Belonging
1. Rituals, actions and beliefs that demonstrate how a person belongs to a faith community – dress, worshipThe offering of praise and reverence to God via a religious service, moral codes, behavioural expectations.
2. The means by which these actions and beliefs can be expressed.
3. What it means to belong for the individual and the community.
4. The difference that it makes to an individual and the community to belong.
Practising Sikhs visit the gurdwaraThe Sikh place of worship literally meaning the Guru's door often and may wear the 5KsThe panj kakke or five symbols worn by Sikhs of the KhalsaLiterally the pure ones, referring to the family or brotherhood of initiated Sikhs - the keshReferring to the uncut hair of male Sikhs (uncut hair), karaReferring to the steel bracelet worn by male Sikhs on their wrist (bracelet), kirpan Referring to a Sikh sword (sword), kachera (breeches) and kangha (comb). Joining the Khalsa is the most obvious way of showing commitment to the GuruAn Indian term for teacher; literally a remover of darkness. It is an act of active discipleship. Sikhs commit to saying daily prayersExtempore and set conversations with God, avoiding four taboos and behaviour expected of a son/daughter of Guru Gobind SinghThe name given to all male Sikhs, literally meaning 'lion' Ji and Mata Sahib KaurLiterally princess, and the name given to all female members of the Sikh Khalsa.
For Sikhs, joining the Khalsa and receiving amritIn Sikhism referring to an ambrosia or nectar mixture of sugar and water used in ceremonies demonstrates the relationship between belief and action.
When a Sikh joins the Khalsa they leave behind their previous identity and take the new surnames, 'Singh' for men and 'Kaur' for women. The Khalsa becomes their new family.
For the individual they commit themselves to something beyond themselves, they actively commit to following the Guru. For the community it means continuity.
Websites
http://www.singhsabhacanada.com
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