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Summary of Question:	Is It Wrong To Gamble
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Saturday, 12/30/2000 9:18 AM MST

Hi, im 16 years old, i am a proper sikh i am not amrit.. yet. I was wondering if it is wrong to gamble, like betting on a game of 8 ball pool, or pro-line, or betting on sports with friends. I dont mean under aged gambling i mean is it wrong in the sikh religion. I would also like to know if smoking marijuana is wrong (in the sikh religion).

thanks a lot.

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Reply
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Greetings to you in the Name of God the light of every soul and in the Name of Guru the life od every Sikh.

Dear baby boy,we are given this way of life of the "householder" to live a pure life amongst the impurities of the surroundings. The fact that you have not yet taken Amrit, does not give you permission to mess yourself up.

We are given this path as a gift to exercise self control and to keep your desires in check so you can find true and lasting happiness and contentment. You cannot find happiness from the temporary pleasure of gambling and winning (if you in fact do win) and from the escape of consuming marijiana (which is both illegal and detrimental to your mind and your health).

You know that as Sikhs we do not allow gambling or the use of drinking, smoking or taking intoxicants. Marijuana is an intoxicant.

Better to spend your time becoming intoxicated with the power and beauty of reciting the Guru's Bani and finding the greatest enjoyment in this life which God has given you as your destiny.