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Gurbani (14-53)
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ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਝ | Raag Maajh
Gurbani (94-109)
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ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ | Raag Gauree
Gurbani (151-185)
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ਰਾਗੁ ਆਸਾ | Raag Aasaa
Gurbani (347-348)
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ਰਾਗੁ ਗੂਜਰੀ | Raag Goojaree
Gurbani (489-503)
Ashtpadiyan (503-508)
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Vaar Gujari (517-526)
ਰਾਗੁ ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ | Raag Dayv-Gandhaaree
Gurbani (527-536)
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Gurbani (537-556)
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Ghoriaan (575-578)
Alaahaniiaa (578-582)
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ਰਾਗੁ ਸੋਰਠਿ | Raag Sorath
Gurbani (595-634)
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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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Importance Of Amrit Questioned
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<blockquote data-quote="Archived_Member16" data-source="post: 134823" data-attributes="member: 884"><p><strong><u><span style="color: purple">I hope the following helps:</span></u></strong></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 18px"><u><span style="color: navy"><strong>Technology</strong> of the <strong>5 K's</strong></span></u></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #00009a"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: navy"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px">Introduction</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #00009a"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #00009a"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">Sikh dharma stresses the concept of involution,</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">which is the development of ones inner-self and</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">living in the will of God. The 10th Guru created the</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">institution of Amrit which has a code of conduct</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">that enjoins those Sikhs who have chosen to take</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">Amrit (called Amritdhari Sikhs) to wear 5 items of</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">faith called the 5K’s.</span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">So how do the 5K’s help to achieve the development</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">of ones inner-self? Are they still relevant for</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">this modern world? This question is examined by</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">highlighting the historical significance, meaning and</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">functions performed by the 5K’s.</span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: navy"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px">[1] Kara (Iron/steel bracelet)</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">This is a steel bracelet usually worn on the right</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">hand by right handed Sikhs and vice versa.</span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span><span style="color: navy"><strong>Meanings</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">It is circular in shape reminding Sikhs that God has</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">no beginning and no end. It is also made of steel/</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">iron symbolising strength as well as humility, since</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">steel is affordable. In addition to this, both men</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">and women wear a Kara, representing equality. The</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">circle is also associated with unity and a good example</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">of this is the Olympic flag with its five circles</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">representing the unity of mankind and that of the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">five continents.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Functions</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">A Kara is firstly a consciousness activation tool. For</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">example if a Sikh was to try and steal something,</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">he/she would see their Kara and their consciousness</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">would remind him/her to not perform the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">wrong deed. It is essentially a handcuff given to</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Sikhs, by God. Secondly, metal around the wrist</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">affects the ions in the electromagnetic field, aligning</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">them and reducing harmful free radicals known</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">to degenerate cells. Thirdly a large Kara is used in</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Shastaar Vidya (Sikh martial arts) and can be used</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">as a defensive instrument if the need should arise.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: navy"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px">[2] Kachera (Sikh under garments)</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">This is underwear worn by Sikh women and men</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">that is made from white cotton and is secured with</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">a drawstring.</span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span><span style="color: navy"><strong>Historical significance</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">The history of long underwear goes back to the Old</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Testament which states, </span><span style="color: navy">"Once they enter the gates of</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">the inner Court, they are to wear linen vestments,</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">They shall wear linen turbans, and linen drawers on</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">their loins." </span><span style="color: navy">(Ezekiel 44: 18-19)</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">For the Sikh community, long shorts enabled Sikhs to</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">run freely in the battlefield. It was better than the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">restrictive garments like the dhoti, worn by the other</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">communities, and therefore provided a military advantage.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Meanings</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">It represents the commitment of a Sikh to chastity and</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">sexual restraint. A Sikh is not allowed to have a sexual</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">relationship before marriage or commit adultery after</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">marriage. So wearing a Kachera, is a continual reminder</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">of this commitment.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Functions</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">A Kachera creates a pocket of air around the thighs</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">and pelvic area which strengthens the nervous system</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">and helps to balance the internal temperature. The</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">knot tied at the navel maintains a pressure over the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">diaphragm or solar plexus which can improve digestion.</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">The ‘Knot of the Guru’ which secures the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Kachera, also provides the wearer with a final conscious</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">action in the situation where the opportunity for</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">illicit sex may cause temptation.