Monday, June 18, 2012

The 5 K's


The five K’s are five articles of faith that Khalsa (baptized Sikh) wear at all times at the command of the ten Gurus. The Sikhs that are baptized are the ones who wear all of the five K’s, where as myself I wear only one of the articles because I am not a baptized Sikh. We wear these articles because the Guru Ji said that it gives identification and representation of the ideals of Sikhism. Some representations are honesty, equality, loyalty, meditating to God and never bowing to tyranny, and also to help and protect the weak and self defence.

The first K is called ‘Kesh’ which is uncut hair to symbolize the natural form of sainthood. Also keeping ones hair undamaged indicates acceptance to the Will of God. The ‘Kesh’ reminds a Khalsa to behave like the Guru’s and marks dedication showing a Khalsa’s acceptance of God’s Will. Both Men that are baptized Sikhs or the ones that are not baptized and still have long hair will tie it up and wrap it in a turban. Women with long hair that are baptized or are not baptized usually have their hair braided. Long hair has been a common element of many prophets of various religions for example, Jesus, Moses and Buddha.

The second K is called ‘Kanga’ which a small wooden comb that symbolizes hygiene and control as opposed to the tangled un-kept hair of ascetics. A Khalsa is expected to wash and comb their hair on a regular basis as a matter of discipline.

'Kanga'
image from Flickr Yahoo
The third K is called ‘Kaccha’ which is long under shorts worn by warriors and Khalsa’s to ensure freedom of movement.

The fourth K is called ‘Kara’ which is an iron or steel bracelet as a sign of self-control and bondage and a symbol of devotion to the Guru. This reminds the wearer of self-control in their actions and remembrance if God at all times. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji said that whoever wears a ‘Kara’ will always remember kindness and never do wrong things. I wear a ‘Kara’ to remember God and to show my identity.

'Kara'
image taken by me
The fifth K is called ‘Kirpan’ which is a defensive weapon, a sword to protect self respect. The ‘Kirpan’ signifies dignity, power and courage and the Sikhs’ struggle against injustice. Baptized Sikh’s wear the ‘Kirpan’ only to show who is baptized and who is not.

'Kirpan'
image from Flickr Yahoo

1 comment:

  1. This was an very interesting post. I always notice that my friends who came from India wear it all the time. Does 5k mean five Articles of Faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times at the command of the tenth Sikh Guru? The Five Ks are not just symbols but Articles of Faith that collectively form the external identity and the Khalsa devotee's commitment to the Sikh rehni "Sikh way of life". Could you explain to me what does it mean " sikh way of life" ?

    ReplyDelete