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The '''Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ)''' ({{lang-pa|ਅਖੰਡ ਕੀਰਤਨੀ ਜਥਾ}}) is a collection (Jatha) of Sikhs who believe that parts of the Khalsa Panth are losing the Hukhams (Messages) and Rehat (Code of Conduct) that Guru Sahib originally gave us. For this reason, it is important that those who want to live as according to the Guru's command can do so in a Sangat (Collective Manner). AKJ puts emphasis on Gurmat Karams including Amrtivela, Naam Abhiyaas, Nitnem, and Sarabloh Bibek.
{{Multiple issues|
<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Jodh|title=Twarihk Akhand Kirtani Jatha|date=2008|publisher=Sikh Foundation|location=Lajpat Nagar, New Dehli, India}}</ref>
{{confusing|date=July 2009}}
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Akhand_Kirtani_Jatha |title=Akhand Kirtani Jatha |publisher=SikhWiki.com}}</ref>
{{POV|date=July 2009}}
{{refimprove|date=July 2009}}
{{COI|date=January 2010}}
{{notability|org|date=June 2011}}
{{expert-subject|Religion|date=July 2009}}
}}


⚫
==History==
The '''Akhand Kirtani Jatha''' (or AKJ, also known as '''Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha'''<ref name="Bhogalarticle">{{cite web|last=Bhogal|first=Balbinder|title=Akhand Kirtani Jatha|url=http://philtar.ucsm.ac.uk/encyclopedia/sikhism/akha.html |work= Overview of World Religions|editor=E. Shaw |publisher=Division of Religion and Philosophy
University of Cumbria |accessdate=21 July 2013}}</ref> or '''Waheguru Singhs''') is a [[jatha]] (collective group) of [[Sikh]]s. The AKJ are a fundamentalist<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/> group within [[Sikhism]], holding an interpretation of the [[Sikh Rehat Maryada]] (Sikh Code of Conduct) different from that of the Sikh mainstream. It emerged around 1930, based on the movement initiated by [[Randhir Singh (Sikh)|Randhir Singh]] (d. 1961) in the context of the [[Indian independence movement]] in the first half of the 20th century.<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.sarbloh.info/htmls/article_samparda_akj.html |title=The Multifarious Faces of Sihkism Throughout History |publisher=Sarbloh.info |date= |accessdate=21 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1195393/Akhand-Kirtani-Jatha |title=Akhand Kirtani Jatha (Sikh religious group) – Britannica Online Encyclopedia |publisher=Britannica.com |date= |accessdate=2009-08-09}}</ref>


The AKJ was started by Bhai Sahib [[Bhai Randhir Singh|Randhir Singh]] in Punjab around the 1930s. At that time it was also known as Nirbaan Kirtani Jatha. Since then, Gursikhs have been getting together to sing Gurbani (Doing Keertan). The AKJ has spread a vast amount of countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, Germany, France, Malaysia, Singapore and other nations.
Akhand Kirtani Jatha believe that "'all praise must be to the Guru Granth Sahib and God and there is absolutely no need for any respect for a living sant' but are themselves criticised for paying glowing tributes to Bhai Randir Singh 'just like a Sant'".<ref>{{cite book|last=Nesbitt|first=Eleanor|title=The Intimate Other: Love Divine in Indic Religious (Hardcover)|editor=Anna King (Editor), John Brockington (Editor) |publisher=Orient Longman |date=25 Jul 2005|pages=328|chapter=Ten – Young British Sikhs and Religious Devotion|isbn=978-81-250-2801-7 |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=0FvH1aCXETwC&pg=PA328&dq=akhand+kirtani+jatha&lr=&as_brr=3&cd=17#v=onepage&q=akhand%20kirtani%20jatha&f=false}}</ref>


===Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh===
⚫
==History==

[[File:Bhai randhir singh.jpg|thumb|Randhir Singh]]
Bhai Sahib [[Bhai Randhir Singh|Randhir Singh]] was born in 1878 to Sikh parents in Punjab. He bravely fought for righteousness and against the British Empire in India. He is known for keeping his Sikhi alive while he was being tortured in British jails. Bhai Randir Singh was bestowed with honor of Panth Ratan by Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, and all the other 3 takhts at the time.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh Anant|first1=Jaiteg|title=Ghadar Di Ghoonj Te Bhai Randhir Singh|date=March 2004|publisher=Unistar Books Pvt. Ltd.|location=S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali-Chandigarh, India|isbn=978-93-5068-747-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Kang|first1=Dr. Gulzar Singh|title=Bhai Randhir Singh: Jiwan Te Rachna|date=2003|publisher=Punjabi University Patiala|location=Patiala, Punjab, India|isbn=81-7380-875-9}}</ref>
[[Randhir Singh (Sikh)|Randhir Singh]] (1878–1961) was a Jat from Ludhiana who was imprisoned by the British authorities. His followers were known as the ''Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha''. The Akhand Kirtani Jatha was a group within this movement in the 1970s, headed by Amarjit Kaur, whose husband was killed fighting the [[Nirankari]]s in Amritsar in 1978.<ref>J. S. Grewal, ''The Sikhs of the Punjab'', Cambridge University Press, 1998, ISBN 978-0-521-63764-0

[http://books.google.ch/books?id=2_nryFANsoYC&pg=PA216&dq=%22Akhand+Kirtani+Jatha%22&hl=de&ei=Jh8DTtPeK8qd-Qad5sDhDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFUQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=%22Akhand%20Kirtani%20Jatha%22&f=false p. 216].
==Activity in Sikh Panth==
Satyapal Dang, Ravi M. Bakaya, ''Terrorism in Punjab'', 2000, ISBN 978-81-212-0659-4, [http://books.google.ch/books?id=DnVPz-sG_64C&pg=PA11&dq=%22Akhand+Kirtani+Jatha%22&hl=de&ei=Ox8DTrOQGIaq-gaTmKCYDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CE8Q6AEwBzgK#v=onepage&q=%22Akhand%20Kirtani%20Jatha%22&f=false p. 11].</ref>

The main activity of the [[Jatha]] is to do [[Kirtan]] (i.e. the singing of [[Gurbani]]), although the Jatha also does [[Akhand Paath]]s, [[Gatka]], Sikhi Camps (e.g. Khalsa Camp BC), and regular Sikhi classes for children. AKJ Kirtan programmes take the form of Assa Di Var Keertans (Doing Assa Di Var Keertan after Amrit Vela and Nitnem), Evening Keertan Programs (Doing Keertan in the evening usually for 6 hours), Raensabaayee Keertans (Keertan which lasts from late evening to early morning), and Keertan Smaagams (Assa Di Var & Eveing Keertan Programs every day for usually a week, ending off with a Raensabaayee Keertan). The Kirtan is sung using simple tunes - the main emphasis of the Kirtans being on the Gurbani rather than the music, but singing with Raags is fine.

==View on figure-head or Sant==

The AKJ views the Shabad-Guru as the only Sant or figure-head in Gursikhi, through which humankind can all re-unite with God. There have been many highly respected and spiritual Gursikhs within the AKJ, but they have not been placed on any pedestal or given any title like "Sant". The AKJ believes in the equality of mankind and that every Sikh has a direct relationship with the Guru. AKJ do not believe that it is necessary for a third party to intervene in this relationship. In Bhai Randhir Singh's autobiography, he had gone to one smaagaam, and there was a poster saying that he was a sant. He left that smaagaam, and said he won't go any smaagam that lists him as a Sant.

