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Summary of Question:	True Sikh
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 4/15/2002 8:27 PM MDT

Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh

I was searching the question and answer pages and I came accross a question "what is a true sikh?" I don't think I get it. Are you still considered a "sikh" if you cut your hair? I know this is a silly question. I mean, when you cut your hair aren't you going against the teaching of Gurus?
I personally think so, but I really want to know. If you cut your hair what are you considered to be? can a clean shaven member of a sikh family go around calling themselves a sikh? Im really sorry if this sounds silly!

Thank you!

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Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.

This is what the Rehat Maryada states is a Sikh:

Any human being who faithfully believes in

(i) One Immortal Being,
(ii) Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh,
(iii) The Guru Granth Sahib,
(iv) The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and
(v) the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion, is a Sikh.

According to the Rehat, the requirement of being a Sikh is the belief. What you are asking is-what about the practice? Can someone believe in these things and be a Sikh without actually practicing the discipline?

This is an important question facing the entire Panth right now. Some people call themselves Sikhs who believe but don't follow the practice fully. Other people make the practice their focus. For some, being a Sikh is a cultural identity. For others, it is a spiritual identity.

What's important is what you decide, for your spiritual journey, what it means to be a Sikh. Is believing enough? Or is the practice of the spiritual discipline required? Is it enough to believe in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib? Or should you study it, meditate upon it, understand it and strive to live your life by what the Guru teaches? Is it enough for you to believe in Amrit? Or do you need to live your life based on the tenents give by Guru Gobind Singh?

Everyone has a unique spiritual journey and it is best to look into yourself and see what your soul is calling you to do. Don't worry about what others choose, or how they call themselves. There's no need to judge. If your spirit says-for me to be a Sikh, I need to have uncut hair, then just do it.

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.

GPK