I took surname of Khalsa because in the United States 90% of Sikh converts take this surname. It is a way of eliminating any references to caste, class, race, nationality. You cannot tell who is convert from Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, etc. Are we worthy to be called Harjas? Are we worthy to be called Kaur? Are we worthy to be named Gurdev? Are we worthy to be named Nirmal? Isn't the name something you are given to try to live up to? There are thousands of people with the surname Khalsa. It actually is a tip off that I'm an American convert. Although some Indians in America have also taken this surname. This is the name I accepted from the Panj Piare when I became amrit chuk.
I brought this up was because it seems like some people so busy trying to tell Sikhs that they are not Sikhs by trying to show them they don't have qualities of a Sikh.
Is it qualities of a Sikh which are being pointed out, or is it qualities rejecting Sikh teaching that are being pointed out? Since many people on forums are promoting something as Sikhi which it is not: cutting hair, being a Naamdhari, removing kakkars etc. Are these personal criticisms or matters of distorting definitions of the religious faith for which clarity should be made?
Certainly everyone should be able to agree who Guru Ji is. Certainly everyone should be able to agree that Sikhi promotes not cutting or shaving hair. And if we can't agree on these basic things, what's in a name?
What's more sinful? Calling yourself a Sikh even though we might not be good Sikh or calling yourself a Khlasa when you know for sure you are not a Khalsa?
The definition of who is a Sikh and who is a Khalsa and what is legitimate Sikh practice have nothing to do with either of our opinions. And definitely, if I do something wrong, especially on a public forum, I have to answer for it to the sangat, to the Panj Piare, and if bad enough to Akal Takht. So I try very carefully to research something before I say it. That doesn't mean I'm not wrong. But it means people should use care when speaking for what Sikhi is or is not. And if people distort Gurbani or invent new definitions of what Sikhi is on a public forum, and Sikhs do not correct or clarify it, that would be a sin.
If something is not what Sikhi teaches, then you or I or a doctoral dissertation, a book, a website, neon signs or a record album, a radio broadcast or a t.v. show will not make it so. And you should ask yourself, is the issue people have with someone who tells you what Sikhi teaches, or is the issue people have with what Sikhi actually teaches? Think about it. Because even if no one says anything. The eternal Truth is still the eternal Truth. People don't have to be perfect. Guruji still loves all people and will help them. But people need to be careful not to speak some false teaching in the name of Sikh religion. I don't have that right. No one has that right.
Sikh Reht MaryadaSIKH CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONVENTIONS
[SIZE=-1]CHAPTER 1[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The Definition of Sikh :[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Article I[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Any human being who faithfully believes in[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]i. One Immortal Being, [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]ii. Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Sahib to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]iii. The Guru Granth Sahib, [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]iv. The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]v. the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion, is a Sikh[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]*Your spiritual father is now Guru Gobind Singh and spiritual mother, Mata Sahib Kaur. [/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]*Your place of birth is Kesgarh Sahib and your native place is Anandpur Sahib. You, being the sons of one father, are, inter-se yourselves and other baptised Sikhs, spiritual brothers. [/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]You have become the pure Khalsa, having renounced your previous lineage, professional background, calling (occupation), beliefs, that is, having given up all connections with your caste, descent, birth, country, religion, etc. [/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]You are to worship none except the One Timeless Being (Waheguru) no God, Goddess, incarnation or prophet. [/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]You are not to think of anyone except the ten Gurus and anything except their gospel as your saviour. [/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]You are supposed to know Gurmukhi (Punjabi alphabet). (If you do not, you must learn it). And recite, or listen in to the recitation of, the under mentioned scriptural compositions, the daily repetition of which is ordained, every day 1) The Japuji Sahib, (2) The Jaap Sahib, (3) The Ten Sawayyas (Quartrains), beginning "sarawag sudh", (4) The Sodar Rahiras and the Sohila. [/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]Besides, you should read from or listen in to the recitation from the Guru Granth Sahib.