A PROMINENT QUESTION!
A prominent question!
Is wearing shastars (kirpan/sword) really still necessary today?
Guru sahib gave hukam (command), that despite changing times and laws, every Gursikh must keep their Sri sahib ang sang at all times (sword by their body). Most people will question Guru sahib's foresight but we know that Guru sahib is abhul (completely pure without mistakes).
The first thing we need to recognise is historical significance and parchaar.
Everything we have is because of our history. The Sri Sahib (sword) forms a major part of Sikh history, and Guru sahib always wants us to acknowledge the role played by the Sri Sahib in victory and justice. Guru sahib knows, that a Sikh will have to explain the significance of their Kirpan, as the world will consider it an unnecessary symbol to carry. This encourages us to be educated, be active in fighting for our religious/spiritual rights and give us the opportunity to share with others the greatness of Sikhi.
The second thing is discipline.
Wearing a Sri sahib is partly about discipline. That the individual must be able to distinguish when it should be used and how it should be managed in modern day society. It is the hukam of Guru Sahib, "jabai baan laagyo tabay ros jaagiyo" - as a last resort, raising the sword is righteous.ย
The final thing we say, in Defence and bringing peace. A Gursikh should always be prepared to defend themselves and most of all defend others. It is a dangerous world and we have a duty given to us by Guru Sahib to never stand for tyranny or oppression. This is why Guru Ji transformed us in to saint/soldiers. We should be upstanding citizens who are ready to sacrifice their safety for the betterment of humanity. A Sikh's weapon is rarely likely to be used in today's society but when the peace is disturbed, the Sikh will use their shastar to re-establish the peace.
In order to receive peace, we should be prepared to fight and rid the world of those who are disturbing the peace.
The word Kirpan comes from the two words, "Kirpa" and "aan" (blessing, honour/respect). The Sikhs were gifted the kirpan, after Guru Sahib witnessed only meditation, peace and love was not the answer. There becomes a time, where one has to lift the sword to protect the honour of the weak. We saw the bhuddists meditate through being burnt alive, as they felt it was the right thing to do. Many thousands died and generations were wiped out.
The kirpaan is the sword of compassion and it is only withdrawn to protect the honour of others. It is only gifted to baptised Sikhs, as they are given a strict code of conduct on how, when and where to use it, if needs be.
The practicing Sikh is a very balanced individual through meditation. They are very loving, tolerant and saintly. Most are trained martial-artists through the traditional Sikh martial art Gatka. For this reason, they are in total control of the sword (kirpan) they carry.
To earn the respect and love of the kirpan, one has to begin conquering their mind through Naam meditation and develop the virtues of love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness and truth. This individual needs to be in control of their mind for the five beloved ones to bless them with the beautiful nectar of Amrit (baptism).
This gift is only awarded to those who are willing to sacrifice their minds desires and earn the respect of their beloved True Guru (Guru Granth Sahib Ji).
In history, the power of the kirpan has served the honour of many thousands!
Guru Gobind Singh Ji Says, "One who wields the sword in righteousness within their hand โ They remove of millions of sins."
Vaheguroo!
