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The Guru speaks, again and again, of the supreme blessings of the Sadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, the Self-Disciplined Saints. Whatever individual limitations we may have, when we bring ourselves to the Guru’s Feet, our faults are covered and we are lifted up. Guru Gobind Singh told us that when five Sikhs gather together in his Name, He will be there with us. Our graceful conduct allows us, as well as others, to experience the group meditation of the Sadh Sangat.
SEATING: Seating in Gurdwara is designed to balance the polarity of the sexes: men are seated on the left side (facing the Guru), and women on the right side. The Guru, of course, sits in the center, to balance this polarity. While it is best for young children to be given the opportunity to experience this polarity and role-modeling, it is not mandatory. Infants and young children, regardless of sex, will often be seated with their mothers or fathers. As the children grow, they should be encouraged to sit on the appropriate side.
Persons of all races, colors, nationalities and religions are welcome in Gurdwara, as long as they abide by the codes of conduct and observances of the Gurdwara. All are equal in the Guru’s Court, and no special provisions are to be made on the basis of social status, etc. Beds, chairs and pillows are not to be brought into Gurdwara, unless they are genuinely needed due to physical handicap or illness.
Sheepskins and other items for sitting on are not appropriate in the Court of the Guru and should never be used in the Gurdwara when the Guru is in Prakaash. The only exception to this is if the Gurdwara is set up outside (e.g. at Solstices) when everyone brings their own item to sit on.
It is not appropriate to eat or drink in Gurdwara, except for Prashad which has been blessed and offered in the Guru’s Name. Mothers should be discouraged from giving their babies bottles of milk, etc. They may use a place just outside of the Gurdwara itself to feed their babies.
It is considered disrespectful to point one’s feet towards the Guru; one reason given for this is that energy flows out from the soles of the feet, whereas we are in Gurdwara to receive energy. Children should be gently cautioned and educated on this point. When children tire out, they may lie down and nap, be sure that they are positioned appropriately.
The focus of Gurdwara is, of course, the Guru. Activities such as talking, gossiping, planning, telling jokes, etc., are discouraged most vigorously in the Rehit Namas. One should keep such talk to an absolute minimum, allowing one’s own mind, and those of others, to experience the Guru’s Presence and Shabad. Reading of Gurbani, such as Nit Nems, Shabad books, etc., is permitted; other reading materials should not be read in Gurdwara.
DISRUPTIONS: The Sadh Sangat is a shared meditation—any activity which disturbs the meditation of others is to be avoided. Extraneous talk or arguments, breath of fire or loud pranayamas, unusual Yogic postures or kriyas, for example, are not appropriate for the shared meditation of Gurdwara. Clapping is not appropriate. If someone is acting in a disrespectful or disruptive manner, it is appropriate for any other Sikh to instruct him or her on appropriate behavior, and ask that person to correct such behavior immediately. Failing this, the person should be asked politely to leave, so that the discussion can be continued outside the Gurdwara. If the disruptive or disrespectful behavior continues, and the person refuses to leave, it is appropriate for several sevadars to remove the person as quickly and quietly as possible. As much as possible, avoid making a scene within the Gurdwara.
LEAVING GURDWARA: Excessive coming and going is distracting to others, and should be avoided. Do not leave, enter, or talk during the Hukam or the Ardas. At these times, enter and bow in your place. Wait to present yourself and your offering until after the Ardas and Hukam are completed. If you must leave, bow to the Guru where you are sitting, and leave quietly. When you return, sit at your place and bow.
