Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	Historical Perspective On The 5K's
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 7/18/2001 4:09 AM MDT

I came across this site accidentally, and am impressed with the effort being put in to respond to most queries - even though its my personal opinion that a lot of the answers are based on religious righouteness as interpreted by the responder rather than common sense.

Which brings me to my question - our gurus were both generals and saints - there strongest skill amongst a lot of others being "common sense".

And i belive that there must exist common sensical historical ratoinal behind the practice of 5K's (kesh, kada, kirpan, kacha, kangha).

I am sure most of you learned respodents would be aware that the historical rational behind muslims being allowed 4 wives was that they were warrior tribes and the constant wars and ensuing deaths of men, led to a highly unequal men : women ratio in the villages. It was to overcome this ratio and carry on sustenance of the tribe that the 4 wives custom was given birth too...its a different thing that even in today's changed world it has become a religious practice!

Similarily, common sense and my 'very basic' reserach into sikh history dictates the following rational for the 5k's. They all arise out of the fact that the 'sikh' race was created as a 'clan of soldiers' and most of the practices that we continue with today have their roots back in the requirements of a soldier in that time.

* Kadha: a ring of iron, it wld protect the fighting right hand wrist, or the wrist holding the sword from enemy blades
* Kacha: a solider has to be prepared at all times, by wearing this at all times, the gurus ensured that even if taken by surprise the sikh soldiers could react to the attack
* Kesh: sheer convenience rising from the lack of barbers on the warfield
* Kangha: again to ensure that each soldies can take care of his basic needs independently and at all times.
* Kirpan: thinking about a soldier without a fallback or backup weapon is impossible today ..isnt it? our gurus had the foresight for that even then.

I would appreciate if I could get a 'histroically' accurate (instead of a religiously correct) opinion on the same.

Regards

*******
REPLY
*******

Dear Practical,
Thank you for writing. I appreciate very much the historical, practical mind and approach to viewing ideas. I hope you will find the information in this reply duly practical rather than religious or sentimental. When I first learned about the technology of maintaining the 5 Ks, along with the amazing 'practical' benefits gained in doing so, I realized that Guru Gobind Singh was a highly advanced scientist. He described the 5 Ks as gifts to humanity, and whosoever chooses to accept these gifts experiences exceedingly practical benefits. You have described some of the practical benefits of these gifts from an historical perspective. Yet, these gifts had a far more reaching impact for the future as well. I will describe some of the practical benefits of these gifts extending over time, that include the 5 Ks as well as the gifts of bana, bani, simran, and seva.

KARA - Iron or Steel Bracelet: The metal around the wrist affects the ions in the electromagnetic field, aligning them and reducing harmful free radicals known to degenerate cells. Psychologically wearing kara helps fulfill the human longing to belong, the circle signifying and reminding us of our eternal link with our infinity and our divinity.
KESH - Long, Uncut Hair: Three years after the last time the hairs on the head are cut antennae form on the ends of the hairs which cause these conductors to draw in greater amounts of vitamin D from the sun and other more subtle forms of cosmic energy to strengthen the human. Practically speaking when our bodies are not required to devote constant energy to regrowing the hairs we would daily cut from our face, legs, head, and under arms, etc. (depending on gender) we have greater psychic energy reserves and resources at our disposal. Only the experience of not cutting the hairs can give one a full understanding of the psychic power one gains from this discipline. The story of Samson in the Judeo-Christian Bible describes the same phenomena. Then of course, there is the benefit of coiling the hairs on the head in a rishi knot or juurha at the crown. Rishi means sage. The rishi knot is called the seat of power and energy of the sage. When the hair is coiled or tied in a juurha at the top of the head, it focuses the creative energy of the body and spirit on the crown chakra. The channeled energy helps us to focus better mentally, and bring a meditative mind to all we do. By pulling the hairs together in the juurha at the crown, we also decrease the movement of the skull bones. A natural cranial adjustment is derived, which increases mental equilibrium. The effects of the juurha hold equally for men and women, giving balance, strength, and clarity. Again, only by experiencing this powerful discipline can one feel the difference when the hairs are not tied and allowed to fly free - how mentally scattered one feels - until once again the hairs are combed and smoothed upward into a coil at the crown.
KANGA - Wooden Comb: Have you noticed how combing the hair with plastic or metal or almost any other substance causes static electricity to fly from the hair? Combing hair with a wooden comb is calming and so pleasant for the head and hairs A wooded comb is practically beneficial in the way the wood smoothes and preserves hairs from breakage. Wood is simply more healthy for the hair, and there is a psychological benefit gained in the calming effect it has in smoothing the electrical charge around the hair and in the electromagnetic field.
KACHERAS - Special Underwear: Kacheras create a pocket air around the thighs and pelvic area which strengthens the nervous system and helps to balance the internal temperature. The knot tied at the navel maintains a pressure over the diaphragm or solar plexus that improves digestion and improves strength of will.
KIRPAN - Sacred Sword: Keeping the sword sacred holds one of the greatest practical benefits of the times. Guru Gobind Singh taught us that when we have respect and reverence for our weapons, we would never abuse their power. He said "When all peaceful means have failed, it is right and just to raise the sword." Therefore it is incumbent upon a Sikh to be skilled as a diplomat to artfully and gracefully make every effort to resolve a situation peacefully. But when all peaceful means have failed, Sikhs know how to defend themselves against the harmful attacks of others. Sikhs are peace loving and do not wish to harm or kill anyone - or allow others to harm or kill anyone. When we teach our children to respect and revere weapons, to maintain the discipline of keeping the sword sacred, to wear kirpan at our side in reverence, to bless langar and prasad with its power, Guru Gobind Singh also gave the promise that we would be protected from being harmed by others' weapons - a very practical benefit indeed.

I will also share some of the benefits of other gifts of the Tenth Master: Bana, Bani, Seva and Simran

BANA - sacred dress: is the clothing that identifies us. All military personnel, from field officers to the highest command wear bana. It is a ?unified form? and the military has always recognized the power of wearing a uniform. The bana given by Guru Gobind Singh identifies our spiritual and temporal heritage as unified beings ? divinely unique and gracefully powerful. The turban is the self-crowning of the individual who sits on the throne of commitment to higher consciousness. Whether a man or a woman, this projective identity conveys royalty, grace, and uniqueness. Others shall know that this person lives in the image of infinity and is dedicated to serving all.

BANI - recitation of Gurbani or sacred daily prayers: Reciting Bani gives us the capacity to be our best. When we receite Bani aloud it causes the tip of the tongue to touch the meridian points that give us intuition, expand our consciousness and ensure our self care. It is the highest wisdom, it is the Guru?s guidance from God, and it gives the experience of the Grace of God. It is most effective when recited during the twilight of the day ? from 4 to 7 AM. and 4 to 7 PM.

SEVA - selfless service performed without thought or desire for personal reward: Seva gives us friendship with our soul forever, and it gives us the breadth and depth to reach every heart. Seva gives us beauty, grace and bountiful bliss of God.

SIMRAN - a sacred process or catalyst for spiritual growth: It is a process of repeating sacred sounds with each breath and beat of the heart. We purify ourselves by singing spiritual songs in praise of God?s Name, which give us clarity, identity and spiritual power. When we infuse ourselves with sacred sounds through the discipline of Simran, we innocently receive bountiful blessings and the arc line and frontal lobes become bright. Simran gives us spiritual strength beyond measure.