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View Next PageElaboration of the Sikh Rehit Maryada in 1699
On Baisakhi, 1699, Guru Gobind Rai tested his Sikhs and set the example for the future generations of Khalsa. Up until this time, the initiation procedure for the Sikhs of the Guru had been the "charan paahul" ceremony; the Guru would stir water with his toes while reciting prayers. The student drank this water with loving devotion. Guru Gobind Rai changed this procedure to the baptism of the double-edged sword, to make his Sikhs fearless and strong.
The Tenth Guru added to the previously established Rehit Maryada a distinctive dress, a set of five symbols (the five kakars known as the five K’s), the requirement to read the five daily prayers (Nit Nem) and the taking of the name Singh (Lion) by men, and Kaur (Princess) by women. He invested the Sangat with the Power of the Guru, and he invested the Power of the Guru in any five Khalsa who gathered together in his Name. Those baptized as Khalsa were to greet one another with the words, "Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh!" (The Pure Ones belong to God; Victory belongs to God!).
The Tenth Guru demonstrated the power of devotion and purity by requesting the Panj Piaaray (the Five Beloved Ones) to baptize him through the same procedure. He himself took on a new name from Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh.
The actions of Guru Gobind Singh on that Baisakhi Day in 1699 solidified the character and the conduct of the Gursikh. The Khalsa was given a specific form, with a standard of dress, specific ceremonies for purification and commitment, and specific devotional requirements. He created a brotherhood, an extended family of all those who are Khalsa. The Khalsa was to recognize Guru Gobind Singh as father, his wife Mata Sahib Kaur as mother, and Anandpur Sahib as their spiritual home, thus eliminating all ties with the past.
Ideally, Khalsa is a highly evolved being, no longer just a Sikh (seeker), but a totally dedicated being, a soldier-saint whose head and heart belong to the Guru, whose actions are purely motivated and who defends righteousness and unity of mankind unto his or her death. Khalsa is a community of people who, living the Teachings of the Guru, rise above all limitations of worldly life, bringing the spirit of the One Creator onto earth through their own actions and example.
The formation of the body of the Khalsa was the formation of a nation of fearless and dedicated humanity who could be the instrument to combat injustice and tyranny, through righteous living and their example of love of God in action.
