Modern Sikh Girls: Difference between revisions

From SikhiWiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
(I removed a misogynistic, "mansplaining" comment.)
 
(7 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Quoter|From woman, man is born; <br>
{{Tuk1|473|21410|From woman, man is born; <br>
within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married. <br>
within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married. <br>
Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. <br>
Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. <br>
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. <br>
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. <br>
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. <br>
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. <br>
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all. |Guru Nanak, Raag Aasaa Mehal 1, Page 473}}
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.}}


These are words that were uttered by the founder of [[Sikhism]], Sri [[Guru Nanak Dev]] in about 1499. So for [[Sikh]]s from that period, there has been compulsion to treat women as equals and gender discrimination was not allowed. [[Guru Gobind Singh]]'s also confirmed the equality by saying the line "Manas Kee Jaat Sabhey Ekey Pehchanboo" - ''"Regard all of human race as one"''.
These are words that were uttered by the founder of [[Sikhism]], Sri [[Guru Nanak Dev]] in about [[1499]] found in the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] in [[Raag Asa]] Mehal 1, page 473. So for [[Sikh]]s from that period, there has been compulsion to treat women as equals and gender discrimination was not allowed. [[Guru Gobind Singh]]'s also confirmed the equality by saying the line "Manas Kee Jaat Sabhey Ekey Pehchanboo" - ''"Regard all of human race as one"''.


The following are some of the real facts that one finds in modern type of Sikh girls. Actually they should not truly be considered as Sikh but as they are born in Sikh family; for the world they are Sikhs:
However, the true message of the Guru has not been understood by society even today more than 500 years after these famous sacred words were said by the holy Guru.


==Misuse of Equality with men==
==Killing Kesh (Long hair)==


* "Equality" does not mean "Similarity", Referring to Katha of Sant Singh Maskeen, Many of the morden girls make their personalities like boys; Mostly Bad Guys: they wear similar clothes; they behave in the same "macho" manner; same agressive stance, etc. It's not surprising that feature that develop in boys begin to develops in these mordern girls. Then they go to beauty parlours (Waxing, 'Cleansing', shaving, etc).  
{{main|Uncut Hairs}}
 
"[[Kesh]]" is one of the five [[kakkar]]s of Sikhism. In [[Sikhism]] to cut hair is considered a sin and by doing so is called [[Patit]]. Today both girls and boys believe in artificial look; the true image as given by God is found to be lacking. So they want to give their own look by cutting hair in different wild styles. [[Kanga]] is provided to set up the hair and keep them clean but in vain. Thus they are disobeying the Guru's order. Although this applies to both boys and girls, the girls are more aggressive and more extreme with this habit; seldom do you find a girl who tries to maintain the [[kesh]] - the long hair on the scalp; they quickly reach for the barber's scissor as soon as possible.
 
{{main|Human Hair}}
 
Hair is a characteristic feature of mammals, commonly known as "Hairy quadrupeds" - a group of animals that mark the climax of evolution. Mammals are also the dominant animals in the world today, due partly to their ability to regulate body temperature in the face of variations in environmental temperature. This requires regulation of heat production and heat loss by the body. Hair plays an important role in regulating heat loss from the body.
 
===Man Lost Tail for Hair===
 
Human kind marks the climax of evolution even among mammals, and has the most complex and highly developed brain, and in normal circumstances, the longest hair on head. This feature cannot be without reason. It cannot be a matter of mere chance or a mistake by nature, because if the tails has been lost the hair too could have been lost. On the contrary, human head-hair has increased manifold as compared to other mammals.
 
===Body's Extended Surface Area===
 
This dense and long growth of hair on the head shows that the body is trying to increase the surface area for some particular function. Such a trend to increase the surface area is seen in every system of the body, e.g. the highly coiled intestines with finger-like villi on their inner surfaces for absorption of digested food;etc
 
===Functions of Hair===
 
Hair performs a variety of functions. Some are :-


Nowadays, maximum women have hair on their body and they have to sit before 'hair butcher' (shortened to barbers) to kill their hair. Not only those ladies now Sikh women are also doing these things and continue to call themselves Sikh. Today many gals do not care about their clothes; it is there to wear only to show their body. The Gurus gave equality to women but also wrote a [[Bani]] called [[Suchajee & Kuchajee]]. By [[user:hpt_lucky]]
* Insulation and Protective Layer: Form an insulating coat on the body. Trap a layer of still air just outside the skin, and thereby reduce loss of heat by radiation and convection. Absorb harmful radiations from the sun. Protect from sun and rain.