==Keski as one of the 5Ks and not Kesh (Hair)==

AKJ believes that [[Kesh (Sikhism)|Kesh]] (hair) is not part of the five Ks, but, they are essential since Kesh are the hallmark of Guru Sahib. Since Kesh have a higer regard than than the five Ks themselves. (e.g. Cutting Kesh is a Kureht, while taking off a dastaar, or any other Kakaar is not a Kureht. AKJ believes that [[Keski]] (a small turban) was the original fifth K.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Uday|title=Keski, Not Kes, The Kakar|date=2000|publisher=Professor Uday Singh|location=Bolton, Ontario, Canada|isbn=0-9696957-8-0}}</ref>

==Meat eating==

AKJ strongly oppose meat-eating, it is regarded as a Kureht in the AKJ.

==View point on SRM commonly referred to Sikh Rehat Maryada==

AKJ in general keeps strict life style (Rehat Maryada), if one has to say that exceeds what mentioned in SRM. AKJ believes that in couple of Rehats like Keski and Kurehat of Kutha (eating meat) a looseness was made in SRM at the time of its draft. Scholarly and highly dedicated contemporary Gursikhs were not approached or consulted to make a concrete decision on certain points including aforementioned.


==Naam Drirtaa==
No estimates on the number of adherents is known{{citation needed|date=July 2013}}. Outside of [[Amritsar]], Punjab, the AJK have a chapter in [[Coventry]], UK.<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/> The AJK participated in a convention in [[Slough, Berkshire]] in 1987.<ref>Harry Goulbourne, ''Ethnicity and Nationalism in Post-Imperial Britain'', Cambridge University Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0-521-12435-5, [http://books.google.ch/books?id=_JNDS4iJ6CkC&pg=PA160&dq=%22Akhand+Kirtani+Jatha%22&hl=de&ei=Jh8DTtPeK8qd-Qad5sDhDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFoQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22Akhand%20Kirtani%20Jatha%22&f=false p. 160]</ref>


Naam Drirtaa is the method used to instil [[Naam]] into those who wish to receive the divine gift of [[Amrit]] during the [[Amrit Sanchaar]]. This method is not the invention of the AKJ, but has been ongoing since the first [[Amrit Sanchaar]]. The method can only be explained in detail by the Panj Pyarai during an Amrit Sanchaar, as only the Guru has the right to impart the Naam. However, generally speaking, Naam Drirta sends the Naam into ones body and enables the Sikh to begin [[Simran]] with each and every breath.
The AJK in turn gave rise to an extremist{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} offshoot{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} known as the [[Babbar Khalsa]] who were active in assassinations and religious violence against the Nirankaris during the 1980s{{citation needed|date=July 2013}}.
The AKJ appears as a group of the [[Sikh diaspora]] involved in the [[Khalistan movement]] in the 1980s.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}}


==Liturgy==
==Raagmala==


[http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ragmala Raagmala] is a small composition which appears on the final page of most Saroops of [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji]]. AKJ believes that Raagmala is not [[Gurbani]], but was added to Guru Granth Sahib at a later date. The Raagmala was not part of the original Bir compiled by Sahib Siri [[Guru Arjan Dev Ji]], neither was it part of the Damdami Bir. Scholars say It was composed by a poet named [[Alam]],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ashok|first1=Shemsher Singh|title=Article Ragmal Da Lekhak Kavi Alam Ja Tansen|date=1986|page=39}}</ref> a contemporary of Emperor Akbar - in the year 991 Hijri or Bikrami 1641 - about 20 years before the compilation of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Giani Gurdit|title=Mundavani}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Giani Arjan|title=Raagmala Nirnay}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Giani Sher|title=Raagmala Darpan}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Padam|first1=Professor Pyara Singh|title=Article Raagmala Nirnay}}</ref>
AKJ differs from mainstream Sikhism in their interpretation of one of [[The Five Ks]] of Sikhism: instead of accepting the ''[[Kesh (Sikhism)|kes]]'' or "uncut hair", they interpret the command as referring to ''keski'', a small turban, which they maintain must be worn by Sikhs of both sexes.<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/>