[/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]Have, on your person, all the time, the five K's :[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]I. The Keshas (unshorn hair), [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]II. The Kirpan {sheathed sword} (The length of the sword to be worn is not prescribed., [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]III. The Kachhehra (The Kachhehra (drawers like garment) may be made from any cloth, but its legs should not reach down to below the shins.),[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]IV. The Kanga (comb),[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]V. The Karha {steel bracelet} (The Karha should be of pure steel.)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]1. Dishonouring the hair;[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]2. Eating the meat of an animal slaughtered the Muslim way; [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]3. Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse;[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]4. Using tobacco.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]In the event of the commission of any of these transgressions, the transgressor must get baptised again. If a transgression is committed unintentionally and unknowingly, the transgressor shall not be liable to punishment. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]You must not associate with a Sikh who had uncut hair earlier and has cut it or a Sikh who smokes. You must ever be ready for the service of the Panth and of the Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship). You must tender one tenth (Daswand) of your earnings to the Guru. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]In short, you must act the Guru's way in all spheres of activity.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]You must remain fully aligned to the Khalsa brotherhood in accordance with the principles of the Khalsa faith. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]If you commit transgression of the Khalsa discipline, you must present yourself before the congregation and beg pardon, accepting whatever punishment is awarded. You must also resolve to remain watchful against defaults in the future.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]q. The following individuals shall be liable to chastisement involving automatic boycott: [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]1. Anyone maintaining relations or communion with elements antagonistic to the Panth including the minas (reprobates), the masands (agents once accredited to local Sikh communities as Guru's representatives, since discredited for their faults and aberrations), followers of Dhirmal or Ram Rai, et. al., or users of tobacco or killers of female infants[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]2. One who eats/drinks Left-overs of the unbaptised or the fallen Sikhs; [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]3. One who dyes his beard; [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]4. One who gives off son or daughter in matrimony for a price or reward; [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]5. Users of intoxicants (hemp, opium, liquor, narcotics, cocaine, etc.); [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]6. One holding, or being a party to, ceremonies or practices contrary to the Guru's way; [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]7. One who defaults in the maintenance of Sikh discipline. [/SIZE]
Sikh Reht Maryada, The Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India
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[SIZE=-1]I didn't quote any Jathabandi Maryada which tend to be stricter. Although, those who have taken amrit need to follow the instructions and Maryada of their Panj Piare. This is just straight up the SGPC Maryada. And if you compare the authoritative definition of a Sikh, and practice of an amritdhari with what is promoted on the forums, you have to admit theres some real distortions being passed off to the public. Should people be quiet and accept all these distorted definitions in the name of tolerance? It's a forum. Why can't people share their best understanding of what the truth about Sikhi is, and what it isn't? If people want to cut hair and have some identity as Sikh, that's fine. It's when people start teaching that Sikhi and our Guru's teach it's acceptable to cut hair; when people start to redefine what Sikhi teaches, then that's a debate. Loud opinions really are nothing. Your position needs to be credible and cite sources to establish what the teachings actually are. Then thats established teaching and practice, not your opinion.[/SIZE]
First of all, do you even know what Khalsa is supposed to be?
Second, is there supposed to be anyone better than Khalsa?
Third, do you think you are a Khalsa?
Finally, doesn't referring to yourself as Khalsa automatically make you not a Khalsa?
