What is the code of discipline for the Khalsa?
At the first initiation of the Khalsa Brotherhood, Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave the instructions to the Panj Piyaras during the ceremony of Amrit. These instructions may be summarized as under:
* Today you are reborn in the true Guru’s household, ending the cycle of migration, and joined the Khalsa Panth (order).
“Born into the House of the True Guru, my wandering in reincarnation ended.”
(Raamkalee M:1, 940)
* Your spiritual father is now Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji and the spiritual mother, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.
ਤੂੰ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਿਤਾ ਤੂੰਹੈ ਗੁਰੁ ਮਾਤਾ ਤੂੰ ਗੁਰੁ ਬੰਧਪੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਖਾ ਸਖਾਇ ||੩||
“O Guru, You are my father. O Guru, You are my mother. O Guru, You are my relative, companion and friend. ||3||”
(Gauree M:4, 167)
* Your place of birth is Kesgarh Sahib and your are a native of Anandpur Sahib.
ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਦਰੁ ਘਰੁ ਜਾਣੀਐ ਸੋ ਜਾਇ ਸਿਞਾਣੈ ||
“Through the Guru, the Gate of the Lord’s Home is found, and that place is recognized.”
(Aasa M:1, 419)
* Being the sons of one father, you and other Amritdhari Sikhs are all spiritual brothers and sisters.
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖਾ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਮਾ ਪਿਉ ਭਾਈ ਮਿਤਾ||
“Gurmukhs serve the Sikhs considering them their parents, brothers and friends.”
(Bhai Gurdaas, Vaar 5/2)
* You have become the pure Khalsa, having renounced belief in your previous lineage, professional background, past actions, beliefs, that is, having given up all thinking that bound you to your caste, descent, birth, country, (previous) religion, etc.
ਹਮਰੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਪਾਤਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹਮ ਵੇਚਿਓ ਸਿਰੁ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ||
“The Guru, the True Guru, is my social status and honor; I have sold my head to the Guru.”
(Soohee M:4, 731)
* You are to worship none except the One Timeless Being (Vaheguru) and no god, goddess, incarnation or prophet.
ਤੁਮਹਿ ਛਾਡਿ ਕੋਈ ਅਵਰ ਨ ਧਯਾਊਂ|| ਜੋ ਬਰ ਚਹੋਂ ਸੁ ਤੁਮ ਤੇ ਪਾਊਂ||
“Forsaking you, I will not meditate on anyone else apart from You. Whatever boon I crave, I long to obtain only from you.”
(Dasam Granth, p. 1720)
* You are not to think of anyone except the Ten Gurus and anything except their Bani (Divine Word) as your saviour.
ਸਗਲ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਗੁਰ ਸਰਣੀ ਆਇਆ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਰਾਖਨਹਾਰੇ ||
“Renouncing everything, I have come to the Guru’s Sanctuary; save me, O my Savior Lord!”
(Soohee M:5, 750)
* The Mool Mantar contains the basic tenet of Sikh belief. The GurMantar given by the Guru should be chanted and meditated upon.
ਚਲਤ ਬੈਸਤ ਸੋਵਤ ਜਾਗਤ ਗੁਰ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਚਿਤਾਰਿ ||
“While walking and sitting, sleeping and waking, contemplate within your heart the GurMantra.”
(Maaroo M:5, 1006)
* You are supposed to know Gurmukhi (Panjabi alphabet). (If you do not, you must learn it).
ਹਰਿ ਪੜੁ ਹਰਿ ਲਿਖੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਗਾਉ ਹਰਿ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰੀ ||
“Read about the Lord, write about the Lord, chant the Lord’s Name, and sing the Lord’s Praises; the Lord will carry you across the terrifying world-ocean.”
(Dhanaasaree M:4, 669)
* And recite, or listen in to the recitation of Nitnem Banis:
Morning – (1) Japji Sahib, (2) Jaap Sahib, (3) Svaiyye (beginning “svaarag sudh”), (4) Chaupai Sahib, and (5) Anand Sahib. (You recite the same Banis which created the Amrit so that you rejuvenate the Amrit within you daily).
