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I’m 18, and I don’t want my hair cut. My dad insists that I cut my hair. My dad is Hindu and my mum is Sikh. I am confused, please help
If cutting hair violates the Hukam, then how will you justify the following? ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਸਭੇ ਊਪਜਹਿ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥ Hukam of God is not something that can be easily violated.
If cutting hair violates the Hukam, then how will you justify the following?
See lessਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਸਭੇ ਊਪਜਹਿ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
Hukam of God is not something that can be easily violated.
I was a devoted Sikh. However, I lost touch with Sikhi right now. How do I get back on track?
Losing touch is normal sometimes. This might have happened because of some changes in your circumstances or preferences. Have you changed or started a new job, or have you changed your place of residence, or any other change? But eventually, you will always come back. You can try the following: 1. ARead more
Losing touch is normal sometimes. This might have happened because of some changes in your circumstances or preferences. Have you changed or started a new job, or have you changed your place of residence, or any other change? But eventually, you will always come back. You can try the following:
See less1. Ardraas
2. Listen to kirtan or katha
3. Try to spend more time in Gurudwara and do Sewa
What is Sehaj Avastha? I heard Gyani was explaining at the Guruduara, but I didn’t understand.
Sehaj awastha is the state of mind where there are no desires. The following Shabad explains the characteristics of Sahej Awastha. ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਦੁਖ ਮੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥ਸੁਖ ਸਨੇਹੁ ਅਰੁ ਭੈ ਨਹੀ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਕੰਚਨ ਮਾਟੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ਨਹ ਨਿੰਦਿਆ ਨਹ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨਾ ॥ਹਰਖ ਸੋਗ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਆਰਉ ਨਾਹਿ ਮਾਨ ਅਪਮਾਨਾ ॥੧॥ਆਸਾRead more
Sehaj awastha is the state of mind where there are no desires.
The following Shabad explains the characteristics of Sahej Awastha.
ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਦੁਖ ਮੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥ਸੁਖ ਸਨੇਹੁ ਅਰੁ ਭੈ ਨਹੀ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਕੰਚਨ ਮਾਟੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ਨਹ ਨਿੰਦਿਆ ਨਹ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨਾ ॥ਹਰਖ ਸੋਗ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਆਰਉ ਨਾਹਿ ਮਾਨ ਅਪਮਾਨਾ ॥੧॥ਆਸਾ ਮਨਸਾ ਸਗਲ ਤਿਆਗੈ ਜਗ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਰਾਸਾ ॥ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਜਿਹ ਪਰਸੈ ਨਾਹਨਿ ਤਿਹ ਘਟਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨਿਵਾਸਾ ॥੨॥ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਜਿਹ ਨਰ ਕਉ ਕੀਨੀ ਤਿਹ ਇਹ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਪਛਾਨੀ ॥ਨਾਨਕ ਲੀਨ ਭਇਓ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਪਾਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਪਾਨੀ
See lessWhy did Guru Gobind Singh ji come up with a new religion?
You know the concept of Miri - Piri? Piri = Spiritual aspects (it is more of a personal thing, everyone has an individual journey) Miri = Social aspects (it aims at our social life and our lifestyle that affects society at large) Guru Nanak, followed by 4 gurus worked on spiritual aspects grossly. GRead more
You know the concept of Miri – Piri?
See lessPiri = Spiritual aspects (it is more of a personal thing, everyone has an individual journey)
Miri = Social aspects (it aims at our social life and our lifestyle that affects society at large)
Guru Nanak, followed by 4 gurus worked on spiritual aspects grossly. Guru Arjan marked the completion of Piri aspects by compilation of Adi Granth and establishing it at Darbar Sahib which was constructed as a spiritual center (for all humans irrespective of their religion, caste).
After the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan, Shri Guru Hargobind Ji begins working on Miri, and Piri was already established by then. in 38 years of Guruship, which is the highest period of time among all gurus, He didn’t write a single Shabad. Not just 6th guru, none of the last 5 gurus have made any contribution to SGGS, except a minor contribution by the 9th guru. They all worked on Miri. Why?