'''Some comments by Sikh girls?:'''
* Filter and Diverter: Keep out coarse dust particles, as in eyelashes, hair in the nasal chambers and ear canals. Eyebrows prevent water or perspiration from falling into eyes, due to their particular direction.
* Misuse of equality? See, this is what frustrates me also. As a Sikh girl in the UK, I'm still in school and im at the stage where I question everything....
If Sikh men...can drink...why cant Sikh women? Sikhs are the most notorious drinkers!! its a fact!! If a man drinks so can his wife. If the man doesn't want his wife to drink he should stop also.


* and a girl can do what a guy can do! Sikh girls are the daughters of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, they too have the spirit of a lion within them. people should not forget that! I hate being told that i cant do something when the implication of the reasoning is that im a girl, and if i was a boy i would be allowed to!
*Ball Bearings: Axillary and pubic hair lessen friction between limbs and body, and between limbs during locomotion.


* the day sikh boys learn to treat women with more respect, and show some admiration towards girls who conduct themselves with dignity is the day sikh girls wont feel the need to expose themselves.
* Evaporation: Axillary hair provide large surface area for evaporation of sweat.
It works both ways!


I am a canadian woman from British Columbia. My father is Sikh, my mom Jewish, my grandparents Janist and hindu in one set, and Russian Orthadox and Jew in the other. My family has a fair bit of religious diversity from wiccans and catholics to atheists. Many years ago I did study sociology and psychology.  I was raised neither Sikh nor Jewish in the typical north american style of go to church for people getting married or funerals which often they had at christian churches despite their views because at the time there weren't always temples or churches for their own beliefs around.
* Beautify: Beautify the body (otherwise why people do not shave off their hair from the head completely; bald men are desperate and would pay any price to get back hair on their heads).
* Males Stand Out: Beard and moustaches are for differentiation of sex. Mostly males are decorated in nature, e.g. lion, peacock and other birds, deer, etc.


I admit I am new to Sikhism as I didn't get much exposure as a child.  But by what I have read if they believe in equality what is the problem?  Men go topless sometimes or showing their chest.  I have no intention of doing that though a woman in a city I used to live in challenged it and won the right in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.  I see nothing wrong with us wearing gender neutral cloths.  I have seen some women with turbans though it is not so common here.  I have seen men wear kilts and other things North American's would call "dresses" which are historical mens traditional clothing.  Most of us I think are aware of how we dress.  If I wear a sari it doesn't mean I'm being a seductress, etc.  To me I am just wearing a sari and I like the way it looks.  Its others jumping to conclusions perhaps because they aren't used to the style of dress.  Is wearing a two piece bathing suit making you a person asking for trouble?  I don't think so some men wear speedo's.  Frankly I find those vulgar as they leave nothing tot he imagination and just don't look so great.  But that is my personal opinion and I'm not going to be mean to a man for it.  As for me I wear a one peice or a tank ini which is a tank that covers your mid section and a skirt like bottom.  Its what I like and I know I don't look good in a bikini. When we came into this world we were nude with no regard for clothing unless we felt cold.  Because it is cold out we are likely to leave this world clothed.  Children are a clean slate without judgment which they form with life experience and mentoring.  It isn't until we stigmatize the human body and sexualize it that it takes on that form. If we view it simply as a body that comes in all shapes and sizes, that allows us to reproduce, create, survive, etc then we do not see it as evil.  It is man passing judgement that gives us conclusions that it is bad to be naked.  Most of us don't walk around naked because it is too cold for it and impracticable.  You can get hurt if your exposed so we cover ourselves for practical reasons.  Greek statues are a homage to the state we enter into this world.  Innocent and unassuming until we apply our own prejudices to it.  For example do you view a doctor as lewd for asking you to expose your body so they can assess a problem?  No they are not sexualizing you they are being matter of fact.  So next time you look at man or woman and come to your conclusions ask if you are being objective and rational.
*Antenas and Sensors: Vibrissae are sensory hair, tactile in nature and useful in dark burrows. Provide acute sensory mechanism to defend the body. Also, by standing on their ends, thereby making the body look bigger.


