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Summary of Question:	Why Cant We Sit With Our Feet Pointing Towards Guru Granth Sahib
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 8/05/2002 8:53 PM MDT

Can we sit with our feet poitind towards guru granth. If no why not? What is the reason? What explanation should be given to a person who says that pointing feet towards guru granth sahib does not make any differences and that these things are our believings and not any sacred thing.

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Sat Siri Akal.

If you understand the cultural context, then you'll understand why Sikhs don't point their feet at the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. In the wisdom traditions of the East, a Guru is a psiritual teacher who guides you to the experience of the Divine. The Sikh tradition is unique in that our Guru, our Guide is not a person at all, but the Shabd, the Sound Current that is held in the form of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. In all Eastern wisdom traditions, pointing one's feet at the Guru is a sign of disrespect. For the Sikh, this transferred to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib - as our Teacher - it's a sign of disrespect to point your feet towards the Guru.

Now - the question is for you to decide: do you have respect for the Siri Guru Granth Sahib and how do you express that respect? Is isn't about blindly following a ritual or tradition - these types of actions will only mean something when they come from your own heart and your own understanding.

Hope this helps. God bless.

GPK