Miri aims to establish a society where Piri can flourish, where people can practice spiritualism.
If Piri is water, Miri creates a container to hold it.
Piri is soul, Miri is body
Then, Guru Gobind Singh ji finally created Khalsa (to establish miri), command of which was given to 5 pyaare.
Guruji himself took amrit from them and transferred the guruship (of Miri) to 5 pyares. 5 takhts were constructed for 5 panj pyaare, just like darbad sahib for Adi granth.
Guru Gobind Singh ji recompiled Granth, which we call SGGS now, and reaffirmed the spiritual Guruship of Baani, and said Guru Manyo Granth.
SGGS is for everyone, any person of any religion.
Khalsa (and its committment) is for all those who live with conscience, and are ready to assume responsibility of Society (not religion).
Unfortunately, Sikh institutions have messed up everything. It is not purely their fault. Sikhsim underwent several tough times. For example, there was a mahant doing sewa as head of Darbar Sahib who infused his/hindus ideology. Caste system was there once at Darbar Sahib as well.
Panth Prachar had become a profession, so many people jumped in for easy money, and they kept spoiling the real essence of Sikhi. They just fabricated things that please the ear of the audience. In those times, most people were illiterate, then who did the research?
We should understand, whatever has been taught to us may not be perfect. Now, we are literate, we have resources, we have tools to do research. We should try to decode everything and understand.
Gurus did not create a new religion. He just restructured and realigned us with what we had lost.
Guru Nanak realigned us with Vedas, as we (as hindus generations ago) deviated from it. Guru Gobind realigned us this our social way of life.
Sikhism is the corrected version/extension of Sanatan, that suits the needs of Kalyuga. Hindus were, and are deviated from Vedas, as well as from our tradition. For example, they stopped wearing Turbans and started wearing caps that were brought to India by Foreigners. BUT, Sikhism can’t be and should not be mixed with Hinduism. Sikhism and Hinduism are exactly the opposite, and people should know the differences in order to get clarity.
I hope this answers your question.
Photos of the gurus
You can burn them off., or throw them away which could be a little tough because with time we have learned and got out emotions attached to pictures. But in Sikhism, Photos have no significance.
You can burn them off., or throw them away which could be a little tough because with time we have learned and got out emotions attached to pictures.
See lessBut in Sikhism, Photos have no significance.
What does the Sikh turban symbolise?
If you believe Sikhs keep Kesh because of Hukam. Do you think those who cut their hair are out of Hukam? If yes, then explain this ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ|| What is Hukam? We can't go out of hukam ordanirily. But those with Ridhis Sidhis, spiritual powers can alter Hukam. Once you reachRead more
If you believe Sikhs keep Kesh because of Hukam.
Do you think those who cut their hair are out of Hukam? If yes, then explain this
ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ||
What is Hukam?
We can’t go out of hukam ordanirily. But those with Ridhis Sidhis, spiritual powers can alter Hukam. Once you reach that stage, which comes before liberation, Identifying Hukam becomes very important. Examples of those who went against Hukam are Raavan, Harnaksh who used powers to conquer death.
Hukam Mananna = Bhaana Mananna, which means not to Curse God for anything, and not using any means/tricks/upaao to alter the hukam.
The only best thing we can do is to recognize Hukam ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣਿ ਤਾ ਖਸਮੈ ਮਿਲਣਾ || We just have to recognize hukam, and stop cursing.
Read the story of the Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, to identify Hukam and he rejected to use the spiritual powers chose to accept the Hukam.
See lessWhat does the Sikh turban symbolise?
I would like to share my understanding/reasoning Sikhi has two aspects: 1. Peeri : Spiritual Aspects >>First 5 Gurus worked on this>> SGGS is our spiritual guide today! Last 5 Gurus doesn't have contribution to SGGS, except a minor contribution by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji 2. Meeri : Social AsRead more
I would like to share my understanding/reasoning
See lessSikhi has two aspects:
1. Peeri : Spiritual Aspects >>First 5 Gurus worked on this>> SGGS is our spiritual guide today!
Last 5 Gurus doesn’t have contribution to SGGS, except a minor contribution by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
2. Meeri : Social Aspects >>Last 5 Human Gurus worked on this>> Finally established Khalsa (for social integration, security, and prosperity) and 5 Pyaare are our social guru/guide! (Guru Gobind Singh became Chella of 5 pyaare and gave them the authority to make decisions, except 4 Bajjar kurahaits, also established 5 takhats for them).
