5 ks
"The Khalsa was resolutely to uphold justice and to oppose only that which was evil"
(Hew McLeod, Sikhism, page 105)
The Khalsa was created by Guru Gobind Singh to uphold justice at a time when Mughal Emperors were guilty of tyranny. It means 'pure' or 'dedicated'.
The Khalsa was to distinguish Sikhs in a crowd because the 5K's worn were highly visible and showed that members were to fulfill all the obligations of being a Khalsa-Sikh. It showed that if there was an injustice being committed then the Sikh would do whatever was necessary to counter that injustice, including using force, if required.
The requirements to become a member of the Khalsa are outlined in the Rahit (Code of Practice):
"You must renounce your former lineage, occupation and religious affiliation. This means that you must put aside all concern for caste status, birth, country and religion, for you are now exclusively a member of the sublime Khalsa. You must worship only Akal Purakh, spurning all other Gods, Godesses, incarnations and prophets. You must accept the ten Gurus and their teachings as your only means of deliverance." (Sikh Rahit Maryada, page 26)
The 5k's are:
KACH- Trousers which do not go below the knee, it symbolizes sexual restraint and upholds the notion of moral purity. In the past it was well-suited to soldiers on horses
KANGHA-A comb of about six centimetres in length worn in the hair. The comb is not visible because it is worn in the topknot. It represents tidiness and inner purity
KARA-A visible iron or steel ring worn on the right wrist. It serves as an object for restraint or a shield for protection. It is the one 'K' retained by many Sikhs even if they do not wear the others
KES- Uncut hair which sybolizes strength and morality. It is kept in a turban because this is the best way to manage long hair
KIRPAN- This is a sword or dagger depending on its length but it represents the same thing- justice. It is not intended as a weapon and should not be drawn except in defence of the weak or the helpless
All items are absolutely mandatory for Khalsa-Sikhs and other Sikhs are encouraged to wear at least one of them (usually the Kara). However many Sikhs abroad do not adhere to the rules and cut their hair due to work commitments or due to troubles in India. Hew McLeod in his book Sikhism is sceptical that Sikhs in the West will continue to wear distinguishing features-
"The pressures to which they (Sikhs) expose themselves in Western countries can be very powerful and these pressures will certainly encourage a dissolution of the traditional identity over the course of two or three generations." (Hew McLeod, Sikhism, page 223)
Hopefully his dire forecast will not come to fruition
There are different types of Sikhs according to reformers. They can be placed in categories depending on the way they look-