As we all know some sikh's cut their hair and some don't.  Oh wait that is wrong.  Lets be honest you all do even those that wear turbans and long braids.  You trim your hair.  My aunt grew her hair to about 2 inches above her ankle and her daughter let it go all the way to her bottom.  It is indeed long but you do cut it.  You say it needs to be trim or kept in a state where it wont become dirty by hitting the floor, etc.  So before any of you get nasty on the hair issue remember that.  Also the prohibition specifically said cutting hair.  From what I have read it doesn't translate as anything besides cutting.  This means waxing, electrolosis, and threading is no problem because it pulls hair.  Now if you say it comments we should not kill hair.  Hair is already dead so pulling it is not killing it.  Hair is dead skin cells so is it alive or dead? Since this site wont let me enter the link.  Search on Google for "Is hair dead skin" then look at the answers.  I had originally pasted a link to Yahoo Answers which does clearly state hair is dead skin cells.


Aggressive stance?  I have seen nothing that indicates that women aren't supposed to carry a dagger, and protect family.  I don't think men or women are aggressive normally unless provoked or giving the illusion of it by playing around, joking, or acting. If you stand up to someone it isn't aggressive. You might call it that but it doesn't make it true.  Doesn't it say we are to defend ourselves and our families?
Many people disobey Guru's order. But there is no actual sin in [[Sikhism]]; only self improvement and belief in [[Hukam]] - God's mission for us. Sin is a wrong which needs to be corrected by a payment or some sort of penance.... so penance is like, paying for a sin. This is not recognised as such in [[Sikhi]]. The Guru tells us that we are all sinners; that is why we have had to be reborn - So apart from a very few who have come to Earth to improve it, most of us are here for our own spiritual evolution or self-improvement.


Now for drinking and drugs.  I thought in general it says we should do neither.  So if men are drinking as someone mentions they are already violating the rules.  As someone points out on one spot I read.  Sikh's do not have sin only betterment.  So perhaps they should try dealcholized products.  I've tried fake wine and cider it is quite good but no alcohol.  I don't smoke but I do have incense that I use occasionally(still makes smoke that is inhaled).
A Sikh is someone who:


I agree that it says we are equal so why can't someone do something based on ability not on gender?  Of course men can not carry and have babies in the same sense.  But there is no reason why a man can not be a stay at home dad or have babies through adoption or fostercare.  There is no reason a woman can't do a construction job or any of the old stereotyped male jobs.  I think "you can't do that because your a girl" is a statement that should be a thing of the past.  So is the comment that "boys don't do that you must be gay or something" is also out of line and just rude.  We are not a sexual orientation or a gender.  We are people.  Some of us have a gift to offer in some area to our fellow man or nature.  Telling them they can't do that due to gender or orientation is a very sad thing. What doe we all loose because of peoples discouragement?
::: 1) Believes in the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] ji as the eternal guru
                   
::: 2) is working towards becoming a [[Khalsa]] - "spiritually pure".


As for respect it goes both ways.  One of my half sisters and my mom are pretty awful in how they treat men.  They view them as weak and as items to be used.  I'm ashamed of them and their behavior.  I have a half brother who is a misogynistic jerk. I similarly am ashamed of his attitude problem. - Saroja
==Dress sense and modesty==  


==Killing Hair==
Today many Sikhs feel helpless to see the dressing sense of young modern Sikh boys and girls. The growing tendency among the younger generation is to vividly show body contours; modesty has taken flight and near-nudity is taking close hold. This is a unhealthy devlopment in Sikh society. Although it may offend many Sikh girls, the tendency to wear dresses that are highly revealing does not adhere to the concept of decency and modesty that is necessary in [[Sikhi]].
{{sectstub}}
 
{{main|Uncut Hairs}}
The message of equality that has been spread by [[Guru Nanak]] does not literally mean "equality of dressing". This message of equality does not mean that boys and girls should wear similar clothes. The bodies of boys and girls become markedly different after the age of puberty and accordingly, this change means that a different approach in the way the different genders dress.  
"[[Kesh]]" is one of the five [[kakkar]]s of Sikhism. In [[Sikhism]] to cut hair is considered a sin and by doing so is called [[Patit]]. Today girls  believe in artificial look. They want to give their own look by cutting hair in different styles. [[Kanga]] is provided to set up the hair and keep them clean but in vain. Thus they are disobeying the Guru's order.
 