Evening – Sodar Rehraas
Night time/ Before bed: Sohila Sahib.
ਪ੍ਰਭ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਭਾਖਿਆ|| ਗਾਵਹੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਪੜਹੁ ਨਿਤ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੈ ਤੂ ਰਾਖਿਆ|| ਰਹਾਉ||
“The Shabad has been beautifully uttered (by the Guru); it is Bani of the Praise of Vaheguru. So constantly sing, listen to, and read this Bani; (Whoever does this, then have faith that) the Perfect Guru shall save you. Pause.”
(Sorath M:5, 611)
Besides the Nitnem (daily prayers), you should do at least 1 hour Naam Abhiyaas (Repetition of the Divine-Name) at Amrit-vela and also read from or listen in to the recitation from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
ਗੁਰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਜੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਅਖਾਏ ਸੁ ਭਲਕੇ ਉਠਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ || ਉਦਮੁ ਕਰੇ ਭਲਕੇ ਪਰਭਾਤੀ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਕਰੇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵੈ || ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਪੁ ਜਾਪੈ ਸਭਿ ਕਿਲਵਿਖ ਪਾਪ ਦੋਖ ਲਹਿ ਜਾਵੈ || ਫਿਰਿ ਚੜੈ ਦਿਵਸੁ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਗਾਵੈ ਬਹਦਿਆ ਉਠਦਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ || ਜੋ ਸਾਸਿ ਗਿਰਾਸਿ ਧਿਆਏ ਮੇਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸੋ ਗੁਰਸਿਖੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵੈ ||
“One who calls himself a Sikh of the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours every day and meditate on the Lord’s Name. They make an effort to rise early in the morning every day, has a bath and takes a dip in the pool of divine-nectar (of Naam). Following the Instructions of the Guru, they chant the Name of the Lord. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, they sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, they meditate on the Lord’s Name. One who meditates on my Lord, with every breath – that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru’s Mind.”
(Gauree M:4, 305)
* Always keep the 5 Ks on your body.
ਕ੍ਛ, ਕੜਾ, ਕਿਰਪਾਨ, ਕੰਘਾ, ਕੇਸਕੀ, ਇਹ ਪੰਜ ਕਕਾਰੀ ਰਹਿਤ ਧਰੇ ਸਿਖ ਸੋਇ ||
“Kachhera, Karha, Kirpan, Kangha, Keski – Whoever keeps the discipline of wearing these five Kakkaar will be known as my Sikh.”
(Bhai Chaupa Singh Rehatnama)
* Maintain Rotee-Betee Saanjh (relationship of dining and marriage) only within the Khalsa.
ਸੰਤਨ ਕਾ ਦਾਨਾ ਰੂਖਾ ਸੋ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਧਾਨ || ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਸਾਕਤ ਛਤੀਹ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਬਿਖੂ ਸਮਾਨ ||੨||
“The dry bread from the (homes of the) Gurmukhs is equal to all treasures. The thirty-six tasty dishes from (the home of) the faithless one, are (known to be) just like poison.”
(Bilaval M:5, 811)
ਸੰਤਨ ਸਿਉ ਮੇਰੀ ਲੇਵਾ ਦੇਵੀ ਸੰਤਨ ਸਿਉ ਬਿਉਹਾਰਾ ||
“My dealings are with the Saints (i.e. Gursikhs), and my business is with the Saints (i.e. Gursikhs).”
(Sorath M:5, 614)
* The undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be not committed:
1. Dishonouring the hair (plucking, cutting, dyeing, shaving etc);
ਨਾਪਾਕ ਪਾਕੁ ਕਰਿ ਹਦੂਰਿ ਹਦੀਸਾ ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਿਰਾ||੧੨||
“Make impure (mind) pure – this is the true adherence to religious tradition. (One can obtain this objective) by keeping one’s body unadulterated and by always wearing a turban on the head.” {Maaro M:5, 1084}
