I would like to know, what a typical day of a Sikh is, as far as prayers. <? />
Where do I learn Gurbani?
Do women wear a turban/ chunni all the time, or just in the Gurdwara?
Does the Kirpan need to be a certain size? ( I have a small one since I can't have it showing at work)
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animatedkhandaHi be_still, welcome and congragulations for your choice and decision...
1]Sikhism has no firm boundaries although the desirable and guidance is that a Sikh should arise at the amritvela-earlier than dawn and have a fresh shower before indulging into prayers.But most people I know including me will arise around 6 /7 [ unless it is auspicious ocassion]and have a shower before doing the Jaap Ji sahib and completing an Ardaas.With practice it is hoped one would have become perfect and dedicated in their practice.
In the evening most times,when I can, I will do a family Rehraas sahib and an ardaas.But almost ritually , every night, the Kirtan Sohilla is completd without fail.This goes for Jaap ji sahib too.This a general pattern of most ordinary Sikhs with familiy life and work commitments.The more steadfast may do more Paath- Jaap sahib, Sukhmani sahib etc throughout the day.
But if you can only do once in the morning or evening, that is okay.You can always recite the Naam throughout the day.With discipline and practice you may increase how you decied to say the Paath- daily prayers.
I am a practical and down to earth person, and keep sikhism simple.Some are more riggid and will find my suggestion unacceptable.Being a Sikh and then becomming a Sikh are two different things, the latter is a slow process.So worry, not.If you miss your prayers sometime in the day or the week.
2]There are many channels to learn Gurbani these days.Through the internet, books on your own;and at Gurduaras through teachers.This really depends on the resources available around one.One of the simple principles, you must remember daily is the notion of sarbat da bhalla, Kirt Kamaii and wand shakna- and sewa, however little you may do on a daily , weekly basis.
Sarbat da bhalla, is praying and working for the welfare of humanity;Kirt Kamaii is honest earnings through an honest job/work; and wand shakna is share what you can with the needy.
3]An initiated Sikh female , may use a Dupatta to have her head covered in sangat and public.Some may wear a Keski - small sized turban around the head.This is then covered with a dupatta.There is no compulsion for either, although for cultural reasons for all Sikh females it is deemed respectful and desirable for a female to keep the head covered with a shawl or dupatta or Chunni as you called in public or sangat; and esspecially when dressed in traditional clothes; a simple chunni over the head when dressed in western suit trouser.
4[Strictly speaking, there is no size limitation for carrying a Kirpan.But abroad and nowadays, as it can be misunderstood;therefore it is advisable to carry a Kirpan that conforms to the law of the country.The smallest Kirpan from my understanding is 6 inches, which is also the norm accepted in many countries outside India lawfully.I agree with you that it is not desirable to draw attention in public by carrying a large Kirpan or one that is not within the law agreements of that nation.My view is a Kirpan should not be displayed openly, but carried under the garments; but also ensure when entering Government buildings etc , one should advise the security of the Kirpan in possession.In UK, departments find this acceptable.
Some Sikhs use a Kirpan embedded into their Kanga, but I dont feel that conforms to the law of the Sikh religion, in reallity.Although because of the current state of affairs,that is an area that needs review by the SGPC; esspecially when boarding planes.
I hope that explains the basics.But if you have time, you can read the following leisurely.Most of it is sensible....
http://www.thaisikh.org/sikhism/sikhwayoflife.php
[unfortunately Divorces a real reallity these days even among Sikhs]