In [[Sikhism]] indecent and highly revealing clothes are not acceptable as the Gurus have asked for decent and modest way of dressing. The Guru reminds us to remember God at all times and not to become intoxicated in the material world ([[Maya]]) around us.
 
===Whatever you wear, remember the Lord who has given you everything===


{{main|Human Hair}}
{{Tuk1|225|9756|I may anoint my limbs with sandalwood oil (ie. apply perfume).<br>
I may dress up and wear silk and satin clothes.<br>
But without the Lord's Name, where would I find peace? (1)}}


Many people disobey Guru's order. But there is no actual sin in [[Sikhism]]; only self improvement.
In this [[shabad]], the Guru reminds us of our first mission in life - to remember the Lord who is the giver of everything; if you adorn yourself and forget God, it is like "{{gb1|240|10530|Without the Naam, all occupations are useless, like the decorations on a dead body}}. So first, even before you decide what to wear - always remember the Lord who has been merciful and has given us this beautiful life and body. If you have done this then take the next step to wear the clothes that you find pleasing and with which you feel your Lord will be happy with. If you do this, then you will certainly find peace and satisfaction in your life. Do not dress to please others, dress to please your Lord!
Sin implies penance.... penance is like, paying for a sin. I'm just going to make up an example here...... erm, if your a Christian and you commit a sin, and you visit the priest; the priest may says "go to this church and climb up and down the stairs this many times and your sin will be forgiven"<< that is penance.


===Make the humble dress the fence!===


A Sikh is someone who 1) Believes in the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] ji as the last eternal guru
{{Tuk1|595|26057|Make your mind the farmer, good deeds the farm, modesty the water, and your body the field.<br>
                      2) Believes in the [[5 k's]] 
Let the Lord's Name be the seed, contentment the plow, and your humble dress the fence.<br>
                      3) Believes in taking [[amrit]]
Doing deeds of love, the seed shall sprout, and you shall see your home flourish. (1)}}
                      4) is working towards becoming a [[Khalsa]].


I'm a bit of an in-between. I've never cut my hair, because it means something to me. The point is, if hair doesn't mean much to a person they'll cut it. Let them cut it, when they want to keep it they will.=)
In this beautiful [[shabad]], [[Guru Nanak]] in [[Sorath raga]] tells us of all the qualities in life that will bring you real lasting satisfaction and make your "home flourish" forever.  


==Dressup & Nudity==
*''"Make your mind the farmer, good deeds the farm"'' - Make your mind work the field of this body; work hard; get up early and activate the body; be constructive and plant good crops (good thoughts and deeds) in your life.
{{sectstub}}
* Today many Sikhs feel helpless to see the dressing sense of modern Sikh girls. The growing tendency among the girls to show body contours is a unhealthy step in our Sikh society. In [[Sikhism]] indecent dresses are not allowed. By [[user:Sarbjeet 1313me]]


As for girls and dressing up, girls need to cover up more! There is no reason why you cant look good and be modest. But its also upto the men, alot of young sikh boys, especially here in the UK, have NO SELF CONTROL!! its really quite sad..i think within the communities girls need to have more self respect in general, then they wont feel the need for attention from men, they'll stop dressing indecently as it is.(User:Unknown)
* ''"...modesty the water, and your body the field"'' - Pour modesty in abundance on your crops; be modest in your dealings with others and in your own ways and manners;


* In gurdwaras these girls come wearing indecent clothes. My Grandmom said "Ah Zamana A Gaya, Waheguru Waheguru". Why these humans not take care of their clothes, you are sitting in congregation. Like in a company you have professional style including your sense, Clothing, Speaking style. Why don't these girls think about the professionalism of Gurdwara. Simple Dress required!, Speaking Waheguru, Sitting Below with posture and with decent style. By [[user:hpt_lucky]]
* ''"Let the Lord's Name be the seed, contentment the plow"'' - Repeats the Lord's name; be content with what you have; don't lust for more and more; calm your mind and be satisfied with what you have;


