INTRODUCTION:
Sikhism is one of the youngest religion in the world. It was founded by Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469 who laid the basic principles of Sikhism. It offered the people a simple Sikh religion teaching "Oneness of God", whose name is TRUTH. Sikhism is a practical religion - a faith of hope and optimism. Its ideals form a large part of the more progressive elements in humanity today. It shows mankind how to lead a worthy and useful life in the World, which elevates it to the status of Universalod .
Sikhism is one of the youngest religion in the world. It was founded by Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469 who laid the basic principles of Sikhism. It offered the people a simple Sikh religion teaching "Oneness of God", whose name is TRUTH. Sikhism is a practical religion - a faith of hope and optimism. Its ideals form a large part of the more progressive elements in humanity today. It shows mankind how to lead a worthy and useful life in the World, which elevates it to the status of Universalod .
WHAT IS A SIKH ?
The word "Sikh" means a disciple. A Sikh is a person who believes in Waheguru and teachings of the Ten Gurus enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Book.In short, a Sikh is a person who faithfully believes in the following:- One Immortal Being. - Ten Gurus from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.- The Guru Granth Sahib. - The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and... - The baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and not owe allegiance to any other religion.
SIKH'S PERSONALITY:
The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, initiated the Sikh baptism ceremony in April 1699 AD and thus gave a distinctive identity to the Sikhs.
This distinction is represented by five symbols, popularly known as Five K"s, because the first letter of each symbol begins with the letter "K". These are Kesh (long and unshorn hair), Kangha (a comb), Kara (a steel braclet), Kachera (pair of shorts), and Kirpan (a sword).
When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji created the Khalsa Panth, he ordered them to maintain the five symbols - Panj Kakar. These symbols were not only necessary for the strength and uniformity of the organization, but also for the value they each had in their own right.
Kesh(Hair):
Hair (Kesh) was regarded as a symbol of saintliness and Dharma in ancient times. Guru Nanak Dev Ji started the practice of keeping unshorn hair. The keeping of hair is regarded as an indication of living in harmony with the Will of God. The shaving of hair may be construed as interference in nature's way and considering oneself wiser than God. Keeping hair is the most important symbol. A Khalsa become apostate (Patit) if he shaves or trims his hair.
Kangha(Comb):
Comb (Kangha) is necessary for keeping the hair clean and tidy.
Kacheraa(Shorts):
horts (Kacheraa) is regarded as a symbol of chastity. Moreover, it allows unembarrassed movement in times of action. It is also easy and comfortable to wear when at rest. It serves as a mark of readiness and agility.
Kara(Steel bracelet):
Steel bracelet (Kara) is a symbol of restraint and gentility; it also reminds the Sikh that he is bonded to the Guru. When a Sikh looks at it, he will think twice before doing an evil deed. These symbols are kept to preserve corporate unity and to foster the sentiment of brotherhood. They assist a Khalsa to look exactly like Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji (form wise) and thus hopefully prompt him to behave like a Guru.
Steel bracelet (Kara) is a symbol of restraint and gentility; it also reminds the Sikh that he is bonded to the Guru. When a Sikh looks at it, he will think twice before doing an evil deed. These symbols are kept to preserve corporate unity and to foster the sentiment of brotherhood. They assist a Khalsa to look exactly like Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji (form wise) and thus hopefully prompt him to behave like a Guru.
Kirpan(Sword):
Sword (Kirpan) is an emblem of courage and adventure. In order to have self-respect, the Khalsa should maintain the means to vindicate his honour. The sword is to be used for the defense of oneself or others but not for offence.
People who wear a uniform and who are imbued with disciplined outlook are better able to achieve unity of purpose and acquire a real sense of brotherhood than those who have set no particular standards. A Sikh without these symbols is a non entity. Those who cut their hair or trim their beard commit a breach of the Cardinal Rules of the Order, and considered as 'apostates'
Sword (Kirpan) is an emblem of courage and adventure. In order to have self-respect, the Khalsa should maintain the means to vindicate his honour. The sword is to be used for the defense of oneself or others but not for offence.
People who wear a uniform and who are imbued with disciplined outlook are better able to achieve unity of purpose and acquire a real sense of brotherhood than those who have set no particular standards. A Sikh without these symbols is a non entity. Those who cut their hair or trim their beard commit a breach of the Cardinal Rules of the Order, and considered as 'apostates'
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