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 […]
Q. 78. What is “Gurmata” and how is it passed? Read More »
Ans. The literal meaning of the word “Tankhaahiaa” is a salaried person. Any one who works on a salary (or wages) is not independent. He is subordinate to someone. Thus, a Sikh is Tankhaahiaa who is subordinate to a desire, e.g., greed, ego etc., is influenced by rituals, or gives in to social pressures and
Q. 77. Who is called a “Tankhaahiaa” in Sikhism? Read More »
Ans.MEENAS:Literally it means a cunning person – one who does not disclose his/her malicious thoughts. Bhai Gurdas used the word ‘Meena’ for Baba Prithi Chand, the eldest son of Guru Ram Das: “The true Guru is the true emperor; the faces of Meenas are blackened”. RAM RAAEE-AS:The descendents and the followers of Baba Ram Rae,
Ans. During the, time of Guru Arjan Dev the directive to read and/or listen to the Adi Granth, on occasions of joy or sorrow, had been issued. Earliest performance of Akhand Paaths seems to have been carried out by the sixth Master, Guru Har Gobind, on the occasions of passing away of his wife, Mata
Ans. It is a directive of the Guru for every Sikh to recite the ‘Sohila’ at the time of going to bed. Also according to Guru’s commandment the ‘Sohila’ should be recited and a supplication said at the time of cremation of the dead body. From this parallelism one could understand that death is a
Ans. The very first recommendation regarding marriage, given in the book “Prem Sumaarag”, is that to marry ones child one should pick a family that believes in honest work and teachings of Sikhism. One should not look for a wealthy family to develop relationship. In “Mukat Naama” it is further recommended that one should marry
Q. 73. Describe the marriage ceremony (Anand Kaaraj) among Sikhs. Read More »
Ans. On the birth of a baby, if honey is available in the house that is fine otherwise some crystal or lump sugar should be dissolved in water, the Mool Mantra (the creedal formula) should be recited over it and using the tip of a sword a couple of drops put in baby’s mouth. The
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. 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. Gurdwara is one of the most important institutions of Sikhs. During his travels (udaasis), wherever Guru Nanak went and established his congregation, he founded a “Dharamsaal”. Over time Dharamsaal evolved into what is now known as Gurdwara. The meaning of the term ‘Gurdwara’ is, through Guru or Guru’s door, e.g., ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ
Q.54. What do we understand by the term ‘Gurdwara’? Read More »