2. Eating Kuthhaa (killed animals, i.e. meat, fish & eggs).
ਕਬੀਰ ਖੂਬੁ ਖਾਨਾ ਖੀਚਰੀ ਜਾ ਮਹਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਲੋਨੁ || ਹੇਰਾ ਰੋਟੀ ਕਾਰਨੇ ਗਲਾ ਕਟਾਵੈ ਕਉਨੁ||੧੮੮||
“O Kabir! Excellent is the food, rice and pulse mixed with (just) delicious salt. Instead, who would like to have his throat cut (in future life) by eating flesh food obtained by hunting the animals?“
(Salok Kabeer Ji, 1374)
3. Intimitate relationship outside of marriage.
ਗੁਪਤੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਸੰਗਿ ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਡਹਕਾਵਏ ਮਨੁਖਾਇ || ਬਿਸਾਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਬਿਖੈ ਭੋਗਹਿ ਤਪਤ ਥੰਮ ਗਲਿ ਲਾਇ ||੧|| ਰੇ ਨਰ ਕਾਇ ਪਰ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਜਾਇ || ਕੁਚਲ ਕਠੋਰ ਕਾਮਿ ਗਰਧਭ ਤੁਮ ਨਹੀ ਸੁਨਿਓ ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||
“You may act in secrecy, but God is still with you; you can only deceive other people. Forgetting your Dear Lord, you enjoy corrupt pleasures, and so you shall have to embrace red-hot pillars. ||1|| O man, why do you go out to the households of others? You filthy, heartless, lustful donkey! Haven’t you heard of the Dharam Raaj, the Divine Judge? ||1||Pause||”
(Maaro M:5, 1001)
4. Using tobacco (or any other intoxicants and non-medicinal drugs).
ਸੁਣ ਗੁਰਸਿੱਖ ਕੀ ਰਹਿਤ ਕੋ ਤਜੇ ਤਮਾਕੂ ਸੰਗ|| ਮਰਣੀ ਮਰੈ ਤੌ ਅਤਿ ਭਲਾ ਜਗਤ ਜੂਠ ਨਹਿ ਅੰਗ||
“Listen to the Rehat of a Sikh of the Guru who touches tobacco. It is better to die, than touch the filthy world pollutant (tobacco).”
(Rehitnama Bhai Nand Lal Ji)
In the event of the commission of any of these transgressions, the transgressor must retake Amrit. If a transgression is committed unintentionally and unknowingly, the transgressor shall not be liable to punishment.
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਵੇਮੁਖੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਵੈ ||
“One who turns away from the Guru, and becomes an apostate – without the True Guru, they shall not find liberation.”
(Raamkalee M:3, 920)
* You must not associate with a Sikh who had uncut hair earlier and has cut it or a Sikh who smokes.
ਕਬੀਰ ਸਾਕਤ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਦੂਰਹਿ ਜਾਈਐ ਭਾਗਿ ||
ਬਾਸਨੁ ਕਾਰੋ ਪਰਸੀਐ ਤਉ ਕਛੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਦਾਗੁ ||੧੩੧||
“Kabeer, do not associate with the faithless that have broken away from the Guru; run far away from them.
If you touch a vessel stained with soot, some of the soot will stick to you. ||131||”
(Salok Kabeer Ji, 1371)
* You must ever be ready for the service of the Panth and of the Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship).
ਸੂਰਾ ਸੋ ਪਹਿਚਾਨੀਐ ਜੁ ਲਰੈ ਦੀਨ ਕੇ ਹੇਤ ||
ਪੁਰਜਾ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਕਟਿ ਮਰੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਛਾਡੈ ਖੇਤੁ ||੨||੨||
“They alone are known as a spiritual heros, who fight in defense of religion and the poor.
They may be cut apart, piece by piece, but they never leave the field of battle. ||2||2||”
(Maroo Kabeer Ji, 1105)
* You must tender one tenth (Daswand) of your earnings to the Guru.
ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ || ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ||੧|| {ਸਾਰਗ ਮ:੧, ਅੰਗ ੧੨੪੫ }
“One who works for what they eat, and gives some of what they have (to others) – O Nanak! Such people recognise the right Path.”