==Sarabloh and/or Langar Bibek==
In Bhogal's description of beliefs and practices of the AKJ, he noted some of the group's beliefs and said "In such beliefs the group reject the general code of conduct known as the [[Sikh Rahit Marayada]] of the [[Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee|S.G.P.C.]] [...], and produced their own called ''rahit-bibek'' (''bibek'' means discrimination, discernment, insight)."<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/><ref name="Haynes 316">{{cite book|last=Haynes|first=Jeffrey |title=Routledge handbook of religion and politics|publisher=Routledge|date= 30 Jun 2008|edition=1st|pages=316|chapter=19|isbn=0-415-41455-5|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ULWtjZxscpIC&pg=PT328&dq=Sikh+rehat+maryada&as_brr=3&cd=5#v=onepage&q=Sikh%20rehat%20maryada&f=false|accessdate=17 December 2009}}</ref>


Sarabloh and/or Langar Bibek is the practice of eating food which has been prepared only by Gursikhs. Also, the food has to be prepared and served in Sarabloh (iron) utensils, as far as possible. Those Gursikhs who have undertaken Sarabloh Bibek will obviously not take food that has been prepared in any way other than as according to the SarabLoh Bibek Rehat. However, such Gursikhs do not expect any special treatment and often go without food rather than putting a strain on others. Guru ka Langar was originally prepared using Sarbloh utensils and only prepared by Amritdhari Gursikhs. The word Bibek means Giaan (knowledge) to distinguish between right and wrong.
Bhogal also noted that "They also believe in a different Khalsa initiation ceremony, wherein the five beloved ones, or five Gursikhs place their right hand on the neophyte's head and meditatively repeat the mantra '[[Waheguru|Vahiguru]]', revolving around the innitiate for five or so minutes."<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/>


==Kirtan==
The Jatha's devotional singing programmes include all-night ''Rain sabai'' and ''Kirtan Darbars'' which usually last around 6 hours. The ''kirtan'' is usually sung with basic musical tunes as the main emphasis of the ''kirtans'' is on the Guru's Word and repeating the ''Gurmantar'' (Guru's Mantra) of ''Waheguru'' with great fervour when prompted to repeat the Lord's Name in the sacred hymns being sung. Jatha members never eat meat or eggs, and the AKJ argues strongly that eating any form of flesh is forbidden in the AKJ ''rahit-bibek''.<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/><ref name=tapoban>{{cite web|url=http://www.tapoban.org/index.html?gurmat.html |title=Tapoban.org |publisher=Tapoban.org |date= |accessdate=2009-08-09}}</ref><ref name="pathkhalsa">{{cite web|url=http://www.panthkhalsa.org/rahit/rahit_kuthha.php|title=Kuthha and Sikhism|publisher=Fort:Panth Khalsa|accessdate=2009-08-28}}</ref>


Kirtan has been highly regarded by Guru Sahib. For example, Guru Sahib says "Kaljug Meh Kirtan Pardhana, Gurmukh japeeai Laaey Dhiaana", which means that in this age, Kirtan is the highest deed and the Gurmukh partakes in it with full concentration. There are numerous other Shabads in Gurbani which teach us the importance of Simran and Kirtan in Sangat. Kirtan during AKJ programs is traditionally done with very simple tunes, as opposed to being done with the complex classical Raags. The Sangat finds that Kirtan done in such a style is very spiritually uplifting. The emphasis in AKJ programmes is most definitely placed with the Gurbani that is being sung, rather than the tune of the music. This does not necessarily means AKJ oppose Kirtan in Nirdarat Raags.
''Raagmala'' is a composition appended to Sri Guru Granth Sahib, appearing after the ''"Mundaavni"'' (epilogue or "closing seal"). The Jatha do not accept the ''Raagmala'' and do not read it when concluding a scripture-reading.<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/>


