Guest guest Posted November 5, 2003 Report Share Posted November 5, 2003 dear members ! I apologize for i forgot to explain what 5 ks mean in sikhism . i automatically assumed everyone knows them. Silly me! here they are .... Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten gurus, told all members of the Sikh brotherhood to wear the five Ks as a symbol to all of their faith. The Kesh Kesh is hair. Sikhs promise not to cut their hair but let it grow as a symbol of their faith. Because during their lifetimes it will get very long they wear turbans to keep it tidy. They believe that this demonstrates their obedience to God. The Kanga The kanga is a small comb used to keep their long hair tidy, but it is more than that, it is a symbol to remind them to keep their lives in order and "comb" away impure thoughts. The Kara The kara is a steel bangle worn on the right arm. It is a closed circle with no beginning and no end...as with God there is no beginning and no end. It is a reminder to behave well, keep faith and restrain from wrong doing. Wearing it will remind a sikh of his duties. The Last two are a reminder that Sikhs are warriors and always fight for righteousness. The Kaccha The kaccha is similar to a soldier's undershorts, a loose, white, cotton undergarment symbolising a high moral character and spiritual freedom. Obviously as any family would be sensitive the Sikh family do not really like their undergarments on display to the world. This garment is made in the style of, but not a genuine article. When it was introduced by the Guru is was a knee length garment but recently it is shorter more like western boxer shorts. All baptised Sikhs wear a similar item, they are loose fitting and so cool in a hot climate, and remind Sikhs of their lifelong battle to do right. The Kirpan The warriors sword. These days a very tiny one is worn as a symbol of dignity and self respect. It demonstrates power and reminds sikhs that they must fight a spiritual battle, defend the weak and oppressed, and uphold the truth. from the rainbow family homepage ********************************************************************* now, to those who do not know anything about sikhism all these symbols will have no meaning . Tke the kirpan or sword for instance. imagine a sikh guy taking this on a plane with kirpan in his pockets . he is sure to be questioned in these days of "highjacking" and "terrorism " . then coupled with the "turban" and the long "beard" you are a sure "suspect" ! let me ask sardarji this . how can sporting long uncut hair mean obedience to god ? in buddhism, on the other Hand, a clean shaven head is the highest form of renunciation. so, you see , each faith has its own set of rules . so, to hindus KRISHNA IS NOT JUST A MAKHAN CHOR (butter thief) hea is Chitta-chora ( the stealer of hearts.) pray , what is a gopi heart? in narada sutra , narada says when you want anyhing for Lord krishna , go to the gopis, they will even give up their lives for krishna without batting an eyelid such is their ananya- bhakti (raga-anuragha bhakti) . THey live for Krishna and die for krishna namashkar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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