Articles of faith
- Main article: Five ks
Text for children
Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten gurus, told all members of the Sikh brotherhood to wear the five Ks as a symbol of their faith and to show their commitment to their religion. The Sikhs wear these five articles of faith, called Kakkars or "5Ks".
These articles of faith is like an external uniform for the Sikhs; to unify and bind them to their commitment. To be true to their moral values; to behave in the manner laid down by the Guru; to not engage in improper conduct; to follow the guidelines of the Guru as defined and amplified in SGGS or Sri Guru Granth Sahib at all times.
Many Sikhs who have not taken Amrit (similar to baptism) do not keep all five of these articles. Almost all Sikhs wear the Kara, or silver bangle.
The Kesh: The Kesh is long uncut hair. It has become the most visible way to identify Sikhs, who 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, "Keski" or "Chunni" to keep it tidy. They believe that keeping the uncut hair demonstrates their acceptance of the natural state of the human body as given by God. Almost all people you see wearing turbans in the West are Sikhs.
The Kanga: The kanga is a small wooden comb used to keep their long hair tidy, but it is more than that, it is a symbol of cleanliness and a reminder to keep ones life in tidy order and "comb" away impure thoughts.
The Kara: The Kara is a steel bangle worn on the waist of the dominant 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. Since we use our hands for almost everything we do, the bangle is a constant reminder of to do good deeds and remember God while performing your duties.
The Last two are a reminder that Sikhs are warriors and always fight for righteousness and to protect the weak.
The Kaccha: The kaccha is similar to a soldier's under-shorts, a loose, white, cotton undergarment symbolising a high moral character and spiritual freedom and a duty to exercise constrain and control at all times.
The Kirpan: The warrior's sword, representing a commitment to justice. These days a small kirpan is worn as a symbol of dignity, readiness to defend and self respect. It demonstrates the availability of power and reminds Sikhs that they must be ready at all times to defend and be ready to fight a spiritual battle, defend the weak and oppressed, and uphold the truth.
Also See
Above article based on article at: atschool.eduweb.co.uk and www.sikhnextdoor.org