Important Note: The objective of establishing Khalsa was aimed at building a society that is liveable, secure, and prosperous so that spiritualism can flourish without many social hurdles.
Also, note that since Khalsa is a social concept, 5Ks of Khalsa is linked with the same. 5Ks are not directly related to Spiritualism, which most Sikhs believe in, unfortunately.
Now about the TURBAN
Turban doesn’t belong to Sikhism, It belongs to culture. It is the Symbolic of RESPONSIBILITY.
Even before the inception of Sikhism, before Guru Nanak, honorable and responsible persons of society used to wear Turban. Those honorable persons were responsible for resolving disputes and maintaining harmony among a group of people and also were responsible for leading the group. They were called Sardar of that group.
Turban was a dress code, just like police and Judges have. People can identify them and allow them to intervene in their issues.
At a higher level, members of the kingdom also used to wear Turban. Brahmins, Rajputs, and honorable Hindus also used to wear turbans. Hindus have stopped wearing Turbans within the last 2-3 generations only. You see the pics of Lala Lajpat Rai, Sir Ganga Ram, Vivekananda, Founder of MDH, and so many other leaders. Manu Hindus (Brahmins mainly) wear turban now also. Just google “Brahmins in Turban”
Now you see, Hindus still wear Turbans in their marriages. “Pagri di rasam” is the custom where upon the death of a senior-most male in house Turban tieing is done to the living most senior male after him in house. Again, as a symbolic of Responsible and honorable member. This means, in cases of conflicts and disputes, his decision will be followed by everyone.
BUT lower classes of society like SC/ST never had the right to wear a turban. They were not respected and had never enjoy the honor.
Guru Gobind Singh has given honor and responsibility to Khalsa irrespective of their caste, rather based on principles. By giving everyone Turban and the knowledge, he had created many leaders who can and who have the guts to speak up and act against injustice. That is the essence of Khalsa.
Another important point:
When Sardars were created, who would obviously wear a turban, there exists a loophole!!! To understand that loophole, just imagine what if Sikhs wear turban for respect for social honor only, and run away from their responsibility in testing times just by removing turban? What if they remove their turban and become ordinary persons in order to execute their malicious plans.
(Just taking Amrit doesn’t mean people will become free of malicious thoughts, but the identity they are carrying strongly discourages them)
Therefore, Kesh was made compulsory by Guru Gobind Singh ji to enforce turban all the time and to ensure Khalsa doesn’t become opportunistic. Khalsa behaves responsibly all the time irrespective of whether the circumstances are favorable or unfavorable.
Otherwise, Kesh has no significance spiritually, It is significant only for social reasons.
See what SGGS say about it VERY CLEARLY
ਕਬੀਰ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਇਕ ਸਿਉ ਕੀਏ ਆਨ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ਭਾਵੈ ਲਾਂਬੇ ਕੇਸ ਕਰੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਘਰਰਿ ਮੁਡਾਇ ॥੨੫॥
NOTE: I couldn’t find a single piece of evidence in Gurbani or History, which suggested us to keep kesh due to submission to Hukam of God. So, I temporarily reject this reasoning behind keeping Kesh.
You are welcome to help me with this.
Because of the circumstances of my life, I eventually tried the approach of Vedic astrology. What does gurmat say about this?
Note: I am open to any criticism. So, if you don't agree with me, kindly enlighten me with your understanding and references to SGGS. Firstly, Vedas and Puranas are not False as per Gurbani. ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਹਹੁ ਮਤ ਝੂਠੇ ਝੂਠਾ ਜੋ ਨ ਬਿਚਾਰੈ ॥ So, If Astrology is based upon Vedas or Puranas, It should have someRead more
Note: I am open to any criticism. So, if you don’t agree with me, kindly enlighten me with your understanding and references to SGGS.
