Ans. A decision arrived at with an ethical base (according to Sikh Teachings) is called a “Gurmata”.Historically, before starting a religious or a social project its proposal used to be presented to the congregation for opinion.
After discussion an opinion poll was taken. If the decision to adopt this ‘Mata’, or proposal, was unanimous then it was called a “Gurmata”. Now the procedure to pass a Gurmata has been included in the Sikh code of conduct (Rehit Maryada).
Any decision taken using personal discretion cannot be called a Gurmata. The prescribed procedure for passing a Gurmata is as follows:
A Gurmata is to be passed only on those issues, which concern the basic questions of Sikhism and their confirmation. For example, the status of Guru or Guru Granth Sahib, the sanctity and permanency of the anthology of Guru Granth Sahib, questions regarding Amrit and the Khalsa Code and the structure and maintenance of integrity of the Panth. For any other matter regarding educational, religious, social or political issue, only a ‘Mata’ can be passed. Only a chosen representative group of the Guru Panth has the authority to pass a ‘Gurmata’:
Malcolm has described the procedure adopted by earlier Sikhs for passing a ‘Gurmata’. In his book, “Sikhs’ Sketch”:”When Sikh Sardars gather, they forsake any mutual animosities. Grievances, gripes and personal feelings are forgotten for the sake of well being of the Panth. When they sit together, they have only one object in their minds, which is the progress of Dharma and victory of the Panth”.
“All sit in front of Guru Granth Sahib and utter aloud, pudding (Karhah Prasaad) is brought in and all of them stand up for supplication. After this a randomly picked hymn (Vaak) is read from Guru Granth Sahib. All of them then partake of Karhah “Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh”. The sacramental Prasaad, in token of their general and complete accord in the cause for which they have gathered. At this moment the head Akaali of the Akaal Takhat explains the Gurmata for which they have gathered. He then urges everyone to take a vow before Guru Granth Sahib that they do not harbour grudge or feud with anyone and that all of them are together – that their sole objective is the sanctity of religion and patriotism and for that they have forsaken any personal discards. Then they are made aware of the dangers to the Panth and suggestions are made how to cope with them. Various proposals are put forth to face these dangers and successfully tackle them. Leaders are then selected who would not hesitate to sacrifice themselves while leading the Panth in facing these dangers. A supplication is then said at the end of which the Panthik slogan is loudly pronounced and then everyone departs”.
Major Brown has also described the procedure for passing a Gurmata. He differs from Malcolm only in the procedure adopted for the selection of five ‘Piaaras’ (representatives). According to him, “first the name of one ‘Piaara’ is proposed at Akal Takhat. The second name is then proposed with the consent of the first (chosen) Piaara. The third name is then proposed with the consent of these two. This procedure is continued until the fifth name is proposed and selected unanimously. Then all five selected Sikhs (Piaaras) sit in front of Guru Granth Sahib and proceed to pass the Gurmata”