* Tatoos which contain gurbani symbols should not be used. It's bejiti of Gurbani. By [[user:hpt_lucky]]
* ''"... and your humble dress the fence"'' - Make your humble dress code a fence - wear adequate clothes to protect the modesty of the body


*Vulgar Dresses are liked by mostly girls today and they call themselves modern. [[user:hpt_lucky]] want to say one thing. Firstly the human didn't wear the clothes, then slowly he started wearing Leaves, then he started wearing small clothes, then pant shirts suit salwars came. During Gurus period body was covered even head was covered. NOW HUMAN IS MODERN. But now human is going backward coming before world in undergarments, small clothes & one day in leaves and then nudity arrives again...lol what a prediction. Sant SIngh maskeen says in vyakhya the Europe is almost Nude. These type of girls call themselves modern. """Hum to modern hain"", I says "Arey ladki aap to puranee khayalaat wali hain, modern to hum hai""". By Ustaad Singh
* ''"Doing deeds of love, the seed shall sprout"'' - If you live with love in your heart, the good deeds will sprout and these sprouting plants will bear fruits;


* ''"... and you shall see your home flourish"'' - As a consequence of the hard work, doing good deeds, being modest in your ways, the result will be very fruitful and you will become satisfied and flourish in life.


==Drugs and Intoxicants==
==Drugs and Intoxicants==
{{sectstub}}
{{sectstub}}
* Drugs - The life destructive today women takes with great pleasure. In my city Chandigarh women likes to drink(wine beer etc), not for medicinal purposes but to get Nasha & its normal but a Sikh women do the same thing then it's ABNORMAL. This all is due to company & Taste Of Tongue & Taste of Mind. It is Shameful for me to see the Sikh gals & guys not the Sikh only but the humanity, to take drugs and other intoxicants in huge amount which is not fit for their body. Here Girls drink the whole cough syrup and says "Sheeshee Laa Rahi haan". They also take capsules. Drinking & taking drugs they dances between boys late night in club discos. An Siyaar Blady guys touch their private parts and girls have two responses "Koi Chakkar Nahin & & & Koi Chakkar He nahin. Well this is just some basic thing which i predict. By [[user:hpt_lucky]]
* Drugs - The life destructive today man takes with great pleasure. In my city Chandigarh many men likes to drink(wine beer etc), not for medicinal purposes but to get Nasha & its normal but a Sikh man do the same thing then it's ABNORMAL. This all is due to company & Taste Of Tongue & Taste of Mind. It is Shameful for me to see the Sikh guys not the Sikh only but the humanity, to take drugs and other intoxicants in huge amount which is not fit for their body. Here Guys drink the whole cough syrup and says "Sheeshee Laa Rahi haan". They also take capsules. Drinking & taking drugs they dances between girls late night in club discos.


==Lustful==
==Lustful==
{{sectstub}}
{{sectstub}}


* Today due to the lot of exposure of sex on TV there is a negative impact on our younger generation. Not only Sikh girls but non Sikh girls are falling prey to such lustful desires.  it is truth. Infatuation is there. We have many examples where Sikh girls are doing sex at the early age of 15-18 to fulfil their lustful desire.In Sikhism, Sex is not prohibited but it ir allowed in the prescribed format of Married life with loyalty. By [[user:sarbjeet_1313me]]
*I have many examples here. Boys are always lusty but today a boy is also Lusty of nature. He makes himself attractive to attract others.
There is a lot of negative impact, this is westernized society and we as Sikhs have to learn to combat its influence. We cant stop it from happening, but we can stop the influence in our communities. (User:Unknown)
* Today due to the lot of exposure of sex on TV there is a negative impact on our younger generation. Not only Sikh boys but non Sikh boys are falling prey to such lustful desires. Infatuation is there. We have many examples where Sikh boys are doing sex at the early age of 15-18 to fulfill their lustful desire.In Sikhism, Sex is not prohibited but it is allowed in the prescribed format of Married life with loyalty. By [[user:sarbjeet_1313me]]
 


* Today girl attract towards opposite sex easily and when she got raped then she knows what she did. I have many examples here. Boys are always lusty but today a Girl is also Lusty of nature. She makes herself attractive to attract others. What Guru Says '''Ranna Hoyian Bodhiann, Pursh Hoyae Siyaar'''. By [[user:hpt_lucky]]