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: navy"><strong>[3] Kangha (small wooden comb)</strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">This is a small comb made of wood, which is kept just</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">behind the knot of hair (joora) on the head.</span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span><span style="color: navy"><strong>Historical significance</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">In the past, the Sikh community have had to live in</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">jungles due to a continual threat of extermination. The</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">possession of a comb ensured that every Amritdhari</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Sikh had the ability to maintain their long hair in a</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">good, clean condition. It is also a good hygiene rule</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">for everyone to have their own comb.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Meaning</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">It represents the importance of discipline and cleanliness.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Function</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">Amritdhari Sikhs comb their hair twice a day to keep</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">them clean and to thereby maintain their body temple.</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Combing the hair also massages the scalp which</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">relieves stress. Finally, combing with a wooden</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">comb smoothes the electrical charge around the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">hair, creating a calming effect.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: navy"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px">[4] Kirpan (sacred sword)</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">This is usually a small single-bladed sword worn by</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">Amritdhari Sikhs.</span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span><span style="color: navy"><strong>Historical significance</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">Richard Burton says, </span><span style="color: navy">"The history of the sword, is</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">the history of humanity"</span><span style="color: navy">. Indeed the history and</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">heritage of the sword goes back to Hinduism, Christianity</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">and Islam. The Old Testament reads, </span><span style="color: navy">"For</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">the Lord accepts the service of the people, He</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">crowns His humble folk with victory…let the high</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">praises of God be on their lips and two-edged Sword</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">in their hands." </span><span style="color: navy">(Psalms 149, 3-6)</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">In the past, the Sikh community along with many</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">other Indian communities have been ruthlessly persecuted.</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">As a practical solution to this problem, the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">10th Sikh Guru said, </span><span style="color: navy">"If all other means of exhausting</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">injustice have failed, then it is indeed</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">righteous to use a sword."</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">It is this practical ideology which ensured the survival</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">of Sikh philosophy and many other religions</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">and cultures. A sword was kept by every Khalsa Sikh</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">to ensure that they had the ability to protect themselves</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">and anyone else from tyrants and oppression.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Meaning</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">The Sikh Gurus, have used the sword as a metaphor</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">for God, divine knowledge, strength and justice.</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Guru Arjan Dev Ji wrote, </span><span style="color: navy">"Humility is my spiked</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">mace, and to be the dust under everyone’s feet, is</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">my Double-Edged sword. None of the wicked can</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">withstand this weapon. The perfect Lord has taught</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">me this." </span><span style="color: navy">(Guru Granth Sahib Ji, p.628)</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Function</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">The function of the Kirpan is to serve humanity in</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">the form of protection. Guru Gobind Singh taught</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Sikhs that when people have respect and reverence</span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: navy">.</span></span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: navy"><strong><span style="font-size: 15px">[5] Kesh (hair)</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">The keeping of long hair is given a great deal of</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">importance in Sikh dharma. But what is so special</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">about long hair?</span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span><span style="color: navy"><strong>Historical significance</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">The history of long hair goes back to the Bible. The</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Bible talks of a man called Sampson who obtained</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">supernatural powers through his long hair. His hair</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">was later cut and consequently he lost his powers.</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">It is also a fact that most of the world’s prophets</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">and saints including Jesus, the Sikh Gurus and</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Hindu prophets kept uncut hair.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Meaning</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">G. A. Gaskell writes, </span><span style="color: navy">"Hair of the head is a symbol of</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">faith, intuition of truth, or the highest qualities of</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">the mind." </span><span style="color: navy">(Dictionary of all Scriptures)</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Sikhs believe God to be a perfect creator. It therefore</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">follows that whatever God creates is perfect.</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">The keeping of long hair is therefore, recognition of</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">God’s perfection and the submission of a Sikh to the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">Will of God.