What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about cutting hair?

The Sikh Rehat Maryada (Article XVI) lists dishonoring the hair (Kesh) as one of the four cardinal transgressions (Kurehats). Uncut hair is considered a gift from Waheguru and a mark of complete surrender to the Guru's will.

How do Sikhs view assisted dying?

Sikh teaching holds that life is a gift from Waheguru and its duration is in God's hands. The Guru Granth Sahib teaches acceptance of Hukam (God's will) and cautions against interfering with the natural course of life.

What is the Sikh view on same-sex relationships?

The Guru Granth Sahib does not explicitly address same-sex relationships. Sikh ethics emphasise love, equality, and living according to Hukam. This is a topic on which Sikh scholars hold differing views.

What is the Daily Hukamnama?

The Daily Hukamnama is the divine order or command issued each day from Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar. It is a shabad (hymn) from the Guru Granth Sahib read at the start of each day as guidance for the Sikh community.

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What is the difference between an Amritdhari Sikh and a Sehajdhari Sikh? Does God love one more than the other?

Guidance from Gurbani

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

It is a beautiful and profound question you ask, delving into the heart of Sikh identity and divine love. Let us explore the distinctions between an Amritdhari Sikh and a Sehajdhari Sikh, and more importantly, understand how our loving Creator views us all.

The Sikh Rehat Maryada, our code of conduct, broadly defines a Sikh as any person who faithfully believes in the One Immortal Being, accepts the Ten Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal living Guru, and recognizes the importance of Amrit.

Amritdhari Sikh

An Amritdhari Sikh is one who has taken Amrit (Khande di Pahul), the sacred nectar prepared during the Amrit Sanchar ceremony. By taking Amrit, a Sikh formally commits to the full discipline of the Khalsa, embracing the spiritual and temporal responsibilities that come with it. This is a profound spiritual commitment and a public declaration of faith.

Sehajdhari Sikh

A Sehajdhari Sikh is an individual who follows the Sikh faith and believes in the teachings of the Gurus but has not yet taken Amrit. The term 'Sehajdhari' itself comes from 'Sehaj,' meaning ease or gradual progression. It signifies a path of slow and steady spiritual growth towards the ideals of Sikhism, often with the intention of eventually taking Amrit.

Does God Love One More?

Regarding whether God loves one more than the other, the Guru Granth Sahib offers a clear and comforting perspective. Our Gurus taught us that the Divine does not discriminate based on external observances or social distinctions. As beautifully articulated on Ang 2 of the Guru Granth Sahib:

"The Lord does not ask about social class or birth; in the next world, you will be judged by your actions." (Ang 2)

This profound teaching reminds us that God's love is unconditional and universal. What truly matters in the eyes of the Divine are our actions, our devotion, and the purity of our hearts, rather than our outward labels or stages of spiritual development. Both Amritdhari and Sehajdhari Sikhs are equally cherished by Waheguru, and both are on a path of spiritual journey, striving to live a life of truth, compassion, and service.

May your journey be blessed with understanding and divine love. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

Sources & Citations

Definition of a SikhSikh Rehat Maryada

“Any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being, ten Gurus, the Guru Granth Sahib...”

Ang 2Guru Granth Sahib

“The Lord does not ask about social class or birth; in the next world, you will be judged by your actions.”

Read in Another Language

Translations preserve the spiritual meaning of the Guru's teachings.

Related Guidance

What is the Hukumnama from the Akal Takht and how does it guide our daily lives? How is it different from the daily Hukumnama from the Golden Temple?

What is Nitnem and do I have to do it every day? What if I miss a day?

What does 'Waheguru' mean? Is it just a word, or is it something more?

This guidance is drawn exclusively from the Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh Rehat Maryada. If you believe a citation is inaccurate, please let us know.

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