* There is a lot of negative impact, this is westernized society and we as Sikhs have to learn to combat its influence. We cant stop it from happening, but we can stop the influence in our communities. '''(User:Unknown)'''
* There is a lot of negative impact, this is westernized society and we as Sikhs have to learn to combat its influence. We cant stop it from happening, but we can stop the influence in our communities. '''(User:Unknown)'''


*Also, i think there's a huge taboo in our society, whenever a guy even walks with a girl people instantly assume something dirty...i walk with my cousins down a road see an old lady from a gurdwara and they give me the evils every time. Sikh girls and boys need to be allowed to see each other, Sikh boys will learn how to control themselves and treat women with respect and Sikh girls will stop trying to sell themselves..its pretty simple. It makes me so angry when people make stupid assumptions, like a girl cant even walk down the road with her cousin without someone assuming something dirty! Parents need to trust their kids and stop being so backward. At the same time kids need to chill out and learn that there is more to life than trying to get attention from the opposite gender.(user:Unknown)
*Also, i think there's a huge taboo in our society, whenever a guy even walks with a girl people instantly assume something dirty...i walk with my cousins down a road see an old lady from a gurdwara and they give me the evils every time.  


=="Kaur" Removal from Names==
=="Kaur" Removal from Names==
Line 124: Line 146:


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Sikh Women]]


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 23:14, 15 September 2014

From woman, man is born;

within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married.
Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound.
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.

These are words that were uttered by the founder of Sikhism, Sri Guru Nanak Dev in about 1499 found in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Raag Asa Mehal 1, page 473. So for Sikhs from that period, there has been compulsion to treat women as equals and gender discrimination was not allowed. Guru Gobind Singh's also confirmed the equality by saying the line "Manas Kee Jaat Sabhey Ekey Pehchanboo" - "Regard all of human race as one".

However, the true message of the Guru has not been understood by society even today more than 500 years after these famous sacred words were said by the holy Guru.

Killing Kesh (Long hair)

Main article: Uncut Hairs

"Kesh" is one of the five kakkars of Sikhism. In Sikhism to cut hair is considered a sin and by doing so is called Patit. Today both girls and boys believe in artificial look; the true image as given by God is found to be lacking. So they want to give their own look by cutting hair in different wild styles. Kanga is provided to set up the hair and keep them clean but in vain. Thus they are disobeying the Guru's order. Although this applies to both boys and girls, the girls are more aggressive and more extreme with this habit; seldom do you find a girl who tries to maintain the kesh - the long hair on the scalp; they quickly reach for the barber's scissor as soon as possible.

Main article: Human Hair

Hair is a characteristic feature of mammals, commonly known as "Hairy quadrupeds" - a group of animals that mark the climax of evolution. Mammals are also the dominant animals in the world today, due partly to their ability to regulate body temperature in the face of variations in environmental temperature. This requires regulation of heat production and heat loss by the body. Hair plays an important role in regulating heat loss from the body.

Man Lost Tail for Hair

Human kind marks the climax of evolution even among mammals, and has the most complex and highly developed brain, and in normal circumstances, the longest hair on head. This feature cannot be without reason. It cannot be a matter of mere chance or a mistake by nature, because if the tails has been lost the hair too could have been lost. On the contrary, human head-hair has increased manifold as compared to other mammals.

Body's Extended Surface Area

This dense and long growth of hair on the head shows that the body is trying to increase the surface area for some particular function. Such a trend to increase the surface area is seen in every system of the body, e.g. the highly coiled intestines with finger-like villi on their inner surfaces for absorption of digested food;etc

Functions of Hair

Hair performs a variety of functions. Some are :-

  • Insulation and Protective Layer: Form an insulating coat on the body. Trap a layer of still air just outside the skin, and thereby reduce loss of heat by radiation and convection. Absorb harmful radiations from the sun. Protect from sun and rain.
  • Filter and Diverter: Keep out coarse dust particles, as in eyelashes, hair in the nasal chambers and ear canals. Eyebrows prevent water or perspiration from falling into eyes, due to their particular direction.
  • Ball Bearings: Axillary and pubic hair lessen friction between limbs and body, and between limbs during locomotion.
  • Evaporation: Axillary hair provide large surface area for evaporation of sweat.
  • Beautify: Beautify the body (otherwise why people do not shave off their hair from the head completely; bald men are desperate and would pay any price to get back hair on their heads).
  • Males Stand Out: Beard and moustaches are for differentiation of sex. Mostly males are decorated in nature, e.g. lion, peacock and other birds, deer, etc.
  • Antenas and Sensors: Vibrissae are sensory hair, tactile in nature and useful in dark burrows. Provide acute sensory mechanism to defend the body. Also, by standing on their ends, thereby making the body look bigger.