(Saarag M:1, 1245)
* In short, you must act the Guru’s way in all spheres of activity.You must remain fully aligned to the Khalsa brotherhood in accordance with the principles of the Khalsa faith. If you commit transgression of the Khalsa discipline, you must present yourself before the Sangat (congregation) and beg pardon, accepting whatever punishment is awarded. You must also resolve to remain watchful against defaults in the future.
ਨਿਰਵੈਰ ਪੁਰਖ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦਾਤੇ || ਹਮ ਅਪਰਾਧੀ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ ਬਖਸਾਤੇ ||
ਜਿਸੁ ਪਾਪੀ ਕਉ ਮਿਲੈ ਨ ਢੋਈ || ਸਰਣਿ ਆਵੈ ਤਾਂ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਈ ||੧||
“The True Guru, the Primal Being, is free of revenge and hate; He is God, the Great Giver. I am a sinner; You are my Forgiver. That sinner, who finds no protection anywhere – if he comes seeking Your Sanctuary, then he becomes immaculate and pure. ||1||”
(Bhairo M:5, 1141)
* The following individuals shall be liable to chastisement involving automatic boycott:
1. Anyone maintaining social relations or communion with elements antagonistic to the Panth including the minas (reprobates), the masands (agents once accredited to local Sikh communities as Guru’s representatives, since discredited for their faults and aberrations), followers of Dhirmal or Ram Rai, et. al., or users of tobacco, killers of female infants, and Sirgum (those who cut their hair).
ਮੀਣਾ ਅੋਰ ਮਸੰਦੀਆ, ਮੋਨਾ, ਕੁੜੀ ਜੋ ਮਾਰ ਹੋਇ ਸਿਖ ਵਰਤਨ ਕਰਹਿ ਅੰਤ ਕਰੇਗਾ ਖੁਆਰ |੬|
“(The followers of) Minas or Masands, ‘Mona’ (cut-haired person), or one who kills their daughter – if a Sikh associates with these then at the end he will be disgraced.”
(Rehatnama: Bhai Prahlad Singh Ji, p. 64)
2. One who eats/drinks Left-overs of the non-Amritdhari or the fallen Sikhs;
ਬਿਨਾ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਕੇ ਜੂਠਾ ਕਿਸੀ ਕਾ ਨ ਛਕੈ |
“Other than the Guru’s, do not eat anyone’s Jooth (left overs/contaminated food).”
(Rehatnama: Bhai Prahlad Singh Ji, p. 71)
3. One who dyes his beard;
ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤ ਰੱਬ ਦੀ, ਭੰਨੇ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ । ਦਰਗਹਿ ਢੋਈ ਨਾ ਮਿਲੇ, ਕਾਫ਼ਰ, ਕੁੱਤਾ, ਸ਼ੈਤਾਨ ।
“God has made the human perfect, but the dishonourable destroy it.
They will find no place in the Court of God, like the unbeliever, dog and Satanist.”
(Guru Nanak Janam Sakhi)
4. One who gives off son or daughter in matrimony for a price or reward;
ਕੰਨਯਾ ਦੇਵੈ ਸਿਖ ਕੋ, ਲੇਵੈ ਨਹਿ ਕੁਛ ਦਾਮ।
ਸੋਈ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਿਖ ਹੈ, ਪਹੁੰਚੇਗੋ ਮਮ ਧਾਮ। (ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਤਾਪ ਸੂਰਜ)
“A Sikh gives (in marriage) his daughter to a Sikh and does not accept any money in exchange. They are my Sikh and will reach in my presence.” (Guru Pratap Surya)
5. Users of intoxicants (hemp, opium, liquor, narcotics, cocaine, etc.);
ਕਬੀਰ ਭਾਂਗ ਮਾਛੁਲੀ ਸੁਰਾ ਪਾਨਿ ਜੋ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਖਾਂਹਿ ॥
ਤੀਰਥ ਬਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਕੀਏ ਤੇ ਸਭੈ ਰਸਾਤਲਿ ਜਾਂਹਿ ॥੨੩੩॥
“O Kabeer! Those mortals who consume marijuana (drugs), fish (meat) and wine (liquor) – no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow, they will all go to hell. ||233||
(Salok Kabeer Ji, 1377)
6. One holding, or being a party to, ceremonies or practices contrary to the Guru’s way;
ਛਾਡਿ ਮਨ ਹਰਿ ਬਿਮੁਖਨ ਕੋ ਸੰਗੁ ||
“O mind, do not even associate with those who have turned their backs on the Lord.”
