Sat Sri Akaal
I just started going to my local Gurdwara. I am a westerner with not a lot of experience. I really enjoying going there and one thing I’m not sure how to respond to is Wahe Guru Ji Ka Kalsa Wahe Guru Ji Fateh when I’m greeted. It’s much easier to say Sat Sri Akaal because I don’t know how I’m supposed to respond. Do I respond at the same time, as in a form of cross talk? Or do I respond with the whole phrase right after it’s said to me?
I’m not used to talking over people, but usually when I’m greeted it happens fast and it almost seems as though the person might not expect a response, or I’m responding in the incorrect way.
Inside the temple we say it all at the same time, so I’m assuming that’s what we do with a greeting, but I’m not sure since it feels like interrupting someone to do so.
Any help with this would be so much appreciated. <3
Dear One,
In response to your question, the undersigned wants to bring to your kind notice that the word ‘Khalsa’ is a Persian word which means ‘King’s personal land’. Therefore, the Sikh, who is a student, after imbibing the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib has to become Akalpurakh’s own i.e. a Khalsa.
The line ‘Waheguru ji ka Khalsa’, therefore, means that the Sikh is Akalpurakh’s own, i.e. a ‘sovereign’ or ‘independent’ person.
The other line ‘Waheguru ji ki Fateh’ means that the victory (Fateh) is of Akalpurakh. In other words, any success achieved by a Sikh is not his but of Akalpurakh because he is Akalpurakh’s own.
In view of the above, the undersigned advises you to respond the greeting of others with Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Your Brother
Brother,
Thank you so much for your response! I very much appreciate it.
I’m curious- Does it matter if you say Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Fateh right after the person says it or should you say it in tandem with them?
You can wait for the other person to complete it and then say it with folded hands. In my opinion that is a better option and will look more graceful.