Khalsa - Guru Gobind Singh Ji 's Vision - IV

Khalsa Meaning

Khalsa does not mean that you become Khalsa merely by keeping your hair, tying a turban, and calling yourself Khalsa. No! A Khalsa must maintain his inner character. As it is stated, “Khalsa forsakes other’s wives; Khalsa casts no evil eye on the belongings or wives of others; Khalsa forsakes criticizing others; Khalsa defeats the five inner evils; Khalsa burns his karma.” [Bhai Nand Lal, Tankha Nama}

Therefore, we will have to put all these principles into practice. Khalsa will not excel by adopting symbols but by practical action.

*In their homes, their fields, their offices, everyone should attempt to make their mind steady and to be just and wise in making decisions. 

Those whose minds come under their control become very powerful. Historically, when the names and actions of such people were spoken of, the corrupt people became frightened, and evil folded its beddings and fled. Thence fear spread that the Khalsa had come.

However, now we have all become so-called “Khalsa.” Anyone who is stealing money from the treasuries is calling himself Khalsa. Anyone who is looking at the daughters and sisters of others with evil intentions is calling himself Khalsa. Anyone who is telling lies is calling himself Khalsa. Anyone who has tied a turban and kept his hair is calling himself Khalsa. But these are only our outer symbols. 

The symbol of dharam is to tell the truth, do justice, share with everyone—to share one’s income, good thoughts, and good deeds—, to consider Guru Gobind Singh as one’s father and as God, and to consider Him nearer than one’s hands and feet.

Therefore, if even a single bad thought has entered our mind, we cannot call ourself Khalsa.

We read Gurbani for this purpose: to control our thoughts. We must also meditate in order to control our thoughts. To control our thoughts, as Guru Arjun Dev has said, “Sas giras na visrai—Do not forget Him for a single breath.” [GGS 53] 

When we think of Him, perhaps evil will not gain entry into us. If a person is driving a tractor, he should think of Him while driving the tractor. As a person is ploughing, he should turn his thoughts toward Him and say, “Oh God, please bless us.” In your office or within your family or social circle, you should remain united with Him. By “united,” I mean that you should not do what He has prohibited.

Maharaj Ji has stated very strictly, “Chhodo parani koor kabarha—Oh human, forsake telling lies. That is all waste.” [GGS 1025]. He has referred to lies as garbage. He says, “Ninda bholi kisai ki nahin; Manmukh mugadh karan.—It is not good to criticize anyone. Criticism comes from those who are only following their own minds, and they are fools.” [GGS 775]. When we criticize, we stray outside the commandments of the Guru. If we tell lies, we are straying outside the commandments of the Guru. When ego and self-interest appear within us, we are straying outside the commandments of the Guru.

The main thing is that “Man bas awe Nanaka je puran kirpa hoe—Our mind comes under control only when there is complete grace.” [GGS 928] We are to control our mind.

 Only one who has controlled his mind has become Khalsa.

Only one who has controlled his mind has become a Sikh. 

Only one who has controlled his mind has become a GuruSikh—a loving obeyer of the Guru.

--to be continued...