THE KHALSA
"First accept death and any hope of life.
Become the dust of the feet of all
and then you may come to me. "
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji,
Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Salok Raag Maru Dhakan Mahala 5 on Ang 1102)
"If you desire to play this game of love with Me,
then step onto My Path with your head in hand
When you place your feet on this Path,
give Me your head, and do not pay any attention to public opinion."
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji,
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Salok Raaga To Vadeek on Ang 1412)
Members of the Khalsa are Sikhs who have undergone the sacred Amrit Ceremony initiated by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Khalsa order was initially created on Vaisakhi (the first day of the month of Vaisakh), when Guru Gobind Singh Ji baptised 5 Sikhs and then in turn asked the five to baptise him. Following this the Guru personally baptised thousands of sikhs into the Khalsa order. Those Sikhs who have been baptised are referred to as Amritdhari Sikhs.
The Khalsa baptism ceremony is undertaken as part of ones own personal spiritual evolution, when the initiate is ready to fully live up to the high expectations of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. All Sikhs are expected to be members of the Khalsa or be working towards that objective. As a result one of the main objectives of Gurdwara Amrit Parchar Dharmik Diwan is to baptise Sikhs who have not yet already done so.
Khalsa Sikhs keep five emblems of their faith intact on their bodies at all times. These collectively form a uniform for members of the order.
1. Kesh - Uncut hair. Historically, unshorn hair was a sign of spirituality and sainthood, which is consistent with the concept of saint-soldier in Sikhism. Also keeping one's hair intact indicates resignation to the Will of God.
2. Kangha - A small wooden comb used to keep the hair tidy at all times. Typically worn underneath a turban, this represents cleanliness; and as such, is a practical way to look neat and pure at all times.
3. Kach - Long under shorts typically worn by warriors to ensure freedom of movement. It is also representative of chastity.
4. Kara - A steel bracelet worn around the wrist as a reminder of one's unbroken link with their Creator.
5. Kirpan - A Dagger to be used as a last measure of protection in case the need to defend oneself, or another, arises.
Sikhs who have taken Amrit vow never to abuse intoxicants, cut their hair, commit adultery, or eat meat. Sikh men are also required to wear a turban over their uncut hair. Once considered a sign of royalty, the turban is an article of distinction which should be worn with pride as it was given to the Sikhs by their Guru.
The uniformity among initiated Sikhs serves as a source of strength and solidarity. It also consolidated the Sikh identity into a viable religious, social, and political entity. The tenth Guru, however, warned the Khalsa about losing its distinct identity. Such an occurrence, cautioned the Guru, would strip the Khalsa of all its power.
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