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Functions</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">The functions of hair can be divided into 4 categories</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">which are detailed below:</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Male-Female energy balance</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">The energy of a man is a steady energy like the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">light of the sun, whereas the energy of a female is</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">always changing like the light of the moon. The</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">female has a 28 menstrual cycle synchronised with</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">the changing lunar cycle. So nature has decorated a</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">man with a beard and a moustache to insulate the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">lunar nerve which meets at the chin and which carries</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">a feminine energy from the moon energy.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Vitamin synthesis</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">Just like the skin, the hair helps to synthesize vitamin</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">D from sunlight and other more subtle forms of</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">cosmic energy. It also helps to supply the piturarygland</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">(located in the head) with phosphorous. Phosphorous</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">is an element which is used in meditation.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Psychic energy enhancement</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">When our bodies are not required to devote constant</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">energy to re-growing hairs we would daily cut from</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">our face, legs, head, and under arms, etc. (depending</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">on gender) we have greater psychic energy reserves</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">and resources at our disposal.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Physical function</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">The hair on our body regulates body temperature and</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">our eye lashes, nostril hairs and ear hairs help to keep</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">out dust particles.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Psychological function</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy">People generally cut their hair to look good for other</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">people, and look youthful. However, Amritdhari Sikhs</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">choose to follow a discipline which gives them the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">confidence and courage to present themselves to the</span></p><p><span style="color: navy">world in the way that God has designed them.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: navy"><strong>Focused creative energy</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">Sikhs maintain long hair by coiling them up into a knot</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">(joora/rishi knot) at the top of the head above the</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">crown chakra (7th chakra). This helps to focus the</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">creative energy of the body and spirit on the 7th</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">chakra, which is our link to divinity. The channelled</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">energy helps to provide better mental focus, and</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">brings a meditative mind to everything we do. By pulling</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">the hairs together at the crown, it also decreases</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">the movement of the skull bones, creating a natural</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="color: navy"><span style="font-size: 10px">cranial adjustment, which increases mental equilibrium</span>.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: navy"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">Wearing 5K’s does not automatically make a good Sikh</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">and in addition to this, wearing the 5K’s without understanding</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">their purpose is nonsensical. The 5K’s are</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">not meaningless symbols, but instead are consciousness</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">activation tools which help us in living a life revolving</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy">around God and submission to God’s Will.</span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: navy"><strong>source:</strong> </span></span><a href="http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/five_ks.pdf" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: navy">http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/five_ks.pdf</span></u></a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Archived_Member16, post: 134823, member: 884"] [B][U][COLOR=purple]I hope the following helps:[/COLOR][/U][/B] [B][U][COLOR=#800080][/COLOR][/U][/B] [SIZE=5][U][COLOR=navy][B]Technology[/B] of the [B]5 K's[/B][/COLOR][/U][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][COLOR=#00009a][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][B][SIZE=4]Introduction[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR] [/SIZE][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=1][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]Sikh dharma stresses the concept of involution,[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]which is the development of ones inner-self and[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]living in the will of God. The 10th Guru created the[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]institution of Amrit which has a code of conduct[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]that enjoins those Sikhs who have chosen to take[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]Amrit (called Amritdhari Sikhs) to wear 5 items of[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]faith called the 5K’s.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]So how do the 5K’s help to achieve the development[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]of ones inner-self? Are they still relevant for[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]this modern world? This question is examined by[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]highlighting the historical significance, meaning and[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]functions performed by the 5K’s.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE][SIZE=3][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][B][SIZE=4][1] Kara (Iron/steel bracelet)[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR] [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=1][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]This is a steel bracelet usually worn on the right[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]hand by right handed Sikhs and vice versa.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE][COLOR=navy][B]Meanings[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]It is circular in shape reminding Sikhs that God has[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]no beginning and no end. It is also made of steel/[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]iron symbolising strength as well as humility, since[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]steel is affordable. In addition to this, both men[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]and women wear a Kara, representing equality. The[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]circle is also associated with unity and a good example[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]of this is the Olympic flag with its five circles[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]representing the unity of mankind and that of the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]five continents.