Dear Baksho 2

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Dear Baksho, how much money should I put in the golakh?
Guru Ji states that Sikhs should contribute ten per cent of their income to charitable causes and this would include gurdwaras. The expenses of a gurdwara are very high and include heating, lighting, food for langar etc. Ask yourself, will your contribution cover the cost of the langar you are about to receive?

Dear Baksho, I was once told I couldn’t wash my hair on Tuesdays and Thursdays as something bad would happen. So I never wash my hair on these days. What would happen if I did?
You wont get any presents from Santa if you do…! On a serious note, this is just an old wives tale. Similar to walking under ladders, black cats crossing your path, opening umbrellas indoors etc. As Sikhs, we should not take any note of superstitions.
High and low, social class and status - the world wanders lost in superstition. (SGGS Ang 1243)

Dear Baksho, I recently came into Sikhi and I’m finding it hard to keep up with other gursikhs.
As you have recently come into Sikhi you can’t be expected to be at the same level as others. Take things a step at a time and build your Sikhi slowly. Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint!

Dear Baksho, last week I went to the gurdwara and had langar. Unfortunately the thaal was full to the top and I couldn’t eat it all, so I left it, and the auntie by the sink gave me a dirty look. I now feel guilty. What should I have done?
Guru ka langar has been blessed by Guru Ji and therefore should never be thrown away. When the langar is ready, a small portion of each of the dishes is placed in a plate or bowl and placed in front of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and a prayer called the Ardas is performed. The Ardas is a petition to God, a prayer to thank the Creator for all His gifts and blessings. A steel Kirpan is passed through each item of food. After the Ardas is completed, each item of food is returned back to its original pot or container. This is done in a belief that the blessings of the “holy” food are thus passed to the entire Sangat through the langar. Only ask for as much as you can eat and don’t forget those around the world less fortunate than us when throwing food away.

Dear Baksho, when I go to the Gurdwara and cover up my head, it messes up my hair-do. Why do I have to cover my head?
A Sikhs head should be covered at all times and not only in Gurdwara. We cover our heads as a sign of respect and humility. This practice is also common in other religions such as in Islam and Judaism where you will see the people of these religions also cover their heads when going to pray.

Yo Baksho, what’s happenin? Got some beef, mi old Bibi givin me grief. Woke up in the morning and said ‘Yo! Respec, Gran!’ Before I know it I’m getting a backhand off the old man. What’s the shizzle with the nizzle?
I’ve asked your Uncle Mangy to translate. We think you’re asking why you got a slap off your ‘Old Man’. I think your ‘Old Man’ knows what’s best for you young man. Im sure your Bibi and Dad would prefer you to greet them with ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh (WJKK WJKF)’ thus showing respect to your elders. In the normal situation when two Sikhs meet, with folded hands on either side in mutual courtesy and respect they exchange greetings of WJKK WJKF pointing out the glory of God to each other. In literal Words WJKK WJKF means the Khalsa belongs to God, Victory belongs to God. WJKK WJKF has been used since the creation of the Khalsa.

Dear Baksho, I went to a Baba recently and the Baba gave me naam and I’m not allowed to tell you what it is. Is this allowed in Sikhi.
Let me guess, is it Rumpelstiltskin? Just kidding, but the answer to your question is that our Guru gave us naam, the shabad Waheguru, there is no secret about this and is the true naam. You should be careful about following these dodgy geeza’s. In Sikhi our Guru is the Eternal Guru, Guru Granth Sahib ji. Remember the ardas says “Sab sikhon ko hukam hai, Guru manyo Granth” Commandment to all the sikhs: Accept Granth as the Guru.

Yes Baksho, whats going on. I’m a young proud sikh boy and when it comes to vaisakhi I like to wear orange clothes, highlight my hair, wear as many garms with a khanda on, decorate my car with chandeh (Sikh flag), and drive up and down Soho Road to let everyone know its Vaisakhi. I think I’m representing for us all, but why is it these “militants” always hand me flyers saying I am doing wrong and give me lectures, what’s their problem?
Well young man, these Singhs who are giving you advice might just have a point. Im sure in your eyes you may be ‘representing’, however every year around Vaisakhi time im sure you are aware that the Nishaan Sahib is a prominent feature, however, whilst some hoist it high in honour
and see it as a sign of their faith others disrespect its value by drinking & smoking in its presence and regard it as a fashion accessory. See the article, Flying High

Dear Baksho, I’m not allowed take my Kara and my Sulai into gigs, what am I meant to do if I get in to a fight, I was wondering if we could get some sort of petition together?
Personally, I don’t do gigs but if you are going to go then you should not see your Kara or Sulai as weapons. The Kara represents the eternity of God and is not a weapon, and your Sulai is to help tuck your hair into your pagg or patka and is not a weapon either. You could stop going to gigs if you always end up in trouble or you could learn a martial art as a form of self defence.
You should try and control your anger and not resort to using weapons. Any Gursikh will tell you that even the Kirpan they carry is only used when all peaceful means have been exhausted. Also, your uncle Mangy carries a spoon with him and uses it as a sulai, this maybe easier to carry into a gig and is less likely to harm anyone and can also be used to eat your desserts while out.

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