Indian Arts and Culture Sikhism All About the Sikhism Code of Conduct Principles and Mandates of Sikhism Share Flipboard Email Print Sikhism Life and Culture Origins Sacred Scriptures Baby Names By Sukhmandir Khalsa Sikhism Expert Sukhmandir Kaur is a Sikh author, educator, and the president of Dharam Khand Sikh Academy. our editorial process Sukhmandir Khalsa Updated April 26, 2019 The Sikhism code of conduct is known as Sikh Reht Maryada (SRM) and outlines the mandates of daily living for every Sikh as well as requirements for the initiated. The code of conduct defines who is a Sikh and offers guidance for the Sikh in personal and public life. The code of conduct stipulates principles and mandates, according to the teachings of Sikhism's 10 gurus and includes protocol guidelines for worship, care of the Guru Granth Sahib and reading of scriptures, important life events, ceremonies, practices, rituals, baptism and initiation requirements, prohibitions and penance. Code of Conduct & Conventions Document Sikh Reht Maryada. Photo © [Khalsa Panth] 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 ConductMaryada Conventions of Compliance Five Defining Essentials of Sikhism Ik Onkar - One God. Photo © [S Kahlsa] 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 SikhismOne God The Ten GurusThe Scripture of the Guru Granth Guidelines of Ten Gurus' TeachingsSikh Baptism and Initiation The Three Pillars of Sikh Principle The Three Principles of Sikhism. Photo © [S Khalsa] 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 Personal daily worship routine:Early Morning Meditation:Morning AblutionFive Daily PrayersFormal Prayer of PetitionContemplative MeditationMeditating on the Divine IdentityMeditating on the Wondrous EnlightenerTop Ten Tips for Establishing Early Morning MeditationHonest EarningsTen Percent TitheCommunity Service:Sacred Food ServiceThe Guru's Free KitchenThe Sikh Dining TraditionAll About Langar, the Guru's Free KitchenSikh Tradition of Selfless Service Illustrated Gurdwara Worship Protocol and Etiquette Gurdwara Bradshaw Worship Service. Photo © [Khalsa Panth] 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 GurdwaraAll About the Gurdwara Worship Place of Sikhs The Sikh Gurdwara Illustrated Gurdwara Kitchen and Dining Hall Illustrated Hymns of Immortal NectarRaag Melodious Hue Tradtional Raag Gallery of All Night Worship in SongHymns, Prayers and Blessings for All OccasionsTop Ten Sikh BeliefsSikh Congregation Guru Granth Sahib Scripture Etiquette Guru Granth Sahib. Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa] 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 CommandBefore You Read a Random Verse Illustrated Guide to Reading ScriptureLearn to Read Sikh ScriptureGurmukhi Script Required LearningSignificance of Gurmukhi Script in Sikh ScriptureNumeric Significance of Gurmukhi in Gurbani DIY Set Up a Sacred SpaceDIY Portable Altar Prashad and Offering of Sacrament Blessing the Prashad. Photo © [S Khalsa] 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 OfferingPrashad Recipe Preparation of Prashad IllustratedBlessing Prashad With PrayerBless Before Serving PrashadServing Prashad During a Worship ServiceServing Prashad Following a Worship Service Tenets and Teachings of the Gurus Children's Camp Kirtan Class 2008. Photo © [Kulpreet Singh] 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' TeachingsWhat Do Sikhs Believe?Top Ten Tenets of SikhismEleven Sikhism Dos and Don'tsTop Must Have Books About Sikhism Ceremonies and Important Life Events Wedding Ceremony. Photo © [Hari] 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 CeremonyBefore You Select a Sikh Baby Name Sikh Marriage CeremonyFour Wedding RoundsBlissful BusinessEleven Sikhism Matrimonial Dos and Don'ts Initiation Ceremony IllustratedRitual Initiation Sikhism Funeral RitesThe Final MomentFuneral Hymns, Prayers, and VersesVerses From Sikh Scripture for Every Occasion Amrit Initiation and Baptism Amritsanchar - Initiation of Khalsa. Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa] 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 BaptismFive Beloved Ones All About Sikh Baptism and Initiation Rites Immortal Nectar Ritual Initiation Baptism and Initiation in SikhismInitiation Ceremony Illustrated Possessor of AmritFive Required ArticlesFive Required PrayersFour Cardinal CommandmentsTransgression and Penance Code of Conduct FAQ Intact Eyebrow of Sikh Woman. Photo © [Jasleen Kaur] 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?