Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct)

Publishers:

In Heavenly abode, Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale
Their Successor in Heavenly abode, Sant Giani Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa,
Their Successor Sant Giani Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa,
In the absence of which, their Humble Servant Thakur Singh Khalsa
Damdami Taksal (Jatha Bhindran) Mehta

The Rehat Maryada is our way of life or our code of conduct. The Guru’s taught us to be imbued with the love of God to such an extent that we are forever a sacrifice to him. This is what Maryada means to die (Mar) or mould oneself to the teachings of his/her Guru, the dying aspect is in the killing of ones ego and selfishness and being attuned with the teachings of the Guru and not being a slave to the mind.

The Way of Life described is very hard indeed to practice in a world full of deceit, illusion (maya) and temptation. But this is the challenge of being a Sikh, you will always stand out in a crowd due to the handsome/beautiful attire the Guru has blessed upon us with the Five Kakkars and the distinct physical appearance of a Sikh.

The Rehat Maryada is a guide which if practiced will give us forever lasting peace, both in this world and the nether. We should accept the eternal truths described and learn from the experiences of our forefathers and not have to make these mistakes ourselves. We should forever be taking steps towards our goal of life which is to become one with Vaheguru – our wonderful dispeller of darkness and fountain of knowledge. The Rehat Maryada loads us with the knowledge to attain forever bliss and happiness.

We are all at different stages of development but we must not forget we are children of the same Father and Mother, we have a common heritage and lineage in the Khalsa. Our Eternal Parents Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur are forever looking over us, as we play, pray and grow old, they will guide us through the ups and downs of life, if we believe and know them explicitly.

It is only through practice that we can make the theory real and we must practice the essence of the Rehat Maryada and all the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Rehat Maryada is a summarised guide and all good Sikhs will know that many aspects of Sikh living are not described, but answers to all questions are contained within Gurbani our spiritual guide. Gurbani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sri Dasam Granth & Sarabloh Granth have all the answers to any questions which may arise in our lives. Bhai Gurdas Jee’s writings and Bhai Nand Lal Jee’s writings also give us much insights and inspiration into Gurmat and the search for truth and truthful living.

We hope the attached Rehat Maryada helps you in your quest for eternal peace and the freeing of the transmigration of your soul. We are the creatures of God and should run after the Creator and not His Creation which we forget far too easily. May the Great Guru and the Great Gursikhs bless us all with their grace so we may be able to become Great like them and become the image of God like they have done and do today.