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Summary of Question:	Re: Non-Sikh Wearing A Kara
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 9/03/2001 12:21 PM MDT

Dear DKK

someone wrote: "Although I am not a Sikh, there are many tenets of the faith to which I subscribe. I would like to wear a kara,"

I do not mean to be judgemental but if this person is not a sikh then why would they want to wear a kara??? Agreeing with many tenets is not exactly the same.

If someone agrees with many of the tenets of say Buddhism it does not make them a Buddhist does it? Non-Christians don't wear crucifixes do they?

I'm sorry but it just does not make sense a non-sikh wearing a kara, although i know it happens.

Kindly correct me if I am wrong.
Gurmukh

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal Gurmukh Ji

Indeed, wearing a kara does not a Sikh make. Just as wearing a crucifix does not a Christian make, but indeed, I see that happen often. This is not something that is in the eye of the beholder. Rather, it is in the mind of the wearer what they think and why. It is between the wearer or the almost-believer and God as they perceive Him.

I cannot answer why people want to wear a kara. I can suggest that I have seen that for some, it is what the kara symbolizes (marriage to God and Guru only). Or that they relate to certain aspects of Sikhi, but not the whole package. I can also offer that for some, wearing the kara is actually the first step to a long process of becoming Sikh--also something I have seen happen. You and I may not know it or see it happening. It may be a lifetime or lifetimes.

So, it is really something that is between the wearer and God. Hope this helps.

-DKK