(Saarag Parmanand Ji, 1253)
7. One who defaults in the maintenance of Sikh discipline.
ਊਤਮ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਊਤਮੁ ਹੋਵੈ|| ਗੁਣ ਕਉ ਧਾਵੈ ਅਵਗਣ ਧੋਵੈ ||
“In the uplifting society, one is uplifted. They chase after virtue and washes off their sins.”
(Aasa M:1, p. 414)
In addition to the above instructions, Guru Gobind Singh Ji also gave oral instructions to well-known Khalsa leaders like Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Desa Singh, Bhai Chaupa Singh. These were later written down and were called Rehat-Names (codes of conduct). He also gave some instructions to Bhai Nand Lal Singh, the poet-laureate of his court, which is called Tankhah-Nama. The main points of these instructions are given below:
i) A Khalsa should not follow any ascetic practices of Yogis, Sanyasis etc. and should not follow any Tantra, Mantra or Jantra.
ਸ੍ਰਾਵਗ ਸੁ੍ਨਧ ਸਮੂਹ ਸਿਧਾਨ ਕੇ ਦੇਖਿ ਫਿਰਿਓ ਘਰ ਜੋਗ ਜਤੀ ਕੇ ||
ਸੂਰ ਸੁਰਾਰਦਨ ਸੁ੍ਨਧ ਸੁਧਾਦਿਕ ਸੰਤ ਸਮੂਹ ਅਨੇਕ ਮਤੀ ਕੇ ||
ਸਾਰੇ ਹੀ ਦੇਸ ਕੋ ਦੇਖਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਮਤ ਕੋਊ ਨ ਦੇਖੀਅਤ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਪਤੀ ਕੇ ||
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਕੀ ਭਾਇ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਹੂੰ ਤੇ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਬਿਨੁ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਕੇ ||੧|| ੨੧||
“I have knocked round the abodes of multitudes of Shravakas (Buddha and jain followers), ceremonial purists, adepts with supernatural powers, yogis and ascetics and have keenly observed them. I have also seen Mighty demons (Maulers of Gods), Virtuous Gods (Feasting on Nectar) etc. and saints of numerous religious groups. I have further surveyed faiths of all countries; None turned out to be pertinent to the Lord of Life (GOD). Devoid of affection, favour and a bit of love of the Glorious Lord, they, en masse, are not worth a penny (equal in weight to eight rice). (1)(21)”
(Dasam Granth, p. 34)
ii) They should not give their daughter in marriage to a Patit Sikh or accept any money for the marriage of his daughter from the boy’s family.
ਕੰਨਯਾ ਕੋ ਮਾਰੇ, ਮੋਨੇ ਕੋ ਕੰਨਯਾ ਦੇਵੇ, ਸੋ ਤਨਖਾਹੀਆ ਹੈ।
ਸਿੱਖ ਕੋ ਸਿੱਖ ਪੁਤ੍ਰੀ ਦਈ, ਸੁਧਾ ਸੁਧਾ ਮਿਲ ਜਾਇ।
ਦਈ ਭਾਦਣੀ ਕੋ ਸੁਤਾ, ਅਹਿ ਮੁਖ ਅਮੀ ਚੁਆਇ। (ਰਹਿਤਨਾਮਾ ਭਾਈ ਦੇਸਾ ਸਿੰਘ)
“Killing a daughter or to give a daughter (in marriage) to a non-Sikh, such a person commits great offence. Sikh should give his daughter (in marriage) to a Sikh. Thus Gurmukh meets a Gurmukh. Giving a daughter to a Bhadni (non-Sikh) is like giving nectar to a snake.”
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh)
iii) He should give one-tenth of his income to charitable or religious purposes.
