This indicates the removal of status or caste and represents equality and fairness within all humanity. Today, Sikhs who wish to become members of the Khalsa show their commitment and dedication by taking part in the Amrit Sanskar ceremony.
This ceremony initiates them into the Khalsa. The five Ks are five items that are worn on the body. These Sikhs outwardly show their commitment to the Sikh faith to others. The name refers to the drinking of immortal nectar amrit , an essential part of the ceremony of commitment.
It is this water, which has now become the amrit , that is sipped by those who become members of the Khalsa. The Khalsa was established by the great Guru Gobind Singh in He stood with sword drawn and asked for five Sikhs who would offer their heads to him. Five devout Sikhs came forward, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Finally, he gave them nectar, amrit , from a common bowl, stirred with his sword.
Five Sikhs are required to act as initiators in the rite of taking amrit. They should be observant Khalsa members themselves. Both men and women serve as panj piaras. If you see someone wearing a turban and you are not sure if they are Sikh or not, ask them! The Sikh turban is a mandatory article of faith.
People of many other cultures and religions wear turbans, but none are required to do so by their religion. Sikhs tie their turbans anew each day. Just like observant Sikh men, observant Sikh women are not supposed to cut their hair.
In the Rehat Maryada, it is explicitly written that Sikh men wear a turban. There is nothing explicitly written about women, except that the turban is optional. There are many reasons for this change: globalization, cultural trends, and a lack of clarity in the Rehat Maryada. For Sikh women who choose to tie a turban, the turban is just as much a part of their body and identity as it is for Sikh men! A kirpan does not have a prescribed length.
In most cases it is about inches long. The kirpan serves as a reminder to fight against injustice and oppression. A Sikh understands that carrying a kirpan is a great responsibility. It is only intended to protect themselves or others.
Some school aged children have made the commitment to become an initiated Sikh, and as such do wear a kirpan. Generally, school personnel are aware that the Sikh student wears a kirpan, and both parties have come to an understanding about the religious significance and purpose of the kirpan.
At the present time, Sikhs put their kirpans into checked-in luggage and do not carry it with them on an airplane. Everyone is welcome at a Gurdwara regardless of their race, religion, color, or class. If you are interested in visiting a Gurdwara, feel free to reach out to Sikhs you know or contact community sikhcoalition.
The Sikh Gurus were very clear about each Sikh making their own spiritual journey directly and not depending on an intermediary or clergy.
These are people who have studied the Sikh scriptures extensively, and are available in the Gurdwaras as teachers. They often lead a congregation, but any members from the congregation — regardless of gender — can also perform the same ceremonies. A woman can lead or take part in any service or ceremony just as a man would. Sikh Gurus always taught equality between men and women.
For instance, the Gurus decried the cultural climate that denied women access to religion and advocated strongly for women to have equal rights as men in all spheres. In some Sikh congregations, men and women sit side-by-side as equals — women on one side of the Guru Granth Sahib, and men on the other.
It is important to note that men and women are still in equal proximity of the Guru Granth Sahib. There are both practical and cultural reasons for this practice. Since everyone sits on the floor, often unintentionally touching the person next to them when there is a large congregation can occur.
Having such interactions with the members of the opposite gender can make an individual uncomfortable. However, in some Gurdwaras, men and women may be seen sitting mixed in the congregation. The Sikh Gurus instituted the unique practice of Langar. Langar is food that is cooked by the members of the community and served to all people at the Gurdwara.
All Gurdwaras have a community kitchen, where Langar is cooked by volunteers and open to all without discrimination. Langar is communal cooking, serving, eating, and sharing. Langar is eaten while sitting on the ground for those who are able.
The idea is to put into practice treating all people equally, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, race, or sex. When Sikhism was sprouting in the South Asian subcontinent, the caste system stratified society.
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