See lessFirstly, Vedas and Puranas are not False as per Gurbani.
ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਹਹੁ ਮਤ ਝੂਠੇ ਝੂਠਾ ਜੋ ਨ ਬਿਚਾਰੈ ॥
So, If Astrology is based upon Vedas or Puranas, It should have some significance although It still is subject to interpretation. As I have never read Astrology scripture, I can’t comment on the validity of its interpretation.
BUT, the thing is why do you need Astrology?
To get to know the future, or to get rid of tough times by doing some Upaaye, right?
What Gurbani says,
Firstly, We should accept to live with Pain as:
“Dukh Daaro Sukh Rog Bhaya ja Sukh Taam na hoi”
Tough times are the gift of God, which brings several lessons, changes to our thought process, way of life, and all in all, It takes us closer to Spiritualism, by making us feel the need/desire to know the purpose of life.
Secondly,
We should rely only on Naam instead of Uppavs, in order to alleviate the stress and pain in life.
Pain may fade away in two ways. Either cause of pain will fade away or you will get strengthened to bear it.
“Avar upaav sab tyaagya, Daaru Naam Laya”
Guru Teg Bahadur Ji has a lot to teach us on this.
Also remember, When you use any means to alter the hukam, you are going against God.
Thirdly,
Gurbani guides us to look into ourself, learn and improve. It says, the knowledge which is there inside us is far more vast than practicing what is written in Puranas. Although, Gurbani didn’t say Puranas are wrong, Puranas has its limitations just like mentioned in Japji Sahib. “Vakht na paayo Kaadiyan, je kovai lekh Puraan”.
Now:
ਪੰਡਿਤ ਪਾਧੇ ਜੋਇਸੀ ਨਿਤ ਪੜ੍ਹਹਿ ਪੁਰਾਣਾ ॥
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਵਸਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਨੀ ਘਟਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਲੁਕਾਣਾ ॥
These verses doesn’t say Astrology (Jyotishi) is False, rather it simply says that there is far more knowledge (Braham) within us than Puranas. It guided is to be a Brahmgyani instead of Jyotishi. Please interpret it correctly.
Why do Sikhs wear a turban? Also why are they not allowed to remove it in public?
Gurbani is only for spiritual aspects, not for social aspects. Society and social problems always keep changing, so 5 Pyaare were given the responsibility to assess the problem and guide us time to time. Gurbani doesn't have any reference to Khalsa, Amrit (only Naam is Amrit spiritually), doesn't haRead more
Gurbani is only for spiritual aspects, not for social aspects. Society and social problems always keep changing, so 5 Pyaare were given the responsibility to assess the problem and guide us time to time.
See lessGurbani doesn’t have any reference to Khalsa, Amrit (only Naam is Amrit spiritually), doesn’t have any reference which suggests keeping Hair, or any of the 5Ks.
Please do note that, first 5 guru sahiban has worked on spiritual aspects and have a major contribution to SGGS. Adi granth was prepared and established at Darbar Sahib (which was created as a spiritual centre).
Then after the martyrdom of Guru Arjan ji, Guru Hargobind ji marked the beginning of Miri. As history/literature suggests Guru Hargobind ji coind the term Miri-Piri. Does any of last 5 gurus have any contribution to SGGS?
No, Right !!
Guru Teg Bahadur Ji has a very little contribution, that too because Guru Gobind Singh ji had to re-write the Granth, because of not having the access to Adi Granth.
Just like piri is established with SGGS / Adi granth and Darbar Sahib.
Miri was established by the creation of Khalsa. 5 pyaare and 5 takhats for them.
5 pyaare are meant to lead Khalsa on Social/political matters.Guru Gobind Singh ji actually transferred the rights of decision making to 5 pyaare by taking Amrit from them. Which means 5 pyaare are the Guru / Leader of Khalsa, but at the same time Guru Gobind Singh ji said Guru Manyo Granth.