==Vaisakhi 1978==
Bhogal noted that this is one of the areas in which the AKJ rejects the "Sikh Rehat Maryada of the SGPC"<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/><ref name="Haynes 316"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Nirmal |title=Searches In Sikhism: thought, understanding, observance|publisher=Hemkunt Publishers|location=New Dehli |year=2008|pages=184 onwards|chapter=10|isbn=978-81-7010-367-7|oclc= 320246878|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=yMJypUEQkEQC&pg=PA184&dq=Sikh+rehat+maryada&as_brr=3&cd=3#v=onepage&q=Sikh%20rehat%20maryada&f=false|accessdate=17 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Kapoor|first= Sukhbir Singh |author2= Mohinder Kaur Kapoor|title=The Making of the Sikh Rehatnamas|publisher=Hemkunt Publishers|location=New Delhi, India|year=2008|pages=9|chapter=Introduction|isbn=978-81-7010-370-7|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6A_IX9WxnhoC&pg=PA9&dq=Sikh+rehat+maryada&as_brr=3&cd=2#v=onepage&q=Sikh%20rehat%20maryada&f=false|accessdate=17 December 2009}}</ref> interpretation.<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/>


On Vaisakhi day, 1978, the Indian Government sponsored [[Sant Nirankaris]], they held a convention which was designed to hurt the Sikh Nation. They mocked the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] Ji and the Gurus, the [[http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Char_Sahibzade Char Sahibzaade]] and the [[Panj Pyare]]. Their selfstyled Guru sat in Palki like SGGS. These insults were a step too far and the Sikh Nation arose to protest against such unprovoked attacks. [[Bhai Fauja Singh]] led a procession to oppose the Indian government's attempts to destroy Sikhism and along with another 12 Gursikhs, they were brutally shot down. Ever since then, Gursikhs have been active in working against the Indian governments oppression of the Sikhs as well as further propagating the message of the Gurus amongst the Sikhs.
==Vegetarianism==
{{further|Diet in Sikhism}}
The AKJ have their own interpretation of the Sikh prohibition against "[[Kutha meat]]". They hold that this term means "slaughtered animal" or "killed animal", and thus that eating any meat whatsoever is a transgression.<ref name=tapoban /><ref name=pathkhalsa />
The Sikh Rehat Maryada<ref name="www.sgpc.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.sgpc.net/sikhism/sikh-dharma-manual.html |title=Sikh Reht Maryada, The Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India |publisher=www.sgpc.net |accessdate=2009-08-29 }}</ref><ref name="What meat? Dictionary, University, Lexicography, 1994. ">{{cite web|url=http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/8828-fools-who-wrangle-over-flesh.html|title=Fools Who Wrangle Over Flesh|last=Singh|first=Randip|author2=Aman Singh|author3=Narayanjot Kaur|date=2006-05-24|publisher=www.sikhphilosophy.net|pages=1|accessdate=16 December 2009|location=India}}</ref> and Sikh scholars<ref>{{cite book|last1= Dr. S.S. Kapoor|first1=|last2=Mohinder Kaur Kapoor|first2=|title=The Making of the Sikh Rehatnamas|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6A_IX9WxnhoC&pg=PA43&dq=Kutha+Sikh&hl=en&ei=XoEYTJ6hK4OC_QbYlpX2Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false|accessdate=16 June 2010|year=2008|publisher=Hemkunt Publishers|isbn=978-81-7010-370-7|page=43|chapter=4}}</ref> define ''[[Kutha meat|Kutthaa]]'' as meat "slaughtered in the Muslim way" (''Halaal'' meat),<ref>Punjabi-English Dictionary, Punjabi University, Dept. of Punjabi Lexicography, Published Dec. 1994. ''[[Kutha meat|Kuttha]]: meat of animal or fowl slaughtered slowly as prescribed by Islamic law.''</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sikhism: A Complete Introduction|last1= Singha|first1=Harbhajan|last2=Kaur|first2=Satwant|location=New Delhi|publisher=Hemkunt Press|year= 2005|page=113|isbn=81-7010-301-0}}.</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Sikhs and Sikhism: A View With A Bias|last= Singh|first=I.J|publisher=Manohar|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788173040580|page=72}}</ref> and as any "ritually slaughtered" meat (Halal, Kosher, Hindu Bali, others). The Sikh Rahit Maryada<ref name="Bhogalarticle"/><ref name="www.sgpc.net"/> doesn't accept the eating of ritually slaughtered meat, and the Akhand Kirtani Jatha rejects the eating of any meat.