1. I think I have a clue
[SIZE=-1]Panth's Status of Guruhood[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Article XXIII[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The concept of service is not confined to fanning the congregation, service to and in the Guru ka Langar etc. A Sikh's entire life is a life of benevolent exertion. The most fruitful service is the service that secures the optimum good by minimal endeavour. That can be achieved through organised collective action. A Sikh has, for this reason, to fulfil his/her Panthic obligations (obligations as a member of the corporate entity, the Panth), even as he/she performs his/her individual duties. This corporate entity is the Panth. Every Sikh has also to fulfil his obligations as a unit of the corporate body, the Panth.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]a. The Guru Panth (Panth's status of Guruhood) means the whole body of committed baptised (Amritdhari) Sikhs. This body was fostered by all the ten Gurus and the tenth Guru gave it its final shape and invested it with Guruhood.[/SIZE]
Sikh Reht Maryada, The Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India
2. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh (The Khalsa belongs to God. the Victory belongs to God.) So God is better than the Khalsa. Khalsa is God's own Army. Khalsa Panth is invested with Guruship, and Guru is God's own Jyot.
3. According to the rehat Maryada and Panj Piare I became a member of the Khalsa when I became amrit chukk.
4. According to the rehat Maryada, there are 4 bujjar kurehits which would invalidate my amrit. There is nothing which says referring to myself as Khalsa will invalidate my amrit and necessitate rebaptism. Also it states that taking amrit we become members of the Khalsa Panth. See above link to Rehat Maryada. To be a member of Khalsa Panth is also an evolution. We are supposed to follow practices of Sikhism and become better people over time. The goal really is jeevan mukta. And I will publically acknowledge that I am not a good person. I want to be a good person. I am not a holy person. I want to be a holy person. So there is no doubt, I accept all of your criticisms as to being a bad person in need of Guruji's corrections. I am sure they will come.
The word "Khalsa" means "pure", Khalsa's are Sikhs which have undergone the sacred Amrit Ceremony initiated by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The Khalsa order was initially created on Baisakhi Day March 30 1699, with Guru Gobind Singh baptizing 5 Sikhs and then in turn asking the five Khalsa's to baptize him. Following this the Guru personally baptized thousands of men and women into the Khalsa order. The Khalsa baptism ceremony is undertaken as part of ones own personal spiritual evolution when the initiate is ready to fully live up to the high expectations of Guru Gobind Singh. All Sikhs are expected to be Khalsa or be working towards that objective...
Spiritual Evolution
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Stage 1: Manmukh [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A person who is self-centered and only thinks about himself and the material world around him and is totally oblivious to God. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Stage 2: Sikh [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Anyone who sets out on the path of learning and meets the specific definition of a Sikh as appears in the Reht Maryada (Official Code of Conduct). [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Stage 3: Khalsa [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Total dedication to Sikhism. One who has has shed his ego and personality and truly honours the memory of Guru Gobind Singh through his actions and deeds. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Stage 4: Gurmukh [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]One who has achieved mukhti (salvation) and is totally God-centered. [/FONT]
The Sikhism Home Page: The Khalsa
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The Khalsa was formed to destroy the caste system (the Hindu class system) because all men and women lose their previous caste identities when they join the Khalsa and take the new surnames of Singh (lion) and Kaur (princess). The Khalsa combines all the castes because s/he serves people like the outcaste, works to make a living like the working caste, fights like the warrior caste, and can carry out any religious practice like the brahmin or priestly caste. The Khalsa was also made to show the equality of women and men because women had their own surname, because they were raised in status to a Kaur (princess), and because they also carried weapons like the kirpan. The Khalsa was also made to fight terror, so the Khalsa ideal is the saint-soldier. Finally, the Khalsa is the distinct Sikh community, giving a specific form to the ideas of the Gurus.
REonline - People of Faith - Answers - Sikhism
As a result when people came to the United States, Canada or Britain, they began to use their family names/surnames in their name to make it easier to identify oneself when a lot of other Panjabis or Sikhs have the same name.
But, when addressing oneself or when identifying oneself, especially in the Sikh community, one must not stress or emphasise the surname/family name/gout. Better still is to avoid using the surname. "Singh" or "Khalsa" is good enough. However, if someone uses a surname for the purpose of identifying themselves rather than intentions of promoting caste discrimination and superiority, this seems fine to me.
http://www.panthic.org/news/115/ARTICLE/1971/2005-11-13.html
Please correct my mistakes.
