Keeping hair?...Two Sides to an argument: Those for: In Sikhism, the keeping of uncut hair is not a tradition or a ritual, it is considered a Hukum (Order) of God. Perfect God has blessed us with a perfect body, and uncut hair is considered to part of our complete form. The Gurus have also stressed its importance, particularly Guru Gobind Singh who embodied it as part of the Five Ks. It is important to note that one of the other Five Ks is the Kanga (wooden comb) which is to be used to regularly comb the hair and keep it neat and clean. This is very different to the conduct of Sadhus who maintain their hair unkempt inturn forming Jata (dreadlocks). In the Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct) for Sikhs, it is clearly stated that the cutting of hair is a forbidden practice for Sikhs, and that if one does, then he/she is considered an apostate. Guru Gobind Singh Ji has been recorded to have said (by Bhai Nand Lal): This is the directive of Guru, that if the son of a Sikh shaves the head, His posterity will be ruined, and if a shaven one becomes Sikh, his descendants will flourish. Given its importance, one cannot be considered to be following Sikhism without keeping ones hair. Bhai Gurdas Ji states (Vaar 28, Pauri 10): ਗੁਰਸਿਖੀ ਦਾ ਕਰਮੁ ਏਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਫੁਰਮਾਏ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਕਰਣਾ। Acting according the instructions of the Guru is the performance of the Sikh life. Those against: As a practicing Sikh I disagree that it is necessary or a requirement to have uncut hair. Yes Guru Gobind Singh did start this tradition, and it is part of the Five Ks but ultimately it is not required. In the end Guru Gobind Singh said the Guru Grunth Sahib is the last and eternal Guru, (which is the Sikh holy book). Nowhere in the Grunth is there any mandate on how to practice Sikhism. It is just a collection of poems and hymns about god. I believe Gobind Singh did this on purpose, because ultimately it is treating others with love and equality is what makes you a Sikh, not your hair. Your thoughts?
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 13:02:13 +0000
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