300
their status as saint-soldiers. Each
of these—kesh (uncut hair), kangha
(comb), kara (bracelet), kachera
(undergarment), and kirpan (sword)
—has a deep symbolic meaning,
as well as distinctively identifying
the wearer as a Sikh.
Hair is considered by Sikhs
to be a gift from God, and kesh
(the practice of leaving the hair
and beard uncut) is seen, in
part, as the avoidance of vanity.
However, it is also a symbolic
representation of the ideal of
leading a life in a way that God
intended, without interference,
and in harmony with his will, and
as such is an important outward
sign of the Khalsa code of conduct.
Sikhs are expected to keep
their hair clean and well-groomed,
combing it twice daily with the
kanga, a special comb that is also
used to hold it in place under a
turban. This regular grooming is
a constant reminder of the Sikh’s
duty to lead a virtuous life devoted
to God, which is why the kanga
is also considered one of the five
articles of faith.
The most easily identifiable
aspect of a male Sikh, his turban,
is not actually one of the five
articles of faith. Nevertheless,
it has become an essential item
of Sikh clothing and has helped
to give its wearers a strong sense
of identity and social cohesion.
The turban was adopted at the
suggestion of Guru Gobind Singh,
who pointed out that all the gurus
had worn a turban, and that doing
likewise would help the wearer
to concentrate on following their
example. The primary purpose
of the turban, however, is to pull
back and protect the uncut hair
of male Sikhs.Proofs against temptation
Just as important as the positive
virtues is the avoidance of vice.
The steel bracelet known as
the kara is a symbol of the vows
taken by a Sikh during baptism to
refrain from the five vices. Because
it is worn on the wrist it is often
visible to the wearer, and therefore
acts as a frequent reminder to
consider carefully whether his
or her actions will lead to evil or
wrongdoing. The Jain faith uses
a very similar device, in the form
of its emblem of the raised palm
(p.70): a reminder to stop and
consider the intention behindTHE SIKH CODE OF CONDUCT
The Sikh turban is an important
symbol of faith and dignity. By keeping
the hair well groomed, it distinguishes
the Sikh man’s appearance from the
matted locks worn by Hindu ascetics.any action. Similarly, the kachera,
a cotton undergarment—worn
by both men and women—that
resembles loose-fitting shorts,
ostensibly acts as a warning to
control sexual passion and desire,
but is also a symbolic reminder that
Sikhs should strive to overcome
desires of all kinds and lead a
faithful life in a broader sense.Defending the faith
The soldierly aspect of Sikhism
is encapsulated in the kirpan,
the ceremonial sword, which
symbolizes courage and dignity.
It encourages its wearer to be
constantly determined to defend
the Sikh faith and its moral values,
and protect the downtrodden
from tyranny.
Sikhism has at various times
been associated with nationalist
political movements in the Punjab,
where it originated. The region
has often suffered from religious
conflicts, which Sikhs haveGod approves not the
distinction of high
caste and low caste.
None has he made
higher than others.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib