Sikh Reht Maryada

Published by:- Secretary, Dharam Parchar Committee (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar)

Preface to the English Version of Reht Maryada

This English version of the Sikh Reht Maryada is a faithful translation of the Punjabi original. Translations do not generally need prefaces. Why the author of this version has chosen to write a preface, therefore, needs to be explained.

Translation of any work is an extremely hard job: translation of a book of laws is very much harder, particularly if the laws in question are moral or religious rules or social conventions which inevitably embody subtle nuances of a religion's metaphysical, moral and social philosophy. The translator in this case becomes burdened with the dual responsibility of ensuring that his translation embodies the full as also the exact import of the original.

In the specific context of the Sikh Reht Maryada, that was essential for two reasons. Like any book of laws and rules promulgated by any other religion, the English version of the Sikh Reht Maryada may be taken as a key to the Sikh spiritual and social philosophy. It must, therefore, most faithfully, reflect the views of its exalted authors (men of profound learning, who had not only deeply meditated on Sikhism but lived it and who drew upon the collective wisdom of an extraordinarily fervent generation of Sikh divines and intellectuals, apart from a large number of texts, for compiling these rules) untainted by the translator's own moral or cognitive predilections which may affect his interpretation of these rules without his being even aware of it.

The second reason why the English version should embody the full and exact import of the original is that with the Sikh diaspora over the globe, the links of the Sikh migrants to other Indian states and foreign countries with Punjabi are loosening. Also, people, the world over, have begun to evince interest in Sikhism and some have embraced this religion. For ensuring uniformity of observances and avoiding unintended heresy, it was absolutely necessary that the English version of the Reht Maryada was not just a translation but a totally exact version of the Reht Maryada.

For securing that, the author of this Version has tried his level best to translate the original Punjabi text literally. Where the words used in the original did not have exact equivalents in English or embodied exotic concepts, he has employed descriptive phrases to bring the ideas they convey within an English knowing reader's ken.

For these very reasons, he has religiously adhered to the original text, appending footnotes where elaborations were necessary. At one or two places, he has interpolated a phrase. But that was to impart specificity to the context after making sure that the interpolation did not, in the least, affect the sense or tenor of the text. As regards the footnotes in the ensuing version, these fall into two categories. The original (Punjabi) version, had some footnotes. For the author of this version, they were the part of the sacrosanct text. They appear in this version against numerals. The footnotes contributed by him appear against astrick marks.

But, the author of this version has made a rather radical departure from the system of division of the original text and recast the text into divisions and sub-divisions devised entirely by him without rearranging the text. He submits it in all humility that he had found the division and classification of the original text some-what confusing. He felt that dividing the text into sections, chapters and articles would place the subject matter of the text in a clear and intelligible perspective. So, without tempering with the text in the slightest and preserving the subject-wise classification in the original, he has organised the entire text into six sections, thirteen chapters and twenty seven articles. Headings for most of the chapters were available in the original text. Where they were not, they have been provided by him.

And now, a few remarks which are indirectly but nonetheless, vitally relevant to the essence of this translator's mission : producing an English version of the Sikh Reht Maryada with the object of promoting uniformity in the Sikh conduct and observances in the interest of deeper religious cohesion. The Sikh Reht Maryada, as the ensuing preface to the original Punjabi text will show is the product of collective Panthic wisdom. What is more, some of the greatest Sikh scholars and savants of all times contributed to it and deliberated on its contents. So this work should take precedence on any sectional beliefs and preferences. In a wider context, the contents of the Reht Maryada should be taken as the final word as to the matters they deal with. That will foster panthic cohesion.

And finally, this English version of the Reht Maryada is in a very real sense the product of a collective endeavor. Into its making have gone not only this translator's modest talent for translation and labour but also the initiative taken by Dr. Surjit Singh Gandhi, who, in fact, prepared a version himself for the S.G.P.C. and put that at this translator's disposal -- this translator thankfully acknowledges having relied on it for guidance in relation to several subjects and constant goading by Principal Satbir Singh, a well-known Sikh Scholar and a member of S.G.P.C. and S.Manjit Singh, during whose earlier tenure of office as Secretary, S.G.P.C., the preparation of this version was taken up. No less valuable is the contribution of those who went through the manuscript to ensure that it completely corresponded to the Punjabi original. Considering the high status of these persons in the realm of Sikh religious learning, their approval of this English version of the Reht Maryada should bestow on it the status of an authentic version. Omitting to mention the name of Mr. Mewa Singh (who so painstakingly prepared the type-script from a none too neat manuscript) in this context, will be an unpardonable lapse. And finally, equally valuable in the production of the work has been the contribution, in its laser typesetting, of Mr. Gurvinder Singh of Standard Data & Word Processors, Patiala, a young man endowed with extraordinary competence and immense patience.

This translator humbly dedicates his labour to all those who search for guidelines as to the truly Sikh conduct for self-education or for regulating their secular and religious life.

Patiala, 31st August, 1994 -Kulraj Singh

The Code of Sikh Conduct and Conventions

One Absolute - Manifest, Eternal Destroyer of Darkness Grace Inearnate

The All India Sikh Mission Board accorded their acceptance to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee's Conduct and Conventions Sub-Committee's draft of conduct and conventions by their resolution no.1 of 1st August 1936 and the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, by their resolution No.14 of 12th October, 1936. The S.G.P.C.'s Advisory Committee on Religious Matters again considered the draft in its meeting on 7th January, 1945 and made recommendations for certain additions to and deletions from it. The undermentioned gentlemen were present at this meeting of the Advisory Committee. 1 Singh Sahib Jathedar Mohan Singh, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat; 2 Bhai Sahib Bhai Achhar Singh, Head Granthi, Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar; 3 Prof. Teja Singh M.A., Khalsa College, Amritsar; 4 Prof. Ganga Singh, Principal, Shahid Sikh Missionary College; 5 Giani Lal Singh, Professor, Sikh Missionary College, Amritsar; 6 Prof. Sher Singh M.Sc., Government College, Ludhiana; 7 Bawa Prem Singh of Hoti; 8 Giani Badal Singh, Incharge, Sikh Mission, Hapur. The additions and deletions as per the Advisory Committee's recommendations received the S.G.P.C.'s acceptance by its resolution No. 97 passed at its meeting held on 3rd Feb.,1945.

Introduction

The code of conduct and conventions recorded in the pages that follow was received by the S.G.P.C. from its Code of Conduct and Conventions Sub-Committee with its report reproduced here-in-below: Report of S.G.P.C.'s Code of Conduct and Conventions Sub-Committee

To

                                                                                           The Secretary, 
                                                                                           S.G.P.Committee,
                                                                                           Amritsar.

Sir,

          The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee had consituted a sub-committe comprising the undermentioned gentlemen for preparing a draft of code of conduct and conventions to enable it to determine and prescribe a proper set of conventions for gurduwaras (Sikh places of worship):
        Giani Thakar Singh, Amritsar; Giani Sher Singh; Bhai Budh Singh; Akali Kaur Singh; Sant Sangat Singh of Kamaliya; Bhai Kahn Singh of Nabha; Sant Gulab Singh of Gholiya; Bhai Labh Singh, Granthi, Sri Harmandar Sahib; Bhai Hazura Singh of Hazur Sahib (or a representative of his); Pandit Basant Singh of Patiala; Bhai Vir Singh of Amritsar; Giani Hira Singh Dard; Bawa Harkishan Singh, Principal, Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Guujranwala; Bhai Trilochan Singh of Sur Singh, Distt. Lahore; Giani Hamir Singh of Amritsar; Pandit Kartar Singh of Dakha, Distt. Ludhiana; the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat; the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the Jathedar of the Takht Sri Patna Sahib; Prof. Ganga Singh; Prof. Jodh Singh; Sant Man Singh of Kankhal; justice Teja Singh; Bhai Randhir Singh; and Prof. Teja Singh (who was to be the convenor of the sub-committee). 
        The meetings of this sub-committee were held on Oct. 4 and 5, 1931, Jan. 3,1932, and Jan. 31,1932 at the Akal Takht. The following members kept attending these meetings and participating in the deliberations:
        Akali Kaur Singh; Giani Sher Singh; Sant Man Singh of Nirmala sect; Prof. Ganga Singh; the Jathedar of the Akal Takht; the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib; Giani Hira Singh Dard; Bhai Labh Singh Granthi; Giani Thakar Singh; Giani Hamir Singh; Bawa Harkishan Singh, M.A.; Justice Teja Singh; Bhai Trilochan Singh; and the undersigned, the convenor.
          Apart from these, the following gentlemen, attended occasionally:
      S. Dharam Anant Singh, Principal, Sikh Missionary College; S. Bhag Singh, Advocate, Gurdaspur; S. Wassawa Singh, Secretary, S.G.P.C.; S. Tara Singh (President, Shiromani Akali Dal); among others.
            The draft is submitted to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee. We hope you will get this draft printed and published for ascertaining the general Panthic opinion as to it and after receiving various opinions, present it in the S.G.P.C.'s general meeting for final acceptance.
               After this, the draft was once again deliberated upon on 8th May, 1932 at the behest of S.G.P.C. 

The following gentlemen were present at the meeting on 8th May:

        Justice Teja Singh; Sant Teja Singh, Granthi, Sri Nankan Sahib, Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafar; Giani Nahar Singh; S.Wassawa Singh, Secretary S.G.P.C.; Bhai Kartar Singh Jhabbar; S.Waryam Singh Garmula (Member Incharge,Nankana Sahib,); Bhai Partap Singh, book seller; S.Lal Singh (S.G.P.C.) ; Bhai Partap Singh, book seller; S. Lal Singh (S.G.P.C); Jathedar Mohan Singh (Sri Akal Takht);et. al.
          Later, on the insistence of several gentlemen, another meeting of the conduct and convention Sub-Committee was held on 26th September 1932 to consider the draft once again. The following members attended that meeting : 
          Giani Sher Singh; Giani Thakar Singh; Giani Hamir Singh; Bhai Labh Singh, Granthi, Sri Darbar Sahi; Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafar; Bhai Joginder Singh (Mit-Jathedar Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib); Justice Teja Singh; Giani Nahar Singh; and the undersigned, the convenor.           Apart from these, Sant Teja Singh M.A. also participated in the deliberations. The committee deliberated upon the entire draft with utmost care and corrected it minutely.
                   Now this draft is again being submitted by the Conduct and Conventions Sub-Committee to the S.G.P.C. Kindly get this draft printed and circulated among the congregations for their final opinion. Besides, a special session of the S.G.P.C. may be convened to consider it and accord to the approved draft the S.G.P.C.'s final acceptance.
                                                                         Sd. Teja Singh
     Ist Oct. 1932.                                     Convenor, Conduct and Conventions
                                                                        Sub-Committee.

The list of Individuals and Associations who sent their opinions concerning the Draft.

The names of the individuals who sent their opinions as to the draft of the Code of Conduct and Conventions and its contents:

