Guru Gobin Singh – Khalsa
Rounded the Khalsa – Vaisakhi 1699, sent messengers to ask for everyone to attend in Anandpar Sahib called for someone to give their head to the Guru- Guru meaning god himself or probably both- one by one.
Guru Gobin Singh said starting Khalsa – a community of women and men who will be Sant Sipahi ie people who follow god’s teaching and because of this, have the courage and bravery to defend those unfairly treated- saint soldiers.
The Five K’s
Kesh – uncut hair symbol of obedience to god’s will.
Kara – iron or steel bangle. God is eternal (no beginning no end) strengths and oneness of Khalsa.
Kachs/Kachhera – loose fitting, knee length baggy shorts. Symbol of high moral standards of Sikhs- one of the four Kurahits (prohibitations) is adultery.
Kirpan – short sword Kirpan blessing, Ana = honour. Symbol Sikh duty to defend those unjustly treated.
Kungha – comb used to keep Kesh in place. Symbol therefore that Sikhs should be tidy and orderly.
Importance of Khalsa today
For Importance- Sense of community and identity. Sikhs give uniforms recognised by Sikhs and non-Sikhs. Wearing the 5 K’s gives something for them to live up to. Gives people a code of conduct to live by.
Against Importance – Only about 5/10% of Sikhs are members of the Khalsa. Greater diversions among the Sikhs members speak for non-members as not ‘proper Sikh’. Problems of wearing the 5 K’s especially since September 11th restrictions on employment e.g. health and safety.
Importance of Guru’s today
For Importance- Through them god gives Gurboni (god’s word). Contained in Guru Granth Sahib is god’s living presence today. Gurbani shows ways people can achieve Mukti (liberation – birth, death and rebirth). Gurbani applies regardless of time and culture in which a person is living e.g. sewa, the equality in all of us.
Against Importance – they lived in a different culture and time. Circumstances change and what was important is no longer. There are no teachings of issues that are important today e.g., abortion, cloning, how to be a Sikh, and living in another culture.
Gurupurb
Special efforts to visit the Gudwara often eat dishes at Langar (Indian sweets, ice-cream on Guru Arjan martyrdam day). Kirtan usually from the Gurbani given by the guru being celebrated. Katha (talks) based on guru’s life and teachings. Nagar Kirtan: precession of Guru Granth Sahibthrough the streets lead by Pahj Piarre followed by procession of Sikhs.
Gudwara – Two Symbols
Definition: Guru’s door only place Guru Granth Sahib installed. Features: Nishin Sahib- flag – either black/blue on a saffron background or saffron on blue/black background.
Before entering the Gudwara
Shoe’s removed, head covered, feet washed shows the respect for GURU GRANTH SAHIB.
Divan Hall
Guru Granth Sahib is placed on takt (throne)………………………..
During Divan
Musicians sit on the lower platform and play kirtans (words from the Guru Granth Sahib). Katha or talks are given based on the Guru Granth Sahib and lives of the Guru’s as well as the Sikh history.
Towards the End of Divan
Hukamnarha – random opening of guru Granth sahib to obtain gods message for those present.
Ardos
Prayer of repetition- everyone stands facing Guru Granth Sahib. Lead by one person and everyone says last part together.
Karah Parshad
Equal measurements – semolina, butter, milk and this symbolizes the equality of all people. After or during Divan worshippers eat Langar – communal meal – vegetarian – no egg or meat, this is a symbol of equality or birth and gender.
Equality – Birth/Gender
Birth: Hindu cast system divided people into 5 categories. 4 castes of which 3 castes were known as ‘twice born’, only these 3 castes are able to receive religious teachings and possibly achieve spiritual liberation- 5th are group outsiders.
Guru nanak said everyone is equal and gave religious teachings to everyone including women. Encouraging all people to take part in Kirtan and made it compulsory for everyone to eat together.
Gender: Guru Nanak stated that family life the ideal would be when women were thought to distract men from god- he also taught against Hindu practice of women dying on husband’s funeral fire (sati) – against the Muslim wearing veil over their head. Said women could attend and take part in religious services.
God – Mul Mantra/Actions of God
Mul Mantra says:
There is one god, god is a personal god and communicates with people – mul mantra says this is by god’s grace (gurprasad) – favour not earned through actions.
God is truth – god does not take physical form e.g. does not come to earth as a person or animal.
Actions of god – creator of the world and god is fearless so people shouldn’t fear him – god is without hatred – no idea of an angry god.
Mul mantra – god does not take birth or die – is eternal all things in creation are according to gods will. God is beyond gender and is the mother and father, brother and sister
How do people achieve Liberation?
Sikhs should practice three responsibilities of:
- nam japna – meditation on gods name
- kirat kara – behaving honestly and giving a proportion of what you earn to those in need
- vand chhako – serving god humanly (seva)
Five Stages of Human Development
- stage of piety – this is a stage when people are born
- stage of knowledge – people can reach this stage by practicing the 3 responsibilities
- stage of effort – this is a stage where people understand god and allow god to come completely into their lives and become a devotee.
- stage of grace- person receives gods grace
- stage of truth (sach khand)- where god exists in a formless way
Marriage
Must be in the presence of guru Granth sahib- witness to marriage. Lower circling of guru Granth sahib, this gives guidance to boy and girl, relationship of boy and girl should be similar of that of god to humanity. Bow before guru Granth sahib to show agreement to marriage.
Role of the Family
Assisted marriages. Traditionally parents chose marriages partners for the sibling. As soon as both sides say yes and give the go-ahead then they combine both families and the soul of the boy and girl. Nowadays boy and girl are able to suggest their partner.