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Summary of Question:	Clothes
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Saturday, 3/27/2004 8:39 PM MDT

waha guru je kha kalsa

waha guru ji kha fateh,
I always wonder if it is from our religion not to show our body(short skirts, tube tops etc..)My parents are very strict about thses tpyes of thing. Even when its a show at school and the whole group is wearing skirts but my parents refuse to that. My question is showing your body in clothing wise .. is that against our reliogion? or is it jut having respect for your body that you would have to cover it?
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Perhaps some people would say it is a part of our religion. I feel it is more a reflection of our Sikh teachings. Its not just a dogma or a "should," there is a purpose and message in how we present ourselves, of which clothes are a big part. In Sikhism, we believe that the body houses the soul. We respect our body as a temple. Our clothes adorn our body/temple. If we wear graceful clothes, they bring grace to our body and thus our soul. Clothes are a part of our identity. You must examine and know your identity from the inside. Clothes are an external expression of the internal. You have to decide what that internal identity is and how you want to express it to the world. What message do you want to give? If you wear short skirts and tank tops, what message will you give? Is that a reflection of your internal identity...or just wanting to keep up with fashion? You will be treated according to the message you give...in other words, it comes back to you. It's a form of karma. Everything we do has a consequense. Your job is to reflect on who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world. It's hard to go against fashion. Recently my husband and I went to Fiji. The female tourists were mostly dressed in bikinis, with everything hanging out all over the place. The body lost all dignity and grace. Conversely, the Fijian people were dressed very gracefully. Their manner and behavior reflected grace. It's your choice. Have the courage to be yourself and present yourself in grace. Blessings. GTKK