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*http://www.akhandkirtanijatha.org/
⚫
*http://ekhalsa.com/
*http://www.akj.org/
*http://www.akj.org/
⚫
*http://www.gurmatbibek.com/
*http://www.tapoban.org/
*http://www.tapoban.org/


{{Sikhism}}
{{Sikhism}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}


[[Category:Sikh groups and sects]]
[[Category:Sikh groups and sects]]

Revision as of 00:56, 30 August 2014

The Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) (Punjabi: ਅਖੰਡ ਕੀਰਤਨੀ ਜਥਾ) is a collection (Jatha) of Sikhs who believe that parts of the Khalsa Panth are losing the Hukhams (Messages) and Rehat (Code of Conduct) that Guru Sahib originally gave us. For this reason, it is important that those who want to live as according to the Guru's command can do so in a Sangat (Collective Manner). AKJ puts emphasis on Gurmat Karams including Amrtivela, Naam Abhiyaas, Nitnem, and Sarabloh Bibek. [1] [2]

History

The AKJ was started by Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh in Punjab around the 1930s. At that time it was also known as Nirbaan Kirtani Jatha. Since then, Gursikhs have been getting together to sing Gurbani (Doing Keertan). The AKJ has spread a vast amount of countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, Germany, France, Malaysia, Singapore and other nations.

Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh

Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh was born in 1878 to Sikh parents in Punjab. He bravely fought for righteousness and against the British Empire in India. He is known for keeping his Sikhi alive while he was being tortured in British jails. Bhai Randir Singh was bestowed with honor of Panth Ratan by Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, and all the other 3 takhts at the time.[3][4]

Activity in Sikh Panth

The main activity of the Jatha is to do Kirtan (i.e. the singing of Gurbani), although the Jatha also does Akhand Paaths, Gatka, Sikhi Camps (e.g. Khalsa Camp BC), and regular Sikhi classes for children. AKJ Kirtan programmes take the form of Assa Di Var Keertans (Doing Assa Di Var Keertan after Amrit Vela and Nitnem), Evening Keertan Programs (Doing Keertan in the evening usually for 6 hours), Raensabaayee Keertans (Keertan which lasts from late evening to early morning), and Keertan Smaagams (Assa Di Var & Eveing Keertan Programs every day for usually a week, ending off with a Raensabaayee Keertan). The Kirtan is sung using simple tunes - the main emphasis of the Kirtans being on the Gurbani rather than the music, but singing with Raags is fine.

View on figure-head or Sant

The AKJ views the Shabad-Guru as the only Sant or figure-head in Gursikhi, through which humankind can all re-unite with God. There have been many highly respected and spiritual Gursikhs within the AKJ, but they have not been placed on any pedestal or given any title like "Sant". The AKJ believes in the equality of mankind and that every Sikh has a direct relationship with the Guru. AKJ do not believe that it is necessary for a third party to intervene in this relationship. In Bhai Randhir Singh's autobiography, he had gone to one smaagaam, and there was a poster saying that he was a sant. He left that smaagaam, and said he won't go any smaagam that lists him as a Sant.

Keski as one of the 5Ks and not Kesh (Hair)

AKJ believes that Kesh (hair) is not part of the five Ks, but, they are essential since Kesh are the hallmark of Guru Sahib. Since Kesh have a higer regard than than the five Ks themselves. (e.g. Cutting Kesh is a Kureht, while taking off a dastaar, or any other Kakaar is not a Kureht. AKJ believes that Keski (a small turban) was the original fifth K.[5]

Meat eating

AKJ strongly oppose meat-eating, it is regarded as a Kureht in the AKJ.

