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Summary of Question:	Relevance Of Kakkars
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Friday, 11/19/2004 11:16 AM MST

GURU NANAK DEVJI was against any religious symbols when HE was asked to put Janeu. HE also advised jogis against MUNDRAS etc. GURU GOBIND SINGH JI gave five symbols in the shape of 5 KAKKARS. It seems a paradox. Please help.

Bani of Bhats is in the shape of Ustat of FIVE GURUS starting from GURU NANAK DEV JI. AsI understand Bhats were like raj kavis. It also seems paradoxical as to why GURU ARJAN DEV JI included the Bani of Bhats. In one of the swayas GURU ARJAN DEV JI is referred to PRATAKH HAR ( GOD HIMSELF), where as GURU GOBIND SINGH JI directed sikhs not to call him "PARMESAR" in HIS bani. Who added the banis of Bhats if not fifth GURU ?

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10th Guru Gobind Singh gave us 5 Ks to remind us of 5 things: strength, cleanliness, chastity, divine protection, and form. 10th Guru never said these things would liberate us or turn us into some kind of Brahmin with a janeu, which is believed to be a sacred thread. Nanak decried the practice, common in India then (and perhaps now) of empty rituals and symbols that were believed to mean one is spiritual or holy or liberated. 10th Guru is not diverting from this teaching. 10th Guru was very clear in one of his poems that the true Khalsa is one who has consciously opened his/her heart and allowed the Divine Light of God to shine through it. But as symbols, the 5 Ks are for US as Sikhs, not for everyone else as some kind of status.

5th Guru put out a call to area poets and BHAGATS (not bhats) to write poetry in keeping with his teachings and those of the Gurus before him. Many answered the call. He included their poetry as he thought in keeping with the Gurbani already composed by himself and those before him. About 8 or so additional authors were included besides the first 5 Gurus, Nam Dev, Kabeer, Ravidass, and Shayk Fareed. Guru's intention here was in part to show that these teachings and understandings are not limited to Gurus!

Be careful of translations! Gurus told all their followers that God is in all and we are all part of God. BUT neither the 10 Gurus nor you and I are the One, Original Creator of the Creation. Many people confuse the idea of us (everyone, not just Sikhs) as being Divine with the idea that we think we are God Him/HerSelf. There is a difference. 10th Guru was very clear about not being raised above those who followed him and who he made as Khalsa. It is why he asked the first 5 Piaray to baptize him, too.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK