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View Next PageThe Effect of the Rehit Maryada in Developing the Character of the Community & the Individual Sikh
The Rehit Maryada reaches far into the personal life and psychology of the individual Sikh. It also exerts a powerful impact upon the character of the community as a whole. Historically, the individual was lifted out of a state of superstition, ignorance and fear, out of the adherence to empty rituals, out of a restrictive caste system from which there was no escape or elevation, and out of a society which was succumbing to the forces of tyranny and oppression. The individual Sikh was uplifted to a shared equal status, sharing a reverence for One God, the Supreme Creator of all the creation, and an awareness of kinship with every other living creature. S/he was given a right and a means to relate to God in an individual, personal relationship. S/he was given a way to experience God through righteous conduct in the world. S/he was given a way to become aware of God within her or himself and in all of Creation. And finally, s/he was given the means by which s/he could effect change in society and help the downtrodden humanity to lift itself up and fight against oppression and religious persecution.
The following points illustrate the tradition which affected the various aspects of character of the individual and of the community of Sikhs:
- Rejection of the traditional Hindu or Muslim ritualism and superstition brought the individual into a direct and personal relationship with God.
- Rejection of the concept of caste gave the individual equality, self-respect and dignity. The Khalsa symbols reinforced the new identity and strengthened the commitment to fulfill the identifying qualifications.
- Freedom from tyranny and oppression through use of martial arts and self-defense brought the means for the individual and the community to work towards changing society.
- Total acceptance and respect for other forms of worship, the responsibility to defend the freedom of others to practice their religious beliefs, expanded the awareness and understanding of the individual, and united the community in a common responsibility.
- The misguided practice of self-mortification to attain spiritual rewards was replaced by positive attitudes towards the body and emphasis on physical fitness.
- By breaking superstitions against travel, Sikhs became affluent, adventurous, fearless and free of prejudice. They also became skilled horsemen providing a strong base upon which to build the Guru’s Army.
- With the emphasis upon seva (selfless service) and sacrifice, the Sikh community was comprised of industrious, hard-working individuals, who were able to construct and maintain free kitchens, buildings to be used for Gurdwaras, tanks, wells and other institutions for the needy.
- The distinct physical appearance of the Sikhs led them to be responsible to represent their Guru and the Dharma, and built a strength of character in testing the individual to stand against the norm and the fashion.
- The practice of "sangat" (gathering of the Holy) and "pangat" (the sharing of food in the company of the Holy) and the necessity of living together to practice the spiritual discipline (Sadhana) and to reinforce one another, led to a unity and cohesiveness of the community. This practice of living in a group consciousness is another step on the path to universal consciousness.
- Along with this strong community and family consciousness, the individual was developed as an aggressive, fearless and adventurous being, with total reliance upon God and Guru. This strong individuality was further reinforced and strengthened by the support of family and community.
