Previous PreviousNext NextAsk a Question Ask a Question

Sikhnet Youth Forum Sikh Youth - Question and Answer Forum

Summary of Question:How To Correctly Matha Tek
Category:Gurdwara
Date Posted:Thursday, 10/03/2002 2:01 PM MDT

Hi,


I was wondering what the proper way to matha tek in front of the Guru is. There is a line on pg 256 of SGGS "dundouth bundhun anik baar surub kulaa sumuruthh " which means "I bow down, and fall to the ground in humble adoration, countless times". However, I am wondering what this "bow down" really means. "dundouth bundhun" means to make yourself like a piece of wood, right? Which means that we should matha tek with our bodies flat/straightened. Does this mean that the "proper" way to matha tek is to do a kind of "push up" in front of the Guru?

Also, after matha tek of the Guru, are we supposed to stand up and slightly bow down to the Sangat? Any help would be appreciated.

)(REPLY) Sat Nam. My understanding of bowing to the Guru is that we are to do so with reverence and humility. Some people prostrate themselves, after standing with hands folded in prayer, and others simply kneel down, placing the forehead on the ground. then after rising up, it is respectful to the Sadh Sangat to acknowledge them with hands folded in prayer. Mainly, you should do what feels right to you. It should not be a ritual, but something done with loving respect and appreciation for the Guru, for when we offer our heads to the Guru, we are then better able to function from our hearts as we go about our daily responsibilities. We can also offer our worries and our problems to the Guru when we bow, and ask for guidance. Blessings, SP

Thanks!



[Previous Main Document]
How To Correctly Matha Tek (10/03/2002)
[Next Main Document]

by Topic | by Category | by Date | Home Page




History - Donation - Privacy - Help - Registration - Home - Search

Copyright © 1995-2004 SikhNet