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The Khalsa (meaning
the 'pure') Brotherhood was created by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh
on Vaisakhi, 1699. Amrit or holy water was first administered to the Panj
Piyarai or the Five Beloved Ones.To be initiated into the Khalsa
one must undergo the Amrit ceremony. All members of the Khalsa must keep
the 5K’s, the symbols of their commitment to God.
| Kesh |
Unshorn
hair. A natural gift from God, also gives the Sikh a distinctive and
separate identity. |
| Kunga |
Small comb to keep
the Kesh tidy, also symbolises cleanliness. |
| Kara |
Steel bracelet,
asymbolic reminder that one is linked to God |
| Kirpan
|
Sword for the defence
of oneself and of the poor and downtrodden |
| Kasha |
Underwear/shorts
a symbol of chastity and modesty. |
All
amritdharies (those who have been initiated into the Khalsa by undergoing
the Amrit ceremony)
| Must get up early
in the morning and bathe every day – Physical cleanliness |
| Must recite the
five prayers in the morning – Japji, Jaap, Swayia, Chaupai and
Anand Sahib. – Spiritual cleanliness. |
| Must never eat
meat |
| Must never consume
alcohol |
| Must never smoke
tobacco |
| Must never cut
ones hair and must wear a turban |
| Must remain true
to ones married partner. |
| Must do an honest
days work |
| Must share the
fruits of their labour with those around them |
| Must defend the
poor and uphold righteousness |
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