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Summary of Question:	About Using Five Symbols
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Saturday, 7/23/2005 5:23 AM MDT

i am many times asked that why the sikhs need to keep kirpaans with them always, it was needed at the times when sikhs had to fight for others' sake. Now there are democracies in the countries and everybody can fight by legal actions? moreover the kirpans are outdated weapons now.why we can not be sikhs without these all k's?

(REPLY) Sat Nam. Symbols remind us of our commitment to walk the path laid out by Guru Nanak and completed by Guru Gobind Singh. Without our symbols, we forget too easily! Every nation, every religion has its symbols. Whether it's a flag or a cross, or a star, or whatever, symbols are important and necessary because our human minds are so easily distracted and detracted from the values and virtues that are the foundation of a Sikh way of life. For us, as Sikhs, our symbols are especially important as we live in a world once again (or still) divided by religious intolerance and persecution. Our symbols give remind us to always have the courage to stand for righteousness, and live according to the Guru's teachings. Never underestimate the power of symbols. Our bana and the symbols also make a statement to to others that we are committed to our faith. SP