Q:
Sikhi seems to talk a lot about time-wasting rituals, but let's see. My Sikh
friend said it takes him 40-45 minutes to do his hair and wrap his pagg around
his head every morning, but , what if he woke up late one day for work...what's
he gonna do....??? Aren't the 5 Ks a big ritual?
A:
Gurmat is against all blind rituals that have no meaning. Tying a dastaar is not
one of these. A dastaar is a symbol of the Sikh faith and a part of the Sikh uniform.
The 5Ks also are part of a Sikhs' external identity. Given that simply wearing any
article of clothing will not intrinsically make one better, but if someone is living
an internal spiritual discipline, the outer uniform helps reinforce that commitment.
When a Sikh looks in the mirror, he/she is reminded of the commitment to the truth and
God. Also, the Khalsa is God's own army and refuses to hide from any trouble. If
there is an injustice happening or someone needs help, the uniform identifies the
Sikh and shows the world someone it can turn to for help.
Now, about your Sikh friend who takes 45 minutes to tie a dastaar: He must have only
one arm. You see, combing one's hair takes no more than five minutes and that's if
one is lethargic. And finally tying a dastaar: it takes no more than five minutes.
So, a total of ten minutes. I dare say that is less than cutting one's hair and
shaving.
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