Sikh Q&A

Q. 68. Why (has Sikhism) so strongly condemned the Brahminical way of life?

Ans. The responsibility of introducing all the complications, hypocrisies, frauds, meaningless rituals and customs in (Hindu) religion falls solely on Brahmins. The great Gurus came to relieve us from the load of meaningless rituals prescribed by Atharv Veda’, to snap our bonds of slavery to these, self serving frauds (Brahmins), and making us free. That […]

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Q.67. What is the place of miracles in Sikh religion?

Ans. Guru Nanak has strongly condemned the working of miracles. According to him to show (work) a miracle is a curse. The third Master, Guru Amar Das, has called it attachment (to Maaya): ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਸਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਹੈ “The pursuit of occult powers is attachment to Maaya”. When the Sidhas (yogis) asked Guru Nanak to

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Q. 66. Does ritualism have any place in Sikhism?

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

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Q.65. What do the Sikh tenets say regarding food (what to eat) and attire (what to wear)?

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

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Q.64. How is Sikhism an independent, sovereign religion?

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

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Q. 63. What do you know about Nirmalas, Udaasis, Sehjdhaaris, Nanak Panthis, Seva Panthis and Nihangs (Buddha Dal as well Taruna Dal)?

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

Q. 63. What do you know about Nirmalas, Udaasis, Sehjdhaaris, Nanak Panthis, Seva Panthis and Nihangs (Buddha Dal as well Taruna Dal)? Read More »

Q. 62. How is the “Vaak” (picking of a random hymn) to be taken from Guru Granth Sahib?

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

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Q.61. What is the procedure of preparing and distribution of ‘Karhah Prasaad’ (sacramental sweet pudding)?

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

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Q.60. Why is it necessary to beat a “Nagaara” (the big war drum)?

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

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Q. 59. How did the Sikh “Nishaan Sahib” (flag) evolve?

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

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