Sikh+Practices

= Sikhism: Rituals = = = ====Sikhism teaches that the ultimate purpose of life is to be in complete union with God, and escape **//Samsara//** (cycle of death or rebirth) The experience of complete union with God is indescribable, amazing. God is **//immanent//** (indwelling; He dwells within nature and human beings in a personal and approachable way through worship. A primary aspect of Guru Nanak's teachings was the rejection of much of the traditional religious life of Hinduism and Islam. Guru Gobind Singh created the **//Khalsa//**, the order of the Pure Ones in 1699. ====

The ceremony of initiation into the Khalsa is directed at children of at least 14 years of age. They must possess the "** 5 Ks **" to strengthen the Sikh identity.

__**Kara**__ - a bangle made of steel and worn on the dominant arm. The steel is a symbol of strength and the circular shape is a symbol of unity and eternity, it has no beginning or end. __**Khanga**__ - a wooden comb which is used to keep the hair clean and tidy. Cleanliness was one of the things emphasised by Guru Gobind Singh when he formed the Khalsa. __**Kachha**__ - trousers which now are usually worn as undergarments as a reminder of the commitment to purity. For most Sikhs the Kachera are a symbol of modesty and rady to defend their faith. __**Kirpan**__ - a sword worn by Khalsas which means honour, respect, self-respect and a symbol of bravery and of faith in God. For many, the most important meaning is the commitment to fight ‘the enemy within’. __**Kesh**__ -Sikhs do not cut their hair and male Sikhs should not cut their beards. This ‘natural state’ symbolises devotion to God. Guru Gobind Singh encouraged Sikhs not to cut their hair, which should be allowed to grow ‘as God intended’.

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This ritual is performed by 5 people, who explain the basic principles of Sikhism and ask the initiate of they are willing to accept them. The initiate is then given nectar. The Mul Mantra from the Adi Granth is recited then the initiate is instructed about the requirements of the Khalsa (do not commit adultery, cutting hair, and use of tobacco). It is then ended with honey cake. One belonging to the Khalsa is not required, most Sikhs choose to be members.

Sikhs Worship in the **//Gurdwara,//** //"doorway of the Guru"// It is a building that contains a copy of the Adi Granth and serves as a place to congregate for worship. Worship takes place whenever a Sikh wishes, alone or with family and friends; there is no specific holy day. In the gurdwara, they sing hymns, read the Adi Granth or tell stories about one of the 10 Gurus, and it is ended with a piece of cake made of wheat and honey.**Sharing food is essential for Sikhs, as they have a community kitchen within the gurdwara, where they prepare and eat meals together, the needy are included. The primary method of worship is through meditation on God.**




 * Before entering the gurdwara, visitors must remove their shoes and cover their heads as a sign of respect. Entering the main hall, visitors must bow before the Guru Granth Sahib and then place their offering,and back away respectfully and sit down. Worship can be led by any member of the congregation who has studied the Sikh scriptures and with Sikh religion and history knowledge. Congregation worship includes prayer, hymns, and reciting poems. Formal Sikh services last 3-4 hours, but people come and go as they wish. Service ends with **//parshad**,**// **a sweet dessert made of flour, water, butter, and sugar. Receiving it is is a key part of the hospitality practices. After worship, they share a meal prepared in the gurdwara's community kitchen, called the** //langar.// **This meal is is a symbol of unity and equality.**

Prayer (Ardas)
 * Prayer is an important Sikh ritual. The Adi Granth begins with Guru Nanak talking about the truth and how to gain knowledge about God. The Ardas is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or after undertaking any significant task. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating. The prayer is a plea to God to support and help with whatever they are about to do or has done. The Ardas is usually always done standing up with folded hands. **
 * Ardas consists of:**
 * - a call for the blessings of God and the 10 gurus**
 * - a recitation of the key events in the life of the 10 gurus and concise history of the Sikhs**
 * - a worshipful recitation of the name of God**
 * - a call for peace, well-being, and prosperity for all humanity**

= **MLA CITATION ** =

=**1. ** Sikh Philosophy Network. __Ardaas - The Sikh Prayer.__ 29 Dec. 2010 < []> = 2. Religion Textbook: p.111-114 Brodd, Jeffrey. //World Religions.// Minnesota: Saint Mary’s Press, 1998. 3. Religion Textbook p.290-292 Hengel, John van den. World Religions. Toronto: Novalis Publishing Inc, 2011. 4. Picture of The 5 Ks: The Sikh Times. Gurmukh Singh. Eastern Media Group 2008.  5. Picture of a Gurdwara: Sunny the Proud Sikh 