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Summary of Question:	Our Gurudwara Has Chairs--What To Do?
Category:	Gurdwara
Date Posted:	Sunday, 7/07/2002 2:16 AM MDT

Hello

I have question to ask. In New Zealand we go to the Gurudwara there is Chairs. My Father wants the Chairs to go. But the people keep bring chairs to the Gurudwara. This is very sad. I want to ask that will the Chairs in every Gurudwara go, will they stay there for ever? Why can't god stop the people bring chairs to the Gurudwara. You understand what I am trying to say.

Thank you, for answering my question??

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal Ji.
Gurdwaras are not supposed to have chairs, although occassionally a devotee needs a chair because of some kind of physical disability that prevents him/her from sitting on the floor or getting up from the floor. This is different than EVERYONE sitting a chair because it is convenient.

Since Guru Arjun first installed the Adi Granth (now known as Siri Guru Granth), no one ever sat higher than the Granth. In Guru's time this meant sitting on the floor or ground, with the Granth on a cot (now called Palki Sahib) so it is higher than those sitting.

It is up to people like you to stand up and courageously ask the so-called leaders of your gurdwara why chairs are in Gurdwara and why Gurdwara does not observe this Sikh practice. I am not suggesting you start a new gurdwara. I am suggesting that you and others who agree with you stand together and find a way to raise the conciousness of the sangat around this issue so that it is resolved mutually, not as the result of a power struggle.

I hope you understand what I am saying. Instead of mourning or complaining, take action! Guru ang sang,
-DKK