Ans. Sikh religion does not recognize any ritualistic procedures. The details of mantras (formulas) for various rituals together with their performing procedures are given in a part of Rig Veda known as ‘Atre Brahmin’. These are supposed to be used to defeat the enemy or to acquire occult powers. The votaries of ritualistic procedures believe […]
Q. 66. Does ritualism have any place in Sikhism? Read More »
Ans. Guru Nanak has given three main rules in regards to eating and wearing. Do not eat or wear what would result in: 1. Turning your joy into regret, just as it happens after the use of intoxicants and excessive rich food in lavish parties. 2. Making your body feel compressed, as when one wears
Ans. The fifth Nanak, Guru Arjan Dev said: ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਕੈ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਜਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਤੀਤੈ ਸੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ॥ (SGGS, P. 373) “Nanak tells whatever happens at the portal of God”. One can easily infer and, consequently, firmly believe that the founding Gurus of Sikhism have not borrowed any thing, in terms of philosophy, from anywhere
Q.64. How is Sikhism an independent, sovereign religion? Read More »
ਸੂਹੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਭਜਿਓ ਪੁਰਖੋਤਮੁ ਸਭਿ ਬਿਨਸੇ ਦਾਲਦ ਦਲਘਾ ॥ ਭਉ ਜਨਮ ਮਰਣਾ ਮੇਟਿਓ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਹਰਿ ਅਸਥਿਰੁ ਸੇਵਿ ਸੁਖਿ ਸਮਘਾ ॥੧॥ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਭਜੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਅਤਿ ਪਿਰਘਾ ॥ ਮੈ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਅਰਪਿ ਧਰਿਓ ਗੁਰ ਆਗੈ ਸਿਰੁ ਵੇਚਿ ਲੀਓ ਮੁਲਿ ਮਹਘਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਨਰਪਤਿ ਰਾਜੇ ਰੰਗ ਰਸ ਮਾਣਹਿ ਬਿਨੁ […]
Ans.NIRMALAS: Guru Gobind Singh himself started the Nirmala sect. For educational and intellectual leadership he selected some knowledgeable Sikhs and sent them to Kashi (Benaras) for higher education in Sanskrit. When they returned after successful completion of their education they were then given the title of “Nirmal Panth”. It is clear that the tenth Master
Ans. A Sikh is both a saint as well as a soldier. A soldier stands daily in line and takes the order for the day from his/her commanding officer. Similarly, a Sikh joins, everyday, the holy cong’ egation (Sangat) and takes commandment (Hukam) from the true emperor, Guru Granth Sahib. He/she then bows and takes
Q. 62. How is the “Vaak” (picking of a random hymn) to be taken from Guru Granth Sahib? Read More »
Ans. According to “Prachin Panth Prakash” the practice of serving “Karhah Prasaad, at the conclusion of congregational prayers was started by Guru Nanak who seems to have invented its recipe also. Guru Arjan Dev once said that on returning after the cremation of a person, the relatives and friends should gather in the Gurdwara where
Ans. In old days beating of a Nagaara symbolized the sovereignty of a ruler. At the time of assuming the governorship of Kaabul, prince Muazzim (later on emperor Bahadur Shah) ordered the beating of Nagaara. When his father, emperor Aurangzeb heard this news, he wrote to Muazzim, “When Allah bestows upon you the crown of
Q.60. Why is it necessary to beat a “Nagaara” (the big war drum)? Read More »
Ans. A triangular saffron coloured, piece of silk or cotton with printed or patched Khalsa symbols in the middle, is called ‘Nishaan Sahib’. If the Nishaan Sahib’ is to be installed for the first time (e.g., at a Gurdwara), then the prepared cloth flag should be brought from a historic Gurdwara. This symbolizes the everlasting
Q. 59. How did the Sikh “Nishaan Sahib” (flag) evolve? Read More »
Ans. The meaning of the term ‘chauki’ is a ‘guard of sentries’. When in the presence of the Guru any task is performed, keeping oneself alert, cautious and careful, it is known as “chauki bharna” Performing of chauki). Guru Arjan Dev in one of his hymns, in Raag Sorath, has clearly illustrated the meaning of
Q. 58. What do we understand by the term “chaukian”? Read More »