1. Bhai Sajjan Singh, Custodian of the office of Gurdwara Sri Hazur Sahib, Nander; 2. S. Hazara Singh, Patiala, Government Contractor, Bhawanigarh; 3. Giani Hira Singh Dard, Lahore; 4. Bhai Harnam Singh Naacheez, village Naushehra soon Sakesar, Distt. shahpur; 5. Bhai Partap Singh, Publisher and Book-seller, Amritsar. 6. Bhai Ram Singh, Dera Baba Mishra Singh, Chowk Lachhmansar, Amritsar; 7. Giani Nahar Singh of Asli Qaumi Dard, Amritsar. 8. Giani Nahar Singh of Asli Qaumi Dard, Amritsar, (Reacting to the second draft); 9. S. Ganda Singh V.C.O. (Retd.), Examiner Persian Writings, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar City; 10. Vaid Naurang Singh, Gurbachan Singh Tanghi, Amritsar; 11. Bhai Mala Singh, Gurdwara Churasti Attari, Amritsar; 12. Sardar Bahadur Bhai Sahib Kahn Singh, Nabha; 13. Anonymous devotee; 14. Anonymous devotee; 15. Sant Tehl Singh Ji, Majitha, Amritsar; 16. Bhai Narain Singh, Masit Palkot, P.O. Garhdiwala (Hoshiarpur): 17. Bhai Uttam Singh Chittagong (Bengal), P.O.,Railway Building, Chittangong; 18. Editors, The Khalsa and The Khalsa Advocate, Amritsar; 19. Bhai Amrik Singh, Lime Merchant, Gujranwala; 20. Sant Gulab Singh, Khalsa Anand Bhawan, Moga (Ferozepur); 21. Giani Hira Singh, Dhudial, Jhelum; 22. Bhai Nand Singh Engineer C/o Baba Bakhtawar Lal Sharma, Bathinda; 23. Master Bachan Singh 'Bachan', Sidhwan Kalan (Ludhiana); 24. Bhai Bishan Singh Suhana, G.D. Khalsa High School, Jalandhar; 25. Bhai Nazam Singh Sadhaar, Dinapur (Patna); 26. Sant Gulab Singh Gholiya, Moga; 27. Ganda Singh Jaachak, Amritsar; 28. Master Puran Singh Anandpuri, Chowk Karori, Amritsar; 29. Giani Bachittar Singh C/o Khalsa Trading Agency, Calcutta; 30. Bhai Tripat Singh, Nagoki Sarli (Amritsar); 31. Giani Ran Singh, Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, Mirpur (via Jhelum); 32. Bhai Chattar Singh, Gurdwara Saranban City, Malaysia; 33. Bhai Thakar Singh Sansaar, Village Fatehgarh Ghanyian, P.O. Gurdaspur; 34. Pandit Kartar Singh, Dakha (Ludhiana); 35. Bhai Prem Singh Giani, Khalsa High School, Kalar (Rawalpindi); 36. Bhai Gurdit Singh Dars, Chak No. 132, P.O. Multan; 37. Bhai Sunder Sngh Duberan (Rawalpindi); 38. Bhai Bhagat Singh, Khalsa High School, Baba Bakala, Amritsar; 39. Bhai Saran Singh, Granthi, Gurdwara Ratan Tala, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Karachi; 40. Bhai Chhehber Singh, Head Master, Khalsa Updeshak College, Orphnage Gharjakh (Gujranwala); 41. Bhai Mal Singh Khosla, Kashmir State; 42. Dr. Teja Singh Giani, Fateh Chak (Tarn Taran); 43. Bhai Gurmukh Singh, Granthi, Barhundi (Ludhiana); 44. Bhai Mohan Singh Vaid, Tarn Taran (Amritsar); 45. Bhai Jodh Singh, Kripan Bahadar, Alowal, (Malay State); 46. Bhai Prem Singh, Govt. Pensioner, Mangat (Gujrat); 47. Bhai Mahan Balbir Singh Akali, Village Patto Singh Wali P.O. Ferozepur; 48. Bhai Manohar Singh, first Head Clerk, Local Gurdwara Committee, Amritsar; 49. Bhai Mahinder Singh, President Gurdwara Committee Samadh Bhai, Village Anuke (Ferozepur); 50. Bhai Gurbachan Singh (Ketrygess M.P. nett Jormun'e B.Sc.);

Opinions as to the draft of the Code of Conduct and Conventions and its contents were received from the following Panthic Associations;

1. Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Khadoor Sahib (Amritsar); 2. Khalsa Committee (School), Hoti; 3. Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Gujranwala; 4. Sikh Women's Educational Committee, Shaankar (Jalandhar); 5. Sangat Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur; 6. Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Gujarkhan; 7. Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Chak Jhumra Mandi (Lyallpur); 8. Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Kuntrila (Rawalpindi); 9. Akali Jatha Amritsar City; 10. Sikh Teachers' Association, Khalsa School, Khaaria (Gujrat); 11. Khalsa Central Diwan, Shromani Panth, Malouni Jatha, Majha; 12. Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Dhudial (Jhelum); 13. Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Bombay; 14. Guru Nanak Khalsa Mission School, Dehra Sahib, Jama Rai; 15. Khalsa Diwan Lahore Cantt; 16. Central Sikh Naujwan Sabha, Burma Jaunji (S.S.S) and Khalsa Diwan Burma; 17. Secretary, Akali Jatha, Tehsil Ambala; 18. Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Khushab (Sargodha); 19. Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan, Stockton (America) 20. Gurdwara Committee, Momeo (Burma); 21. Jathedar Budha Dal Nihang Singh Chalda Vehir, Dhobi Mandi, Lahore.