Author Topic: 5 K's in Sikhs life (Read 7250 times)

cнιяρу νιвєѕ ツ · « **on:** June 13, 2010, 01:56:43 PM »

The 5 K's in Sikhs Life

The Five K's, along with the turban, constitute the Khalsa uniform, which distinguishes a Sikh from any other person in the world, and is essential for preserving the life of the community and fostering the Khalsa brotherhood.

The Five K's are not supposed to foster exclusiveness or superiority. They are meant to keep the Sikhs united in the pursuit of the aims and ideals of the Gurus. They enable them to keep their vows made at the time of baptism. The Sikhs have been known to face torture and death rather than cut their hair or remove any of the sacred symbols.

The Khalsa cannot be anonymous. His religion is known to all. He stands out among people, and any unseemly behaviour or action on his part would be noted as unbecoming of a follower of the Gurus. People would easily blame him if he deviated from the disciplinary code of Guru Gobind Singh.

KANGA
Comb. A symbol of hygiene and discipline as opposed to the matted un-kept hair of ascetics. A Khalsa is expected to regularly wash and comb their hair as a matter of self discipline.

KIRPAN
Ceremonial Sword. A symbol of dignity and the Sikh struggle against injustice. It is worn purely as a religious symbol and not as a weapon. When all other means of self protection fail, the Kirpan can be used to protect yourself or others against the enemy.

KARA
Iron bracelet. A symbol to remind the wearer of restraint in their actions and remembrance of God at all times. Every Khalsa is enjoined to wear the Kara on the right wrist. The Kara being circular in shape, symbolises wheel which itself, when viewed in the background of Indian heritage, simultaneously stands for Dharma and Chakarvarti Raja (universal monarch). Therefore Kara manifests two meanings, eternal and temporal and the Khalsa is enjoined to imbibe both.

KACHHERA
Drawers. A symbol signifying self control and chastity. Every member of the Khalsa must must wear a Kachhera, in order to cover not only the genitals, but it should also cover the thighs up to the knees. The covering of the genitals enjoins him/her to live under the strict discipline of self control. Also the Kachhera stands to repudiate the idea of nudity so dear to Indian asceticism. The Sikh religion advocates, instead, all round development of one's personality possible only when adhering to social norms as a balanced social being. It also allows freedom of movement, which is especially required during time of battle.

KESH
Long unshorn hair. A symbol of spirituality. The Kesh reminds a Khalsa to behave like the Guru's. It is a mark of dedication and group consciousness, showing a Khalsa's acceptance of God's will. Long hair have long been a common element of many spiritual prophets of various religions such as Jesus, Moses and Buddha.

How much K's you got??

Author Topic: 5 K's in Sikhs life (Read 7250 times)

cнιяρу νιвєѕ ツ

5 K's in Sikhs life

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