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Summary of Question:	Re: What Should I Do Everyday
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 4/02/2002 3:47 PM MDT

Waheguru Je Kha Khalsa, Waheguru Je Ke Fateh:

I wanted to congratulate the 16 year old who is on the verge of becoming part of the brotherhood of the Khalsa. I also wanted to offer him some practical advice that helped me before I took Amrit and something that many current Gursikhs can relate probably relate to (at least those who have been brought up in the West).

While it is awesome that you want to take Amrit you should keep in mind that by doing so, its not going to just wash away the feelings you are having. Amrit is a beginning point for a Sikh, not an end. The feelings that you are having towards people of the opposite sex are only natural....but its important that you learn to control those feelings as Guru Sahib warns us of the dangers of lust...when you formally become one of his children, it is even more important. The duty of a Khalsa Sikh is one that should not be taken lightly. You should continue to do your paat but also focus on the meaning. For me, that really helped. Otherwise, you're just saying a whole bunch of words that you don't understand and you won't gain anything from it, not to mention the fact that your lustful feelings will remain uncontrolled. If you don't have the time during the normal course of the week to dwelve into the meaning, don't worry....there is always the weekend. :0)

Once you take Amrit however, you will be expected to the observe the code of conduct that all Gursikhs must adhere too which includes doing your Panj Bania (Japji, Jaap, Tav Parsad Savaiya, Chaupai, Anand Sahib (ALL). I think the reply given that it was misleading to state "When it comes with youths doing paath and especially youths that go to school it is often said to simply do Japji Sahib in the Morning, Rehras Sahib in the evening and Kirtan Sohila before you go to bed because some youths dont have enough time to complete the 5 bania."

If you at 16 can't make the daily commitment to do the required paat, then you shouldn't take Amrit. Its not a choice what paat to do AFTER you take Amrit just as it goes with all the other requirements. This is a serious commitment and I'd encourage to practice the Gursikh lifestyle for a few months so that way when you do take Amrit, it won't be a total shock to your system. Sikhism is not a religion whose teachings and requirements are ones that we can pick and choose to follow, especially after one takes Amrit. If you need more info, motivation, etc. check out the website for the British Organization of Sikh Students at http://www.boss-uk.org. I'd especially encourage you to visit the articles section where you can find answers to a lot of your questions (this applies to everyone else out there as well).

Just my two cents from a guy who has been in your shoes. Hope it helps.

Waheguru Je Kha Khalsa, Waheguru je Ke Fateh