Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	Strict Ritualism Regarding 5 Ks
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Sunday, 7/14/2002 3:41 PM MDT

Guru Fateh

i don't know where, but i read somewhere that an amritdhari sikh has to wear the 5 Ks 24/7...things like : "an amritdhari, after taking a bath, and while changing kachera should put his/her leg in the other kachera before taking off the previously worn one"...don't u think this is too strict of a ritual???..also, does a khalsa have to sleep with their kirpan on??? coz as far as i know they can keep it closeby, and are allowed to sleep with open hair or tied knot...plzz help...thanks!

Guru Fateh

(REPLY) the 5 K's were given as symbols, and reminders of our commitments as "Khalsa". Also, remember that at the time of the original Amrit ceremony, the people had to be constantly ready to mount their horses and engage in battles! That is not the case today. You are right when you say that it has become an extreme ritual. I do not believe that extremism is necessary nor required to maintain one's vows. Hair does not have to be in a turban at night in your own home. Your kirpan does not have to be on your person 24 hours a day in the privacy of your own home. Certainly not in the shower. (If you fly on an airiplane these days, you will not be allowed to even carry it in your carry on luggage! Or even wear a small steel one around your neck as some people do otherwise. But you can always carry a picture in your wallet. Two things are unfortunate in any religion, and that is either to be lazy or to be fanatic. If you look up in "Victory and Virtue" Ceremonies and Conduct of Sikh Dharma (on the Sikhnet Website) you will find Instruction to New Amritdhari Sikhs on page 74 which simply says to "Keep the Five Kakar's" Certain things in our noble path will never change, and should never change. We will always have our Shabd Guru, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib intact, as it is. But now we have English translations of Guru's words! Similarly, we still have our 5 K's -- but we want to keep them consciously and with respect, but not with fanaticism. I hope this helps. Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh! SP