Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	Ok To Recycle Bani Paper?
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Thursday, 10/31/2002 3:21 PM MDT

people say that we are not meant to throw away bani or the gurus photos. why is it that they must be burned and is it OK to recycle the paper instead of burning it. i think recycling would be better as it is more environmentally friendly, what is right?

***********
REPLY
*********
Sat Siri Akaal. It is not what 'people' say. Proper care and disposition of gurbani paper is about showing respect for Guru. Sikhs are cremated (burned) after their bodies die, they are not buried or 'recycled' in today's use of that word. Torn or damaged paper on which gurbani is written should be burned, not recycled, because the thinking is the same. This is how damaged Nit Nayms and Siri Guru Granth Sahibs should be disposed of. If the paper in question is a single sheet with a shabd on it, for example, and if you are really NOT in a position to safely burn it, then recycle it (provided it is the kind of paper that recycles).
-DKK