Rehat Maryada

The "Rehat Maryada" is the official Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions, providing detailed guidelines on the daily practices, ethical behavior, and spiritual discipline expected of Sikhs. Compiled by various Sikh scholars and contemporaries of Guru Gobind Singh Ji during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, these texts emphasize the importance of maintaining the five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan), the significance of Amrit (baptism), the conduct of religious ceremonies, and the principles of living a righteous life. The Rehat Maryada covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of devotion to God, community service, and adherence to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. It has played a crucial role in shaping the Sikh identity and ensuring the uniformity of religious practices within the Sikh community. The document was preceded by the Gurdwaras Act of 1925, which laid down the definition of a Sikh, and the current version was produced in 1950 based on the work of Sikh scholars. For those unfamiliar with the Rehat Maryada, these texts offer a profound insight into the spiritual and ethical teachings of Sikhism. They highlight the importance of living a disciplined and virtuous life, while also engaging in the world with compassion and integrity.