach can be used in our dealings with the Creator's other manifestations...animals, plants, rivers, oceans...[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][url=http://www.akalsangat.com/qa1.html]Akal Sangat[/url][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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Basic Of Sikhism
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