Many people disobey Guru's order. But there is no actual sin in Sikhism; only self improvement and belief in Hukam - God's mission for us. Sin is a wrong which needs to be corrected by a payment or some sort of penance.... so penance is like, paying for a sin. This is not recognised as such in Sikhi. The Guru tells us that we are all sinners; that is why we have had to be reborn - So apart from a very few who have come to Earth to improve it, most of us are here for our own spiritual evolution or self-improvement.

A Sikh is someone who:

1) Believes in the Guru Granth Sahib ji as the eternal guru
2) is working towards becoming a Khalsa - "spiritually pure".

Dress sense and modesty

Today many Sikhs feel helpless to see the dressing sense of young modern Sikh boys and girls. The growing tendency among the younger generation is to vividly show body contours; modesty has taken flight and near-nudity is taking close hold. This is a unhealthy devlopment in Sikh society. Although it may offend many Sikh girls, the tendency to wear dresses that are highly revealing does not adhere to the concept of decency and modesty that is necessary in Sikhi.

The message of equality that has been spread by Guru Nanak does not literally mean "equality of dressing". This message of equality does not mean that boys and girls should wear similar clothes. The bodies of boys and girls become markedly different after the age of puberty and accordingly, this change means that a different approach in the way the different genders dress.

In Sikhism indecent and highly revealing clothes are not acceptable as the Gurus have asked for decent and modest way of dressing. The Guru reminds us to remember God at all times and not to become intoxicated in the material world (Maya) around us.

Whatever you wear, remember the Lord who has given you everything

I may anoint my limbs with sandalwood oil (ie. apply perfume).

I may dress up and wear silk and satin clothes.
But without the Lord's Name, where would I find peace? (1)

In this shabad, the Guru reminds us of our first mission in life - to remember the Lord who is the giver of everything; if you adorn yourself and forget God, it is like ""Without the Naam, all occupations are useless, like the decorations on a dead body" (SGGS p 240). So first, even before you decide what to wear - always remember the Lord who has been merciful and has given us this beautiful life and body. If you have done this then take the next step to wear the clothes that you find pleasing and with which you feel your Lord will be happy with. If you do this, then you will certainly find peace and satisfaction in your life. Do not dress to please others, dress to please your Lord!

Make the humble dress the fence!

Make your mind the farmer, good deeds the farm, modesty the water, and your body the field.

Let the Lord's Name be the seed, contentment the plow, and your humble dress the fence.
Doing deeds of love, the seed shall sprout, and you shall see your home flourish. (1)

In this beautiful shabad, Guru Nanak in Sorath raga tells us of all the qualities in life that will bring you real lasting satisfaction and make your "home flourish" forever.

  • "Make your mind the farmer, good deeds the farm" - Make your mind work the field of this body; work hard; get up early and activate the body; be constructive and plant good crops (good thoughts and deeds) in your life.
  • "...modesty the water, and your body the field" - Pour modesty in abundance on your crops; be modest in your dealings with others and in your own ways and manners;
  • "Let the Lord's Name be the seed, contentment the plow" - Repeats the Lord's name; be content with what you have; don't lust for more and more; calm your mind and be satisfied with what you have;
  • "... and your humble dress the fence" - Make your humble dress code a fence - wear adequate clothes to protect the modesty of the body
  • "Doing deeds of love, the seed shall sprout" - If you live with love in your heart, the good deeds will sprout and these sprouting plants will bear fruits;
  • "... and you shall see your home flourish" - As a consequence of the hard work, doing good deeds, being modest in your ways, the result will be very fruitful and you will become satisfied and flourish in life.

Drugs and Intoxicants