Ans. Rehit, as described in the previous section (32), is to lead ones life according to the Guru’s prescribed code of conduct. To ignore or violate any of its tenets is Kuraihit.
In addition, there are some specific taboos that may be called major Kuraihits.
There are four Kuraihits or taboos and five Rehits.KURAIHITS (TABOOS):
1. Violating the sanctity of hair.
2. Eating meat prepared by slow killing of an animal.
3. Infidelity to ones spouse.
4. Usage of tobacco.In case any one of these (Kuraihits) has been committed, one will have to undergo the Amrit (baptismal) ceremony again.
Committing inadvertently any one of these acts does not carry a punishment, but to go through the Amrit ceremony is a must.
REHITS:
1. To maintain the sanctity of hair or ‘kesh’
2. To keep a kirpan or ceremonial sword (no specification on length).
3. To keep a kangha (comb).
4. To wear a kachhehra (knee-high breeches), made of any fabric.
5. To wear a karha (steel bracelet).
In his hukam naama’, sent to the congregation of Kabul on May 25, 1699 (almost two months after the birth of Khalsa on the Baisakhi day that year), Guru Gobind Singh enjoined,
“Take the Amrit of Khanda (the double-edged sword) from five (baptized) Amritdhaari Sikhs.
Keep your hair uncut; it is my stamp.
Do not put aside Kirpan (sword) and Kachhehra (breeches).
Always wear steel bracelet on your arm. Comb your hair twice a day (with a Kangha).
Do not eat ‘kutha’ (meat prepared by slow-killing of an animal, as Muslims do).
Never use tobacco.
Do not indulge in sex with any one other than your spouse.
Do not have relations with those who commit infanticide of their daughters.
Have no dealings with sacrilegious sects like Meenas, Masands, Ram Raias, Dheer Maleeaas etc.
Read Granth Sahib, recite Waheguru and abide by the directions of the Guru.
These commandments were framed to give the Sikhs a complete personality (of saint soldier) and give the Panth a distinct entity.
Hair is considered to be the ultimate essence of beauty and spirituality. Research carried out at California’s university at San Jose concludes that a person who keeps the sanctity of hair is generous, mature, handsome, masculine, courageous, self-confident, liberal, non-conformist and industrious.
Eating of ‘kutha’ flesh was described by Guru Nanak, in Aasa-di-Vaar, as a sign of slavery (to the Muslim rulers)
ਅਭਾਖਿਆ ਕਾ ਕੁਠਾ ਬਕਰਾ ਖਾਣਾ॥
(SGGS, P. 472)
By enjoining the Sikh congregation not to eat this type of flesh, Guru Gobind Singh got us freedom from this slavery.
In Amar Naama, the tenth Master explicitly commands not to kill an animal by slow or gradual bleeding process.
The third commandment of fidelity to ones spouse was to elevate the ethical level of the Panth. It was commonly said that everything was fair in war. However, Guru Gobind Singh made the Sikh a model of high moral character. In case a woman was captured in a battle, she was to be treated with the same respect that one would give to ones mother or sister.
The use of tobacco was strictly prohibited because it attacks both the body as well as the soul.
The world health organization has declared it a ‘Hydra Headed Monster’ whose head must be crushed. Gandhi (Mohan Das, K.) declared it as the most unclean, unhygienic, socially as well as morally indefensible substance.
Recent studies are indicating that nicotine in cigarette smoke may cause a deficiency in a person’s ability to learn and remember. It is the enemy of tolerance. Continued smoking may cause subtle changes in the neurological functions that may play part in the reduction of ones capacity to tolerate.
Thus, the hair symbolizes devotion, self-sacrifice and benevolence.
Hair is the visible symbol of a Sikh’s commitment to life.
Kangha signifies orderliness and cleanliness.
Kirpan symbolizes power with honour.
Karha signifies resolve with a purpose.
Kachhehra symbolizes decency, morality and purity.