| Decision-Making Structure
Decisions concerning the Sikh Rehat Maryada,
or Sikh Code of Conduct, are the responsibility of the Guru Khalsa Panth
itself, the corporate body of the Khalsa. They are to be respected and
obeyed as edicts of the Guru would be. The Jathedar of the Akal Takhat,
the spokesman for this corporate body, meets with the representatives
of the Khalsa to discuss issues and announces the unanimous decision taken
by them. The decision is always unanimous because it is arrived at by
a process of 'give and take', and based on Sikh philosophy and principles;
it is not the opinion of the simple majority.
The Khalsa Code
Sikhism is a pious way of life with the goal
of achieving peace. Some important principles of the Khalsa for reaching
that goal are described below:
Meditation (Nam Japna):
A Sikh is directed to concentrate his or her mind on God, to reflect on
God's virtues such as love, benevolence, and kindness. He or she practices
this to inculcate such virtues into his or her own character.
Honest Living (Dharm
Di Kirt): A Sikh is advised to earn a livelihood through honest
work. He or she is not supposed to be a leech on society. If a person
is dishonest and takes what is not justly his or hers, those earnings
are considered metaphorically 'the blood of the poor'. Honest earnings
are like 'milk', and hence, 'sweet and tasty'.
Sharing With Others
(Vand Ke Chhakna): Before enjoying the fruits of his or her labor,
a Sikh must share with those in need. This is not considered charity.
Just as members of a family help each other without labeling the help
as charity, similarly we are all members of God's family and any help
we provide to each other is a gift of love, not a charitable donation.
This eliminates feelings of pride or superiority (ahankar).
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