All About the Sikhism Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct & Conventions Document

The Sikh code of conduct outlined in the document Sikh Reht Maryada, (SRM), is based on historical mandates and the decrees established by the teachings of Sikhism's ten gurus and baptism bequeathed by Tenth Guru Gobind Singh:

• What is the Historical Basis of the Sikhism Code of Conduct?
• 52 Edicts of Tenth Guru Gobind Singh

• Rahit the Code of Conduct
• Maryada Conventions of Compliance

Five Defining Essentials of Sikhism

A Sikh may be born into a family who practices Sikhs or may convert to the Sikh faith. Any one is welcome to become a Sikh. The code of conduct defines a Sikh as one who believes in:

• The Five Essentials of Sikhism
  • One God
  • The Ten Gurus
  • The Scripture of the Guru Granth
  • Guidelines of Ten Gurus' Teachings
  • Sikh Baptism and Initiation

The Three Pillars of Sikh Principle

The code of conduct outlines three principles developed and established by the ten gurus. These three pillars form the foundation of Sikh living:

• The Three Principles of Sikhism

1. Personal daily worship routine:
   Early Morning Meditation:
   1. Morning Ablution
   2. Five Daily Prayers
   3. Formal Prayer of Petition
   4. Contemplative Meditation
   5. Meditating on the Divine Identity
   6. Meditating on the Wondrous Enlightener
   7. Top Ten Tips for Establishing Early Morning Meditation
2. Honest Earnings
   1. Ten Percent Tithe
3. Community Service:
   1. Sacred Food Service
   2. The Guru's Free Kitchen
   3. The Sikh Dining Tradition
   4. All About Langar, the Guru's Free Kitchen
   5. Sikh Tradition of Selfless Service Illustrated

Gurdwara Worship Protocol and Etiquette

The code of conduct includes the etiquette and protocol for worship in the gurdwara which houses the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's Holy Scripture. It is necessary to remove shoes and cover the head before entering any gurdwara. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises. Gurdwara worship service includes singing traditional hymns, prayer and reading scripture:

• What You Need to Know Before You Visit the Gurdwara
  • All About the Gurdwara Worship Place of Sikhs
  • The Sikh Gurdwara Illustrated
  • Gurdwara Kitchen and Dining Hall Illustrated
• Hymns of Immortal Nectar
  • Raag Melodious Hue
  • Tradtional Raag
  • Gallery of All Night Worship in Song
  • Hymns, Prayers and Blessings for All Occasions
• Top Ten Sikh Beliefs
• Sikh Congregation

Guru Granth Sahib Scripture Etiquette

The holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, is the eleventh and everlasting guru of the Sikhs. The code of conduct requires Sikhs to learn to read Gurmukhi script and encourages reading of scripture every day with a goal of repeatedly reading the entire Guru Granth Sahib. Etiquette and protocol is to be followed when reading and caring for the Guru Granth Sahib in the gurdwara or home:

• Guru Granth Sahib Sikhism's Holy Scripture
• Parkarma (Circumambulation) of Guru Granth
• The Guru's Divine Command
  
  • Before You Read a Random Verse
• Illustrated Guide to Reading Scripture
  • Learn to Read Sikh Scripture
  • Gurmukhi Script Required Learning
  • Significance of Gurmukhi Script in Sikh Scripture
  • Numeric Significance of Gurmukhi in Gurbani
• DIY Set Up a Sacred Space
  • DIY Portable Altar

Prashad and Offering of Sacrament

Prashad is a sweet sacred delicacy made with butter sugar and flour and is offered as a sacrament to the congregation with every worship service. The code of conduct gives guidance for preparing and serving prashad:

• Sacred Offering
• Prashad Recipe
• Preparation of Prashad Illustrated
  • Blessing Prashad With Prayer
  • Bless Before Serving Prashad
  • Serving Prashad During a Worship Service
  • Serving Prashad Following a Worship Service

Tenets and Teachings of the Gurus

The code of conduct incorporates both personal and public aspects of life. A Sikh is to follow the tenets of the ten gurus teachings and recognize the Guru Granth Sahib, (Sikhism's holy scripture) as sovereign from birth until death, regardless of whether or not they have opted for initiation and baptism. Every Sikh is to be educated about Sikhism. Anyone interested in conversion to Sikhism ought to adopt the Sikh way of life at earliest opportunity as they go about learning the precepts of Sikhism:

• The Sikh Way of Life and the Gurus' Teachings
  • What Do Sikhs Believe?
  • Top Ten Tenets of Sikhism
  • Eleven Sikhism Dos and Don'ts
• Top Must Have Books About Sikhism

Ceremonies and Important Life Events

The code of conduct offers guidance for conducting ceremonies marking important life events. Ceremonies take place in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture, and are accompanied by singing hymns, prayer, reading scripture, and a communal meal from the Guru's free kitchen:

• Baby Naming Ceremony
  • Before You Select a Sikh Baby Name
• Sikh Marriage Ceremony
  • Four Wedding Rounds
  • Blissful Business
  • Eleven Sikhism Matrimonial Dos and Don'ts
• Initiation Ceremony Illustrated
  • Ritual Initiation
• Sikhism Funeral Rites
  • The Final Moment
  • Funeral Hymns, Prayers, and Verses
• Verses From Sikh Scripture for Every Occasion

Amrit Initiation and Baptism

The code of conduct advises a Sikh who has reached the age of accountability to be baptized. All Sikh men and women of any caste, color, or creed have the right to be initiated:

• Origins of Baptism
  • Five Beloved Ones
• All About Sikh Baptism and Initiation Rites
  • Immortal Nectar
  • Ritual Initiation
  • Baptism and Initiation in Sikhism
  • Initiation Ceremony Illustrated
• Possessor of Amrit
  
  • Five Required Articles
  • Five Required Prayers
  • Four Cardinal Commandments
  • Transgression and Penance

Code of Conduct FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sikhism code of conduct on a variety of subjects include:

• Are Sikhs Allowed to Pluck Their Eyebrows?
• Sikh Women With Facial Hair?
• Are Widows Allowed to Remarry in Sikhism?
• Do Sikhs Believe in Circumcision?
• Is Medical Marijuana OK for Sikhs?