Sikh Rehat Maryada
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The Sikh Rahit Maryada is a code of conduct for Sikhism. This document was preceded by the Gurdwaras Act of 1925, which laid down the definition of a Sikh.[5] In 1915 and later in 1931, attempts were made to create a modern standard rehat ("code"). In 1950 the current Sikh Rehat Maryada was produced based upon the work of Sikh scholars, seeking to better standardise Sikh practices throughout the international community. The Damdami Taksal have their own version of the Sikh Code of Conduct, the Gurmat Rehat Maryada.
The Sikh Rehat Maryada addresses key issues such as the definition of a Sikh, personal and communal obligations such as meditation and volunteer service, rules for gurdwara services to include appropriate music and festivals, and the conduct of assorted Sikh ceremonies.
Definition of Sikh
A Sikh is defined as any person male or female who faithfully:
Believes in the existence of One eternal God
Follows their teachings of, and accepts as their only Spiritual guides, the Guru Granth Sahib and the ten human Gurus
Believes in the baptism (Amrit Sanchar), as promoted by the tenth Guru
Does not owe allegiance to any other religion
Sikh living
There are two aspects to a Sikh living. One is the adherence to a personal discipline and the development of a strong family life. The other is the involvement in communal life and to ensure community well-being and infra-structure for support of the weak within the community local and globally. This is the practical aspect of the three pillars of Sikhism promoted by Guru Nanak called Wand kay Shako (share and consume).
Personal life
Naam Japna - Meditation on God's Name and the recital of the holy scriptures:
To arise in the early hours and recite Gurbani in the morning (Five Banis), evening (Rehras) and night (Kirtan Sohila) followed each time with the Ardas prayer. To remember God at all times and to recite his name whenever possible. (Naam Simran)
Seek only the support of the Almighty Lord before beginning any new task or venture. (Ardas)
Kirat Karni - Leading ones life in accordance with the Guru's teachings:
Engage in an honest profession or other work or course of study.
Promote the family way of life giving time to children in an active way so as to ensure their proper awareness of the Sikh way of life.
To live humbly and with love in an extended family group encouraging Gurmat principles and offering moral support within this extended structure.
Seva – Undertake free voluntary service within the community at Gurdwaras, community projects, hospitals, old peoples homes, nurseries, etc.
At every opportunity to spend ones free time to free community work and devote at least 10% of ones wealth in time or money to support community projects.
To positively support weaker members within the community.
Disciplined Life: The Sikh is commanded by the Gurus to lead a disciplined life and to not follow blindly rituals and superstitions which bring no spiritual or material benefit to the person or community.
Follow the teachings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Do not eat meat that has been slaughtered in a ritualistic way and refrain from using all forms of intoxicants. Some interpret the code more broadly and believe that all non-vegetarian food (meat, eggs, fish) must be avoided. Alcohol and tobacco is strictly prohibited.
Refrain from rituals, superstitions and other anti-Sikh behavior such as gambling, etc.
Apart from one's wife (or husband) to treat all females (or males) as daughters, sisters or mothers (sons, brothers or fathers) depending on their age.
To practice and promote complete equality between the genders; castes; races, religions, etc.
Communal life
The Sikh has a duty to actively contribute to the community outside the family unit. Time needs to be given to the greater Sikh community and the even wider world community. It is the duty of the Sikh to hold a continuous dialogue with all members of the larger community, to treat them as equals, and respect their religions and their customs.
