Reht Maryada
Encyclopedia
The Sikh Rehat Maryada (alternate transliterations include Sikh Rahit Marayada and Sikh Reht Maryada) is the Sikh Code of Conduct which was put into force right from the birth of Sikhism
.
In 1915 and later in 1931, attempts were made to create a modern standard Rehat (Rehat or code). This effort involved several Sikh scholars who worked to produce the current version. In 1950 the "Sikh Rehat Maryada" was finally approved. The document has been accepted as the official version which provides guidelines for all Sikh individuals and communities around the world. Its implementation has resulted in a high level of uniformity in the religious and social practices of Sikhism.
Sikh Rehat Maryada is based on earlier codes (Rehat namas), the earliest of them are:
is important to the proper development of a Sikh. One must study Gurmukhi and be able to read Gurbani and understand the meaning of the text. Translations and other material may be used to assist the Sikh but must not be the primary text for the Sikh. The Sikh has to revert back to the Guru Granth Sahib
for the all spiritual guidance in ones life – from birth to death.
s , the places where the Sikhs congregate for worship and prayer. On joining the holy congregation, Sikhs should take part and obtain benefit from the joint study of the holy scriptures.
No one is to be barred from entering a Gurdwara, no matter in which country, religion or caste he/she belongs to. The Gurdwara is open to all for the Guru's darshan (seeing the holy Guru) and Langar. However the person must not have on his/her person anything, such as tobacco or other intoxicants, which are tabooed by the Sikh religion. Shoes must be removed and ones head must be covered and respectful clothing is a must.
(Spiritual hymn singing) in a congregation and only hymns (Shabad
s) from the holy scriptural compositions in traditional musical measures should be sung. Only Shabads from Gurbani (Guru Granth's or Guru Gobind Singh's hymns) and the compositions of Bhai Gurdas and Bhai Nand Lal, may be performed. It is improper to sing hymns to rhythmic folk tunes or popular film tunes.
must be done where all the congregation would stand for the Ardas and then sit down and carefully listen to the Hukam of the Guru.
carried on during difficult times or during occasions of joy and celebration. The reading takes approximately forty eight hours of continuous and uninterrupted reading by a relay of skilled Gurbani readers. The reading must done in a clear voice and with correct and full pronunciation. Reading the Gurbani too fast, so that the person listening in cannot follow the contents, is discouraged and is considered as disrespect for the Scriptures and the congregation (Sangat
).
Sadharan Paath
: This is a non-continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib
and one can take from seven days to many months to complete the full reading of the 1430 pages of the text.
Voluntary Service (Seva
Seva
(Voluntary Service) is an important prominent part of the Sikh religion and all Sikhs must get involved in this communal service whenever an opportunity arises. This in its simple forms can be: sweeping and washing the floors of the Gurdwara, serving water and food (Langar) to or fanning the congregation, offering provisions or preparing food and doing other 'house keeping' duties.
Guru ka Langar (Guru's free food) is a very important part of Sikhism. The main philosophy behind the Langar is two-fold : to provide training to engage in Seva and an opportunity to serve people from all walks of life and to help banish all distinctions between high and low castes.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
.
In 1915 and later in 1931, attempts were made to create a modern standard Rehat (Rehat or code). This effort involved several Sikh scholars who worked to produce the current version. In 1950 the "Sikh Rehat Maryada" was finally approved. The document has been accepted as the official version which provides guidelines for all Sikh individuals and communities around the world. Its implementation has resulted in a high level of uniformity in the religious and social practices of Sikhism.
Sikh Rehat Maryada is based on earlier codes (Rehat namas), the earliest of them are:
- Tanakhah-nama (Nasihat Nama) SamvatSamvatSamvat is any of the various Hindu calendars. In India, there are several calendars in use:* Vikrama Samvat: lunar months, solar sidereal years* Shaka Samvat : lunar months, solar sidereal years* Shaka Samvat : solar tropical...
1776 (1718-19 CE), ten years after the death of Guru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind Singh is the tenth and last Sikh guru in a sacred lineage of ten Sikh gurus. Born in Patna, Bihar in India, he was also a warrior, poet and philosopher. He succeeded his father Guru Tegh Bahadur as the leader of Sikhs at a young age of nine...
. - The Prahilad Rai Rehat-nama
- Sakhi Rehat ki: About 1735 CE
- Chaupa Singh Rehat-nama: 1740-1765 CE (1700 CE according to Piara Singh Padam). Chaupa SinghChhibberChhibber is a Brahmin clan from the Punjab. They are one of the seven clans of the Mohyals who are Saraswat Brahmins of the Punjab. The other six clans are Bali, Bhimwal, Datt/Dutt, Lau, Mohan and Vaid. Punjabi Brahmins other than Mohyals include Barahis , Bawanjais and Athwans...