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Functions[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]A Kara is firstly a consciousness activation tool. For[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]example if a Sikh was to try and steal something,[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]he/she would see their Kara and their consciousness[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]would remind him/her to not perform the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]wrong deed. It is essentially a handcuff given to[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Sikhs, by God. Secondly, metal around the wrist[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]affects the ions in the electromagnetic field, aligning[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]them and reducing harmful free radicals known[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]to degenerate cells. Thirdly a large Kara is used in[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Shastaar Vidya (Sikh martial arts) and can be used[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]as a defensive instrument if the need should arise.[/COLOR] [SIZE=3][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][B][SIZE=4][2] Kachera (Sikh under garments)[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR] [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=1][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]This is underwear worn by Sikh women and men[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]that is made from white cotton and is secured with[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]a drawstring.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE][COLOR=navy][B]Historical significance[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The history of long underwear goes back to the Old[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Testament which states, [/COLOR][COLOR=navy]"Once they enter the gates of[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]the inner Court, they are to wear linen vestments,[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]They shall wear linen turbans, and linen drawers on[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]their loins." [/COLOR][COLOR=navy](Ezekiel 44: 18-19)[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]For the Sikh community, long shorts enabled Sikhs to[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]run freely in the battlefield. It was better than the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]restrictive garments like the dhoti, worn by the other[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]communities, and therefore provided a military advantage.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Meanings[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]It represents the commitment of a Sikh to chastity and[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]sexual restraint. A Sikh is not allowed to have a sexual[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]relationship before marriage or commit adultery after[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]marriage. So wearing a Kachera, is a continual reminder[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]of this commitment.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Functions[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]A Kachera creates a pocket of air around the thighs[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]and pelvic area which strengthens the nervous system[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]and helps to balance the internal temperature. The[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]knot tied at the navel maintains a pressure over the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]diaphragm or solar plexus which can improve digestion.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The ‘Knot of the Guru’ which secures the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Kachera, also provides the wearer with a final conscious[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]action in the situation where the opportunity for[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]illicit sex may cause temptation.[/COLOR] [SIZE=3][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy][B][3] Kangha (small wooden comb)[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE] [SIZE=1][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]This is a small comb made of wood, which is kept just[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]behind the knot of hair (joora) on the head.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE][COLOR=navy][B]Historical significance[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]In the past, the Sikh community have had to live in[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]jungles due to a continual threat of extermination. The[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]possession of a comb ensured that every Amritdhari[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Sikh had the ability to maintain their long hair in a[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]good, clean condition. It is also a good hygiene rule[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]for everyone to have their own comb.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Meaning[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]It represents the importance of discipline and cleanliness.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Function[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Amritdhari Sikhs comb their hair twice a day to keep[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]them clean and to thereby maintain their body temple.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Combing the hair also massages the scalp which[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]relieves stress. Finally, combing with a wooden[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]comb smoothes the electrical charge around the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]hair, creating a calming effect.[/COLOR] [SIZE=3][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][B][SIZE=4][4] Kirpan (sacred sword)[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR] [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=1][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]This is usually a small single-bladed sword worn by[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]Amritdhari Sikhs.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE][COLOR=navy][B]Historical significance[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Richard Burton says, [/COLOR][COLOR=navy]"The history of the sword, is[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]the history of humanity"[/COLOR][COLOR=navy]. Indeed the history and[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]heritage of the sword goes back to Hinduism, Christianity[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]and Islam. The Old Testament reads, [/COLOR][COLOR=navy]"For[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]the Lord accepts the service of the people, He[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]crowns His humble folk with victory…let the high[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]praises of God be on their lips and two-edged Sword[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]in their hands." [/COLOR][COLOR=navy](Psalms 149, 3-6)[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]In the past, the Sikh community along with many[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]other Indian communities have been ruthlessly persecuted.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]As a practical solution to this problem, the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]10th Sikh Guru said, [/COLOR][COLOR=navy]"If all other means of exhausting[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]injustice have failed, then it is indeed[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]righteous to use a sword."[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]It is this practical ideology which ensured the survival[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]of Sikh philosophy and many other religions[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]and cultures. A sword was kept by every Khalsa Sikh[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]to ensure that they had the ability to protect themselves[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]and anyone else from tyrants and oppression.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Meaning[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The Sikh Gurus, have used the sword as a metaphor[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]for God, divine knowledge, strength and justice.