The Five Articles of Faith

The Five Articles of Faith

November 10, 2015

The Five Articles of Faith

        Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion with over 20 million believers and followers, also known as Sikhs “disciple” in Punjabi. Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji founded Sikhism in the fifteenth century in India as a way of life in in order to restore the Human Race (United Sikhs). Their beliefs are based on the Three Pillars of Sikhism, Naam Japna (meditation), Kirat Karni (living honestly), and Vand Chakna (sharing and giving back to community). In order to practice these beliefs, one must possess certain qualities and express them in their everyday life. These are Sat (Truth), Daya (Compassion), Nimrata (Humility), Santokh (Contentment), and Pyare (Love). Along with these five qualities are five opposite vices, also known as the Five Thieves, Haumai (Ego), Kaam (Lust), Krodh (Anger), Moh (Attachment), and Lobh (Greed). A Sikh has to constantly battle and overcome these five vices in order to develop these positive human qualities that will bring their souls closer to God (Fisher).

        A devotee of Sikhism that has been baptized is called a Khalsa “pure”, while a Sikh who has not been baptized but follows all rules is called a Sahajdari “slow adopter”. In 1699, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, commanded all Khalsa Sikhs to wear five Articles of Faith at all times. (Fisher) Collectively, these articles form the identity and commitment to the Sikh way of life. Through this practice a Sikh can stay focused on their purpose and true nature.

        The Five Articles of Faith are natively called Kakaars, but are commonly known as the Five Ks, Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kacchera, and Kirpan. They have spiritual significance related to the Five Thieves.

Kesh is simply uncut and unshorn hair. A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair, anywhere to indicate the perfection of God’s creation. The keeping of hair in its natural state is regarded as living in harmony with the will of God. A Dastaar is a turban worn to protect the Kesh and guard the Dasam Duaar (the Tenth Gate), a spiritual opening at the top of the head. When you cover the Dasam Duaar all worldly fashions stop. The turban is a spiritual crown, which is a constant reminder to the Sikh that he or she is sitting on the throne of consciousness and is committed to living according to Sikh principles (Singh). Crowning one with a Dastaar one is reminded that their head belongs to Guru Sahib and that they should not have ego. When a man or woman wears a turban they will be self-conscious of living up to their principles, therefore subduing their ego and self-centered mind (sikiwiki.org). “One who does not tie a fresh turban is liable for penalty. For this reason it is mandatory for every Sikh of the Guru to tie a turban every day.” –Rehitnama Bhai Chaupa Singh (Kapoor).

Kanga is a wooden comb used for keeping your hair clean and encourage cleanliness of the mind as well as the body. Sikhs use it twice a day and it is supposed to be worn only in the hair and at all times. Combing their hair reminds Sikhs that their lives should be tidy and organized. Keeping your Kesh tidy is not just a symbol of accepting what God has given, but also to show respect by maintaining it with grace. When you comb your hair and see the dead ones falling out you are reminded that not even your hair is permanent. All things in life can change or come and go. You are reminded not to be attached to anything except God.

Kara is a metal, often steel, bracelet that signifies devotion to truth (United Sikhs). Some refer to it as a slave bangle, symbolizing an unbreakable bond with God. It is a constant reminder to always remember that whatever a person does with their hands has to be in keeping with the advice given by the Guru. It’s a symbol of permanent boding to the community, of being a link in the chain of Khalsa Sikhs. When wearing the Kara on your wrist, one is reminded not to commit crime or theft with our hands, including not to use your hands for greed. It is a constant reminder to “Think of the Guru, before yourself” (sikiwiki.org).

Kachera is a specific style of cotton undergarment worn to remind Sikhs of their vow of abstinence from adultery. It is the sign of true chastity. One is reminded to control his or her desires and lust and only look at their wife or husband in that way. It reminds us to control the urges of Kaam. The Kachera is a reflection of one’s modesty and control. Originally, the Kachera was made part of the five Ks as a symbol of a Sikh soldier’s willingness to be ready at a moment’s notice for battle or for defense. A true Sikh wears a Kachera every day. Some go to the extent of showing or bathing while wearing it.

         Kirpan comes from the work “kirpa” and “aan”. Kirpa means an act of kindness or blessing and aan means honor and respect (Singh). Thus for Sikhs, the Kirpan is the symbol of the commitment to self-respect and the freedom of spirit. Kirpan is a strapped curved sword, small in size, worn by Sikhs as a sign that a Sikh is a soldier in God’s army ready to protect the weak and needy and for their own self-defense. The Kirpan represents the grace, truth, and justice, which can only happen if a Sikh has no anger. When a Sikh wears a Kirpan they have the power to kill or injury someone, therefore they must have total control of their anger (Kapoor). Speaking out against injustice and standing up for the defenseless is considered a Sikh’s duty.