Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Five K's.

This is coolbert:


"The Khalsa is the reflection of my form, The Khalsa is my body and soul, The Khalsa is my very life.... ....Our enemies are vanquished by the steadfastness of Khalsa, Unlike countless others, we are adorned by the Khalsa."

"The greatest warrior is one - - who dies fighting for a people he does not know - - for a cause he does not understand!!" - - Gobind Singh - - 10th and last guru of the Sikhs.


Here is a religious entity of believers forming a cultural community that espouse a martial tradition second to none! A community of believers for whom sword/pen/GOD are in total harmony.

"mar·tial - - 1.Of, relating to, or suggestive of war. 2.Relating to or connected with the armed forces or the profession of arms. 3.Characteristic of or befitting a warrior."

The Sikhs.

"Sikhism - - founded on the teachings of Guru Nanak and ten successive Sikh Gurus in fifteenth century Punjab, is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world."

"Sikhs . . . always had a trained fighting force to defend their independence."

A fighting force primarily defensive in nature, protection against the persecution from various Mughal rulers [Islamic] of India. BUT a fighting force of warriors nonetheless, trained in all sorts of the martial arts, swordsmanship, archery, horsemanship, etc. A martial people embracing the martial tradition.

"Hargobind, became the sixth guru of the Sikhs. He carried two swords—one for spiritual and the other for temporal reasons (known as mīrī and pīrī in Sikhism)."

And men, members of the khalsa who wear as a matter of course, outward manifestations of their religiosity and devotion to the martial tradition.

"The Khalsa is a disciplined community that combines its religious purpose and goals with political and military duties"

"The Khalsa was originally established as a military order of 'saint-soldiers' on March 30, 1699, by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. It was the name given by the Guru to all his disciples baptized"

Members of the khalsa that desire to join the U.S. military, but persons who traditions and outward religious manifestations run afoul of "regulations"!

"Sikhs Challenge US Army's Ban on Turbans, Beards"

"NEW YORK -- Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi (KAH-mal-jeet sing KAHL-see) hopes to be the fourth generation of his family to serve in the military."

"But the U.S. Army recruit's plans to go on active duty in July are now on hold. An Army policy from the 1980s would mean he would have to shave his beard and remove the turban he wears for religious reasons."

Two problems with wearing of the turban and beard are so readily apparent:

1. You cannot wear both the turban and the kevlar helmet at the same time!

2. You cannot get a good seal on your gas mask if you have a beard!

Those very outward manifestations of the khalsa, making the Sikh recognizable at a distance, whether he be civilian or soldier, are a severe impediment to those devotees that wish to serve in the U.S. Army!!

[Sikhs are also required to carry a small dagger on their person at all times! Can be very small and symbolic in nature! BUT - - is still a violation a military regulation. YOU ARE NOT allowed to carry an edged weapon with you, no matter what!]

"Kalsi and another Sikh man with the same concerns are at the center of a campaign by the Sikh Coalition that is trying to convince the Army to let them serve without sacrificing their articles of faith."

"Baptised Sikhs are bound to wear the Five Ks (in Punjabi known as pañj kakkē or pañj kakār), or articles of faith, at all times. The tenth guru, Gobind Singh, ordered these Five Ks to be worn so that a Sikh could actively use them to make a difference to their own and to others' spirituality. The 5 items are":

* kēs (uncut hair)

* kaṅghā (small comb)

* kaṛā (circular iron bracelet)

* kirpān (ceremonial short sword)

* kacchā (special undergarment).

There cannot be found a place for the Sikhs within the U.S. Army? The Sikhs can serve proudly and do so in a manner commensurate with their religious beliefs? The 5 K's be no bar to enlistment and service?

coolbert.

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