Amritdhari Sikhs and Sahajdhari Sikhs

This section explains the distinction between Amritdhari Sikhs and Sahajdhari Sikhs. Amritdhari Sikhs are those who have made a formal commitment to the Khalsa through the Amrit Sanskar ceremony and follow the code of conduct, Sahajdhari Sikhs are those who, although not initiated, still hold true to the core beliefs of Sikhism and are part of the wider sangat. Both are integral to the Sikh community and contribute to the collective practice of Sikh values in their daily lives.

Amritdhari Sikhs

Amritdhari Sikhs are individuals who have undergone the Amrit Sanskar initiation ceremony and are therefore considered full members of the Khalsa. The term 'Amritdhari' means 'one who has taken the nectar of immortality,' which refers to the spiritual rebirth that comes with the initiation. This ceremony marks a commitment to live a life based on Sikh principles, and those who undergo it take on significant responsibilities and adhere to a strict code of conduct known as the Rahit Maryada—the Sikh code of conduct.

Key Principles and Rules for Amritdhari Sikhs:

1. The Five Ks:
   Amritdhari Sikhs are required to wear the Five Ks, which are symbols of their commitment to Sikhism and their faith in Waheguru. The Five Ks are:
   • Kesh: Uncut hair, symbolising the natural beauty and strength bestowed by God. Amritdhari Sikhs do not cut their hair and keep it clean. Many wear a turban to keep their hair tidy and maintain their dignity.
   • Kanga: A wooden comb, symbolising cleanliness and order. It is used to keep the hair neat and tidy.
   • Kara: A steel bracelet worn on the wrist, representing the eternal nature of God, as steel is unbreakable, and symbolising restraint from evil actions.
   • Kachera: Cotton undergarments, symbolising modesty and self-control. It reminds Sikhs of their moral and spiritual duties.
   • Kirpan: A ceremonial sword, symbolising a Sikh's duty to protect the weak and uphold justice. It is not used as a weapon but as a reminder of the commitment to fight oppression and defend truth.
2. Daswandh:
   Amritdhari Sikhs are expected to pay Daswandh, which is a practice of donating 10% of their income to support the community and charitable causes. This is an important part of their commitment to selflessness and social responsibility.
3. Dietary Restrictions:
   Amritdhari Sikhs do not eat meat that has been ritually slaughtered, such as halal meat, as it goes against the principles of Sikhism, which emphasise respect for all living beings. Many Amritdhari Sikhs are also vegetarian to ensure that their diet aligns with the values of compassion and respect for life.
4. Abstinence from Intoxicants:
   Amritdhari Sikhs are prohibited from drinking alcohol or engaging in gambling, as these behaviours are seen as distractions from spiritual growth and are believed to promote negative actions and attitudes.
5. Ethical Living:
   Amritdhari Sikhs are expected to live according to high ethical standards. This includes not arranging marriages for financial gain, ensuring that relationships are based on love, respect, and spiritual compatibility.

The Amrit Sanskar Ceremony

The Amrit Sanskar is a significant event in the life of a Sikh, marking their formal commitment to the Khalsa and to living a disciplined life according to the teachings of the Ten Gurus. During this ceremony, the individual being initiated is given a new spiritual identity and is expected to follow the Sikh code of conduct.

Some key features of the Amrit Sanskar include:

• The person being initiated wears the Five Ks as part of their commitment to Sikh values.
• At least six Amritdhari Sikhs, who have already been initiated into the Khalsa, must be present at the ceremony to witness and support the initiation.
• A granthi (Sikh priest) reads from the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism, during the ceremony.
• The Panj Pyare, or 'Five Beloved Ones,' a group of five Amritdhari Sikhs, prepare the Amrit (the sacred nectar) in a cauldron, which is then stirred with a Khanda (a double-edged sword).
• The person being initiated is given a new name: Singh (meaning ‘lion’) for males, and Kaur (meaning ‘princess’) for females, symbolising their new identity as part of the Khalsa and their courage in following the Sikh way of life.
• The congregation shares Karah Parshad, a blessed food offering, at the end of the ceremony, signifying equality and community within the Khalsa.

Sahajdhari Sikhs

Sahajdhari Sikhs are those who have not undergone the Amrit Sanskar initiation ceremony but still follow the core beliefs of Sikhism. They accept the teachings of the Ten Gurus and worship the Guru Granth Sahib as their spiritual guide. Although they are not initiated into the Khalsa, they are still considered full members of the sangat (the Sikh community) and are encouraged to live their lives according to Sikh principles.

Differences between Amritdhari and Sahajdhari Sikhs

While both Amritdhari Sikhs and Sahajdhari Sikhs share a commitment to the core beliefs of Sikhism, the main difference lies in the initiation ceremony. Amritdhari Sikhs have undergone the Amrit Sanskar ceremony and thus adhere to a stricter code of conduct, including wearing the Five Ks and following a set of ethical and spiritual guidelines. Sahajdhari Sikhs, on the other hand, have not taken this formal step but are still fully part of the Sikh community and are encouraged to live righteous lives based on the teachings of the Gurus.

Amrit Sanskar and its Importance

The Amrit Sanskar is not just a ceremonial event; it marks a profound spiritual transformation for the individual. By undergoing the initiation, a Sikh makes a personal commitment to follow the teachings of the Gurus and to live a life of service, humility, and devotion to Waheguru. It represents a public declaration of faith and the acceptance of the Khalsa as a spiritual family. The ceremony serves as a reminder that Sikhism is not only about individual devotion but also about being part of a wider community that lives together in harmony, equality, and service to others.