was a member of the Guru's retinue. He was entrusted with the care of infant Gobind Das by Guru Tegh Bahadur. Some members of Chaupa Singh's family became martyrs with Guru Tegh Bahadur in Delhi and others served under the 10th Guru. - Desa Singh Rehat-nama: late 18th century
- Daya Singh Rehat-nama
Main Points Covered
The following is a summary of the main issues covered by the Sikh Reht Maryada:- Definition of Sikh
- Sikh Living
- Sikh's Personal Life
- Sikh's Communal Life
- Meditating and Holy Scriptures
- Sadh Sangat and Reflecting on Gurbani
- Service in Gurdwaras
- Kirtan
- Ardas & Guru's Hukam
- Akhand Paath and Sadharan Paath
- Festivals
- Living by the Guru's Way (Gurmat Rehni)
- Sikh Ceremonies
- Baby Naming Ceremony (Naam Karan)
- Baptism Ceremony (Amrit Sanskar)
- Marriage Ceremony (Anand Sanskar)
- Funeral Ceremony (Antim Sanskar)
- Other Rites and Conventions
- Voluntary Service (SevaSevaSeva may refer to:*Volunteer work; selfless service; work offered to God *Seva , in Indian cuisine, a snack food made by deep-frying strands of chick pea flour dough flavored with chili powder, salt, and sometimes coriander...
) - Communal Life & Other Matters
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 SahibGuru Granth SahibSri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
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 (RehrasRehrasThe rehras sahib is the evening prayer of the Sikhs. It is recited at the end of a working day. Its purpose is to add energy to one's being and living environments...
) and night (Kirtan SohilaKirtan SohilaKirtan Sohila: Three Gurus – Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan - contributed five shabads on the pain of separation and celebrating the bliss of union. The first three Shabads were uttered by Guru Nanak, the fourth by Guru Ram Das and the fifth by Guru Arjan Dev. This is the night prayer said...
) followed each time with the ArdasArdasThe Ardās is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or after undertaking any significant task; after reciting the daily Banis ; or completion of a service like the Paath , kirtan program or any other religious program. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating...
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. (ArdasArdasThe Ardās is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or after undertaking any significant task; after reciting the daily Banis ; or completion of a service like the Paath , kirtan program or any other religious program. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating...
)
- To arise in the early hours and recite Gurbani in the morning (Five Banis), evening (Rehras
- Kirat Karni - Leading ones life in accordance with the Guru's teachings:
- Engage in an honest profession or other work or study course.
- 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.
- SevaSevaSeva may refer to:*Volunteer work; selfless service; work offered to God *Seva , in Indian cuisine, a snack food made by deep-frying strands of chick pea flour dough flavored with chili powder, salt, and sometimes coriander...
– 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 and take part in the Sikh Ceremonies.
- Eat simple food in moderation (including avoiding all meat) and refrain from any food or drink that causes detriment to the body or mind like alcohol, drugs, tobacco.
- Refrain from rituals, superstitions and other anti-Sikh behaviour such as gambling, etc.
- Apart from one's wife (or husband) to treat all or females (or males) as daughters, sisters or mothers (sons, brothers or fathers) depending on their age.
- To practise 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 bigger community to treat them as equals and respect their religion and their customs.Meditating and Holy Scriptures
It is the duty of all Sikhs to engage in personal and communal meditation, Kirtan and the study of the holy Scriptures. Meditating and understanding of the Guru Granth SahibGuru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
is important to the proper development of a Sikh. One must study Gurmukhi and be able to read Gurbani and understand the meaning of the text. Translations and other material may be used to assist the Sikh but must not be the primary text for the Sikh. The Sikh has to revert back to the Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
for the all spiritual guidance in ones life – from birth to death.
Holy Congregation (Sadh Sangat) and Reflecting on Gurbani
It is believed that a Sikh is more easily and deeply affected by Gurbani when engaged in congregational gatherings. For this reason, it is necessary for a Sikh to visits GurdwaraGurdwara
A Gurdwara , meaning the Gateway to the Guru, is the place of worship for Sikhs, the followers of Sikhism. A Gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib ....
s , the places where the Sikhs congregate for worship and prayer. On joining the holy congregation, Sikhs should take part and obtain benefit from the joint study of the holy scriptures.
No one is to be barred from entering a Gurdwara, no matter in which country, religion or caste he/she belongs to. The Gurdwara is open to all for the Guru's darshan (seeing the holy Guru) and Langar. However the person must not have on his/her person anything, such as tobacco or other intoxicants, which are tabooed by the Sikh religion. Shoes must be removed and ones head must be covered and respectful clothing is a must.
Service in Gurdwaras
During a service in a Gurdwara and while congregational sessions are in session, only one activity should be done at a time in one hall in the presence of the Guru - performing of kirtan, delivering of discourse, interpretative elaboration of the scriptures or the reading of the scriptures.Kirtan
Only a Sikh is allowed to perform KirtanKirtan
Kirtan or Kirtana is call-and-response chanting or "responsory" performed in India's devotional traditions. A person performing kirtan is known as a kirtankar. Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, the two-headed...
(Spiritual hymn singing) in a congregation and only hymns (Shabad
Shabad
Shabad may refer to one of the following.*Shabad , hymn, a piece of Holy Text in Indian culture** Shabad Hazaray*Zemach Shabad, Yiddish doctor and political activist*Shabad, Andhra Pradesh, a village in India...
s) from the holy scriptural compositions in traditional musical measures should be sung. Only Shabads from Gurbani (Guru Granth's or Guru Gobind Singh's hymns) and the compositions of Bhai Gurdas and Bhai Nand Lal, may be performed. It is improper to sing hymns to rhythmic folk tunes or popular film tunes.
