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 that a particular mantra, chanted at an exact moment, does have its effect.Sikhs believe only in God’s Grace. Guru Arjan Dev, in a hymn in Basant Raag, enjoins that requesting God for His Grace is above and beyond all rituals and mantras:
ਸਗਲ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਊਤਮ ਧਰਮ॥
ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤੂਤਿ ਕੈ ਊਪਰਿ ਕਰਮ ॥
(SGGS, P. 1182)
“Of all religions the most sublime is the religion of God; It is above and beyond all rituals and occult practices”.
In the rather lengthy hymn of ‘Baarah Maah’ (the twelve months) the fifth Master gives another very meaningful example:
ਕਿਰਤਿ ਕਰਮ ਕੇ ਵੀਛੁੜੇ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੇਲਹੁ ਰਾਮ॥
(SGGS, P. 133)
“Through the practice of rituals separation (from God) resulted. It is only through His Grace that one could meet Him”.
Because the ritualistic procedures involve accounting (repeating a mantra so many times at such and such time and such and such place) and mental jugglery (make and break), they will lead to separation. Karam (ritualistic chores) are actually ties (with Maaya).Guru Nanak has said in Siri Raag:
ਕੇਤੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਜੀਅ ਕੇ
(SGGS, P. 62)
“The mind is tied up with many ties”.
The second Master, Guru Angad Dev has exhorted the Sikhs to work in order to become worthy of God’s Grace, “Meditation on Lord’s Name is the real task”.
Those who believe in God’s Name do not recognize the power of any ritualistic chores or mantras.