Prohibited Behaviour in Sikhi

Prohibited Behaviour:

Non-Logical Behaviour

Superstitions and meaningless Rituals: Sikhs are forbidden to believe in any superstitions or to under take ritualistic practises, which have no meaning.

Pilgrimages to holy places are discouraged as it does not in anyway enhances the person’s inner self.

Fasting as a penance does not bring the person near to God and is of no spiritual benefit. However, if one uses this for medical reasons, then Gurbani does not speak against it.

Bathing in rivers; gambling; circumcision; worship of graves, idols, pictures; compulsory wearing of the veil for women, etc are all forbidden.

Material Obsession

“Maya” – The accumulation of materials wealth has no spiritual meaning or benefits to Sikhs. Wealth, Gold, Portfolio, Stocks, Commodities, Properties will all be left here on Earth when you depart. Do not get attached to them. They are only a means to help the person for their short visit during this present ‘Joone’ or human life on Earth.

Sacrifice of Creatures

Sati – widows throwing themselves in the funeral pyre of their husbands; lamb and calf slaughter to celebrate holy occasions; etc

Non-Family Oriented Living

A Sikh is not allowed to live a recluse, beggar, yogi, monk, Nun, celibacy, etc. Gurbani, the word of the Guru, tells the Sikhs to live the life of a Householder. To raise a family; to earn honestly; to help the community; to educate the children; to remember God at all times.

Worthless Talk

Slander, bragging, gossip, lying, etc are not permitted. One must not indulge in these practises as by these feeble acts, ones mind and body are ‘diluted’ or weakened.

Intoxication

All types of intoxication is not allowed in the Sikh religion. Drinking alcohol, Drugs, Smoking tobacco are completely forbidden. The Gurus speak strongly against the consumption of all types of intoxicants.

No priestly Class

Sikhs do not have to depend on a priest or clergy for any of the functions that need to be performed in their religious duties. The religious acts have been made very simple so that most Sikhs can carry these out themselves in their daily lives.

See also Sikhism and Sikh Religious Philosophy