Ardas & Guru's Hukam
Before taking a Hukam from the Guru, an ArdasArdas
The Ardās is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or after undertaking any significant task; after reciting the daily Banis ; or completion of a service like the Paath , kirtan program or any other religious program. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating...
must be done where all the congregation would stand for the Ardas and then sit down and carefully listen to the Hukam of the Guru.
Akhand Paath and Sadharan Paath
Akhand Paath: Is the non-stop reading of the Guru Granth SahibGuru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
carried on during difficult times or during occasions of joy and celebration. The reading takes approximately forty eight hours of continuous and uninterrupted reading by a relay of skilled Gurbani readers. The reading must done in a clear voice and with correct and full pronunciation. Reading the Gurbani too fast, so that the person listening in cannot follow the contents, is discouraged and is considered as disrespect for the Scriptures and the congregation (Sangat
Sangat
Sangat is a Sikh term with its origin in the Sanskrit word 'sangh', which means company, fellowship and association. In Sikh vocabulary, the word has a special connotation. It stands for the body of men and women who meet religiously, especially in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib...
).
Sadharan Paath
Sadharan Paath
Sahej Paath or Sadharan Paath or even "Khula Paath" literally means easy or simple recitation. It is a Paath which can started and ended at any time; with as many or as few people participating as desired...
: This is a non-continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
and one can take from seven days to many months to complete the full reading of the 1430 pages of the text.
Festivals
The important Sikh festivals that are celebrated are:- GurpurbGurpurbThis is the anniversary of a guru's birth or death; marked by the holding of a festival.A gurpurb in Sikh tradition is a celebration of an anniversary related to the lives of the Sikh gurus. Observance of these anniversaries is an important feature of the Sikh way of life.There are indications in...
s – Birthday and other important anniversaries (martyrdom, etc) from the lives of the Gurus;
- VaisakhiVaisakhiVaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival celebrated across North Indian states, especially Punjab by all Punjabis regardless of religion. In Sikhism the Khalsa was founded on same day as the Vaisakhi festival, so Sikhs celebrate twice as much....
– First Amrit Sanchar and Harvest festival
Living according to the Guru's Way
To live and promote the tenets stipulated by the Gurus.- Belief in One God
- Equality of All the Human race
- Respect for All, irrespective of gender, age, status, color, sexual orientation, caste, etc
- Self-Control – Kill the Five EvilsFive EvilsThe Five evils or five thieves are, according to Sikhism, the five major weaknesses of the human personality at variance with its spiritual essence. The common evils far exceed five in number, but a group of five came to be identified because of the obstruction they are believed to cause in man's...
; no rituals or superstitions; no gambling, tobacco, alcohol, intoxicating drugs, etc. - Self-Improvement – Promote the Five VirtuesFive VirtuesIn Sikhism, the Five Virtues are fundamental qualities which one should develop in order to reach Mukti, or to reunite or merge with God. The Sikh Gurus taught that these positive human qualities were Sat , Daya , Santokh , Nimrata , and Pyar .-Sat:Sat is the virtue of truthful living, which means...
- Maintenance of a distinct external image – 5 Ks and Bana
Sikh Ceremonies
- Baby Naming Ceremony (Naam KaranNaam KaranNaam Karan is a Sikh ceremony of naming a child and it usually takes place in a Gurdwara after the baby and mother are medically and physically healthy to attend the Gurdwara. There is no timetable for this and the family should not feel undue pressure of any kind and only the well being of the...
) - Baptism Ceremony (Amrit Sanchar)
- Marriage Ceremony (Anand KarajAnand KarajAnand Karaj is the Sikh marriage ceremony, meaning "Blissful Union" or "Joyful Union", that was introduced by Guru Amar Das. The four Lavan were composed by his successor, Guru Ram Das...
) - Funeral Ceremony (Antim Sanskar)
- Other Rites and Conventions
Voluntary Service (SevaSevaSeva may refer to:*Volunteer work; selfless service; work offered to God *Seva , in Indian cuisine, a snack food made by deep-frying strands of chick pea flour dough flavored with chili powder, salt, and sometimes coriander...
)
SevaSeva
Seva may refer to:*Volunteer work; selfless service; work offered to God *Seva , in Indian cuisine, a snack food made by deep-frying strands of chick pea flour dough flavored with chili powder, salt, and sometimes coriander...
(Voluntary Service) is an important prominent part of the Sikh religion and all Sikhs must get involved in this communal service whenever an opportunity arises. This in its simple forms can be: sweeping and washing the floors of the Gurdwara, serving water and food (Langar) to or fanning the congregation, offering provisions or preparing food and doing other 'house keeping' duties.
Guru ka Langar (Guru's free food) is a very important part of Sikhism. The main philosophy behind the Langar is two-fold : to provide training to engage in Seva and an opportunity to serve people from all walks of life and to help banish all distinctions between high and low castes.