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Summary of Question:	What Is The Significance Of The Number 40 ??
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Friday, 9/28/2001 4:12 AM MDT

Dear Khalsa-ji WJKK WJKF - I just wondered what is the significance of the number 40 in Sikhism - why are people told to do 40 days of part etc etc. Also,

what time is Amrit Vela ?? If it relates to sunrise, then does this mean that it changes according to the season ??

Take Care
WJKK WJKF.

Mr Singh (UK).

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal. 40 is the minimum amount of time needed for one's subconcious to register and hold the effects of a regular spiritual practice. (This means that the practitioner practiced every day for the same amount of time, ideally at the same time of day, without missing a day). Also, cleansing fasts (for health) and yoga practices are often recommended on a 40-day cycle. This 40-day thinking is not limited to Sikh or Indian traditions. In the Christian New testament, Jesus the Christ spent 40 days in the desert fasting and meditating to conquer his ego.

Amrit Vela is the time BEFORE sunrise, which means it indeed can change with the season. Practically speaking, one rises between 3 and 4 am. One's practice might finish with the sun up or not, depending on the season, but STARTING time can then remain the same. (It becomes easier to maintain an ambrosial hours practice when the body is trained to arise daily at a certain time.)

Guru ang sang,
-DKK