So, Sikhs have 2 gurus:
1. SGGS – Spiritual Guru
2. 5 Pyaare – Social / Panthic Gurus/Leaders.
Why do Sikhs wear a turban? Also why are they not allowed to remove it in public?
I would like to share my understanding/reasoning Sikhi has two aspects: 1. Peeri : Spiritual Aspects >>First 5 Gurus worked on this>> SGGS is our spiritual guide today! 2. Meeri : Social Aspects >>Last 5 Human Gurus worked on this>> Established Khalsa (for social integration,Read more
I would like to share my understanding/reasoning
Sikhi has two aspects:
1. Peeri : Spiritual Aspects >>First 5 Gurus worked on this>> SGGS is our spiritual guide today!
2. Meeri : Social Aspects >>Last 5 Human Gurus worked on this>> Established Khalsa (for social integration, security, and prosperity) and 5 Pyaare are our social guru/guide! (Guru Gobind Singh became Chella of 5 pyaare and gave them the authority to make decisions, except 4 Bajjar kurahaits, also established 5 takhats for them).
Important Note: The objective of establishing Khalsa was aimed at building a society that is liveable, secure, and prosperous so that spiritualism can flourish without many social hurdles.
Also, note that since Khalsa is a social concept, 5Ks of Khalsa is linked with the same. 5Ks are not directly related to Spiritualism, which most Sikhs believe in, unfortunately.
Now about the TURBAN
Turban doesn’t belong to Sikhism, It belongs to culture. It is the Symbolic of RESPONSIBILITY.
Even before the inception of Sikhism, before Guru Nanak, honorable and responsible persons of society used to wear Turban. Those honorable persons were responsible for resolving disputes and maintaining harmony among a group of people and also were responsible for leading the group. They were called Sardar of that group. (NOTE that the term Sardar existed before Guru Gobind Singh ji as he said “tin hi ko sardar banau, tabai gobind singh naam kahau”)
Turban was a dress code, just like police and Judges have. People can identify them and allow them to intervene in their issues.
At a higher level, members of the kingdom also used to wear Turban. Brahmins, Rajputs, and honorable Hindus also used to wear turbans. Hindus have stopped wearing Turbans within the last 2-3 generations only. You see the pics of Lala Lajpat Rai, Sir Ganga Ram, Vivekananda, Founder of MDH, and so many other leaders. Manu Hindus (Brahmins mainly) wear turban now also. Just google “Brahmins in Turban”
Now you see, Hindus still wear Turbans in their marriages. “Pagri di rasam” is the custom where upon the death of a senior-most male in house Turban tieing is done to the living most senior male after him in house. Again, as a symbolic of Responsible and honorable member. This means, in cases of conflicts and disputes, his decision will be followed by everyone.
BUT lower classes of society like SC/ST never had the right to wear a turban. They were not respected and had never enjoy the honor.
Guru Gobind Singh has given honor and responsibility to Khalsa irrespective of their caste, rather based on principles. By giving everyone Turban and the knowledge, he had created many leaders who can and who have the guts to speak up and act against injustice. That is the essence of Khalsa.
Another important point:
See lessWhen Sardars were created, who would obviously wear a turban, there exists a loophole!!! To understand that loophole, just imagine what if Sikhs wear turban for respect for social honor only, and run away from their responsibility in testing times just by removing turban? What if they remove their turban and become ordinary persons in order to execute their malicious plans.
(Just taking Amrit doesn’t mean people will become free of malicious thoughts, but the identity they are carrying strongly discourages them)
Therefore, Kesh was made compulsory by Guru Gobind Singh ji to enforce turban all the time and to ensure Khalsa doesn’t become opportunistic. Khalsa behaves responsibly all the time irrespective of whether the circumstances are favorable or unfavorable.
Otherwise, Kesh has no significance spiritually, It is significant only for social reasons.
See what SGGS say about it VERY CLEARLY
ਕਬੀਰ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਇਕ ਸਿਉ ਕੀਏ ਆਨ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ਭਾਵੈ ਲਾਂਬੇ ਕੇਸ ਕਰੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਘਰਰਿ ਮੁਡਾਇ ॥੨੫॥