ਦਸਵੰਧ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਹਿ ਦੇਵਈ, ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲ ਜੋ ਖਾਇ[ ਕਹੈ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਲਾਲ ਜੀ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਕਛੁ ਨ ਬਿਸਾਹ |੧੪|
“One who does not give the Guru ‘Daswandh’, and one earns a living through lies. Guru Gobind Singh says ‘O Lal Ji! That person will be left with nothing.”
(Thankhahnama: Bhai Nand Lal Ji, p. 58)
iv) He should not wear a cap, hat or helmet.
ਹੋਇ ਸਿਖ ਸਿਰ ਟੋਪੀ ਧਰੈ, ਸਾਤ ਜਨਮ ਕੁਸ਼ਟੀ ਹੋਇ ਮਰੈ।
“Being a Sikh who weara a cap/hat, they shall live the life of leper seven times.”
(Rehitnama Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji)
v) A Sikh should marry within the Sikh Panth.
ਨਾਤਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਸਿਖ ਨਾਲ ਕਰੇ। (ਰਹਿਤਨਾਮਾ ਭਾਈ ਚੌਂਪਾ ਸਿੰਘ)
1. Have relations with a Sikh of the Guru.
(Rehatnama Bhai Chaupa Singh)
vi) They should not break their vows or any other promise they make nor commit perjury or treachery.
ਸੂਰਬੀਰ ਬਚਨ ਕੇ ਬਲੀ ||
“The brave are those that keep their word.”
(Aasa M:5, 392)
vii) They should not listen to vulgar, profane or sexy songs.
ਮੇਰੇ ਮੋਹਨ ਸ੍ਰਵਨੀ ਇਹ ਨ ਸੁਨਾਏ ॥
ਸਾਕਤ ਗੀਤ ਨਾਦ ਧੁਨਿ ਗਾਵਤ ਬੋਲਤ ਬੋਲ ਅਜਾਏ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
“O my fascinating Lord, let me not listen to the faithless cynic, singing his songs and tunes, and chanting his useless words. ||1||Pause||”
(Bilaaval M:5, 820)
viii) They should always keep a turban (dastaar) on their head and retie a fresh turban each time.
ਕੰਘਾ ਦੋਨੋ ਵਕਤ ਕਰ ਪਾਗ ਚੁਨੈ ਕਰ ਬਾਂਧਈ ॥
ਦਾਤਨ ਨੀਤ ਕਰੇਇ ਨਾ ਦੁਖ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਲਾਲ ਜੀ ॥
“Comb your hair twice a daily and retie your turban each time your wear it.
Clean your teeth daily and this way you will not suffer pain.”
(Rehatnama Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji)
ix) He should teach his children how to read Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and understand its message.
ਜੋ ਸਿਖ ਆਪਣੇ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਨੂੰ ਪੋਥੀ, ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਨਾ ਸਿਖਾਏ, ਸੋ ਭੀ ਤਨਖਾਹੀਆ||
“The Sikh parent who does not teach their children to read and understand Gurbani is declared an Thankhahia (offender liable for reprimand).”(Rehatnama: Bhai Chaupa Singh)
x) He should use the Sikh greetings when greeting another Sikh, namely “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh”.
ਆਗੇ ਆਵਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੁ ਪਾਵੈ || ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤੇ ਬੁਲਾਵੇ ||
“Upon meeting a Singh face to face, utter the salutation of Vaheguru (meaning utter “Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh”).”
(Rehatnama: Bhai Desa Singh Ji)
The above instructions form the main part of the Code of Discipline. They may be categorized under two headings: religious and social. The religious directives are in keeping with the Sikh tradition. The social directives are intended to make the Khalsa a good citizen and a responsible member of the community. The prohibition of theft, plunder, perjury, treachery, cheating, gambling and exploitation of the poor and weak sections of the community contribute to the smoothening of the course of normal social life and benefit the community as a whole. The bans on the use of alcohol and tobacco are intended to safeguard the health of the Khalsa. The Directives against the four misdemeanors, association with patits, Dhirmalias etc., the misuse of religious offerings and charities are meant to wean the Khalsa from religious misdeeds. All in all, the code is intended to make a Khalsa an ideal person.