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Guru Arjan Dev Ji wrote, [/COLOR][COLOR=navy]"Humility is my spiked[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]mace, and to be the dust under everyone’s feet, is[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]my Double-Edged sword. None of the wicked can[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]withstand this weapon. The perfect Lord has taught[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]me this." [/COLOR][COLOR=navy](Guru Granth Sahib Ji, p.628)[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Function[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The function of the Kirpan is to serve humanity in[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]the form of protection. Guru Gobind Singh taught[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Sikhs that when people have respect and reverence[/COLOR][B][FONT=Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=navy].[/COLOR][/FONT][/FONT][/B] [SIZE=3][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][B][SIZE=4][5] Kesh (hair)[/SIZE][/B][/COLOR] [/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=1][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]The keeping of long hair is given a great deal of[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]importance in Sikh dharma. But what is so special[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]about long hair?[/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE][COLOR=navy][B]Historical significance[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The history of long hair goes back to the Bible. The[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Bible talks of a man called Sampson who obtained[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]supernatural powers through his long hair. His hair[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]was later cut and consequently he lost his powers.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]It is also a fact that most of the world’s prophets[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]and saints including Jesus, the Sikh Gurus and[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Hindu prophets kept uncut hair.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Meaning[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]G. A. Gaskell writes, [/COLOR][COLOR=navy]"Hair of the head is a symbol of[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]faith, intuition of truth, or the highest qualities of[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]the mind." [/COLOR][COLOR=navy](Dictionary of all Scriptures)[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Sikhs believe God to be a perfect creator. It therefore[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]follows that whatever God creates is perfect.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The keeping of long hair is therefore, recognition of[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]God’s perfection and the submission of a Sikh to the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Will of God.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Functions[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The functions of hair can be divided into 4 categories[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]which are detailed below:[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Male-Female energy balance[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The energy of a man is a steady energy like the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]light of the sun, whereas the energy of a female is[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]always changing like the light of the moon. The[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]female has a 28 menstrual cycle synchronised with[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]the changing lunar cycle. So nature has decorated a[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]man with a beard and a moustache to insulate the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]lunar nerve which meets at the chin and which carries[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]a feminine energy from the moon energy.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Vitamin synthesis[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]Just like the skin, the hair helps to synthesize vitamin[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]D from sunlight and other more subtle forms of[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]cosmic energy. It also helps to supply the piturarygland[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy](located in the head) with phosphorous. Phosphorous[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]is an element which is used in meditation.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Psychic energy enhancement[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]When our bodies are not required to devote constant[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]energy to re-growing hairs we would daily cut from[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]our face, legs, head, and under arms, etc. (depending[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]on gender) we have greater psychic energy reserves[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]and resources at our disposal.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Physical function[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]The hair on our body regulates body temperature and[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]our eye lashes, nostril hairs and ear hairs help to keep[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]out dust particles.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Psychological function[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]People generally cut their hair to look good for other[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]people, and look youthful. However, Amritdhari Sikhs[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]choose to follow a discipline which gives them the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]confidence and courage to present themselves to the[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]world in the way that God has designed them.[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy][B]Focused creative energy[/B][/COLOR] [SIZE=1][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]Sikhs maintain long hair by coiling them up into a knot[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy](joora/rishi knot) at the top of the head above the[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]crown chakra (7th chakra). This helps to focus the[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]creative energy of the body and spirit on the 7th[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]chakra, which is our link to divinity. The channelled[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]energy helps to provide better mental focus, and[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]brings a meditative mind to everything we do. By pulling[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]the hairs together at the crown, it also decreases[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]the movement of the skull bones, creating a natural[/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=navy][SIZE=2]cranial adjustment, which increases mental equilibrium[/SIZE].[/COLOR] [/SIZE][SIZE=3][SIZE=4][COLOR=navy][B]Conclusion[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE][SIZE=1][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]Wearing 5K’s does not automatically make a good Sikh[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]and in addition to this, wearing the 5K’s without understanding[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]their purpose is nonsensical. The 5K’s are[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]not meaningless symbols, but instead are consciousness[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]activation tools which help us in living a life revolving[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=navy]around God and submission to God’s Will.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [/SIZE][SIZE=2][COLOR=navy][B]source:[/B] [/COLOR][/SIZE][URL="http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/five_ks.pdf"][U][COLOR=navy]http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/five_ks.pdf[/COLOR][/U][/URL] [/QUOTE]
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