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Summary of Question:	Am I A Sikh?
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 4/08/2002 8:15 AM MDT

Sat Sri Akal,

Firstly I am of the Chamaar caste, I try my upmost best to fulfill the sikh laws, I play an active role in the Guru Ravidass Bhawan Gurdwara through playing tabla, Harmonium and other basic sewa. I do paath and recognise alot of Nitnem by heart. I am always listening to shabad. I go to the Singh Sabha, but yet my cousins and some family members see themselves to be Hindu's even though they don't go to Mandir. I am a Munna (Hair-cut) but am I still a Singh? even though I don't have it in my name. I am a peaceful person who always has god (Akal Purukh) in my heart and remember him always. I want to become an Amritdhari later when I can fulfill all the laws.
So from what you have heard about me can you please tell me what I am?

I pray Waheguru recognises the work you do for the Sikh Panth. You people help those less knowledged very much in our problems and spread the true meaning of Naam, as it states in Ardas (Sikhan nu Sikhi dan, Kes dan, Rahit dan, Bibek dan Visah dan Bharosa dan, danan sir dan Naam dan).

Thank you so much,
Rub Rakha, Waheguru Fateh

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Sat Siri Akal, Rub Rakha.

There are two types of definitions: cultural definitions (which group of people you belong to) and spiritual definitions (indicating your relationship with the Divine.) Cultural definitions are always suspect because they never truly encompass the Oneness of creation. Spiritual definitions serve us best because it helps us understand who we are in relation to the One who loves us and is waiting for us when we go home.

A Sikh, quite simply, is a Seeker of Truth. If you seek truth, you are a Sikh-in the spiritual sense. It is not an identity that someone else can give you. It is an identity that you must give to yourself.

Now-are you a Singh? Are you a Khalsa? Singh and Khalsa require a commitment to living a spiritual discipline. Seeking truth is the first step. Making the choice to live a discipline for the rest of your life in another step. So-if you have not made a commitment to live by the discipline given by Guru Gobind Singh (which means keeping uncut hair and giving up distinctions of caste), then - you are a potential Singh, but not a manifested Singh. You have the seed of it in you. But that seed has not yet sprouted. So-keep searching for truth, and know, that when God is ready for you to take the step, you will feel clear about your commitment and then that seed will sprout. That you are already with the Shabd Guru and have a love for it shows that you are walking the path you need to walk. Just keep doing what you are doing and let it unfold naturally.

Page 567 from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib:

Wadahans, Third Mehl, Chhant:

One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

Let yourself be imbued with the Love of your Husband Lord, O beautiful, mortal bride.
Let yourself remain merged in the True Word of the Shabad, O mortal bride; savor and enjoy the Love of your Beloved Husband Lord.
The Husband Lord embellishes His beloved bride with His True Love; she is in love with the Lord, Har, Har.
Renouncing her self-centeredness, she attains her Husband Lord, and remains merged in the Word of the Guru's Shabad.
That soul bride is adorned, who is attracted by His Love, and who treasures the Love of her Beloved within her heart.
O Nanak, the Lord blends that soul bride with Himself; the True King adorns her. ||1||