View point on SRM commonly referred to Sikh Rehat Maryada

AKJ in general keeps strict life style (Rehat Maryada), if one has to say that exceeds what mentioned in SRM. AKJ believes that in couple of Rehats like Keski and Kurehat of Kutha (eating meat) a looseness was made in SRM at the time of its draft. Scholarly and highly dedicated contemporary Gursikhs were not approached or consulted to make a concrete decision on certain points including aforementioned.

Naam Drirtaa

Naam Drirtaa is the method used to instil Naam into those who wish to receive the divine gift of Amrit during the Amrit Sanchaar. This method is not the invention of the AKJ, but has been ongoing since the first Amrit Sanchaar. The method can only be explained in detail by the Panj Pyarai during an Amrit Sanchaar, as only the Guru has the right to impart the Naam. However, generally speaking, Naam Drirta sends the Naam into ones body and enables the Sikh to begin Simran with each and every breath.

Raagmala

Raagmala is a small composition which appears on the final page of most Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. AKJ believes that Raagmala is not Gurbani, but was added to Guru Granth Sahib at a later date. The Raagmala was not part of the original Bir compiled by Sahib Siri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, neither was it part of the Damdami Bir. Scholars say It was composed by a poet named Alam,[6] a contemporary of Emperor Akbar - in the year 991 Hijri or Bikrami 1641 - about 20 years before the compilation of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.[7][8][9][10]

Sarabloh and/or Langar Bibek

Sarabloh and/or Langar Bibek is the practice of eating food which has been prepared only by Gursikhs. Also, the food has to be prepared and served in Sarabloh (iron) utensils, as far as possible. Those Gursikhs who have undertaken Sarabloh Bibek will obviously not take food that has been prepared in any way other than as according to the SarabLoh Bibek Rehat. However, such Gursikhs do not expect any special treatment and often go without food rather than putting a strain on others. Guru ka Langar was originally prepared using Sarbloh utensils and only prepared by Amritdhari Gursikhs. The word Bibek means Giaan (knowledge) to distinguish between right and wrong.

Kirtan

Kirtan has been highly regarded by Guru Sahib. For example, Guru Sahib says "Kaljug Meh Kirtan Pardhana, Gurmukh japeeai Laaey Dhiaana", which means that in this age, Kirtan is the highest deed and the Gurmukh partakes in it with full concentration. There are numerous other Shabads in Gurbani which teach us the importance of Simran and Kirtan in Sangat. Kirtan during AKJ programs is traditionally done with very simple tunes, as opposed to being done with the complex classical Raags. The Sangat finds that Kirtan done in such a style is very spiritually uplifting. The emphasis in AKJ programmes is most definitely placed with the Gurbani that is being sung, rather than the tune of the music. This does not necessarily means AKJ oppose Kirtan in Nirdarat Raags.

Vaisakhi 1978

On Vaisakhi day, 1978, the Indian Government sponsored Sant Nirankaris, they held a convention which was designed to hurt the Sikh Nation. They mocked the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Gurus, the [Char Sahibzaade] and the Panj Pyare. Their selfstyled Guru sat in Palki like SGGS. These insults were a step too far and the Sikh Nation arose to protest against such unprovoked attacks. Bhai Fauja Singh led a procession to oppose the Indian government's attempts to destroy Sikhism and along with another 12 Gursikhs, they were brutally shot down. Ever since then, Gursikhs have been active in working against the Indian governments oppression of the Sikhs as well as further propagating the message of the Gurus amongst the Sikhs.

References

  1. ^ Singh, Jodh (2008). Twarihk Akhand Kirtani Jatha. Lajpat Nagar, New Dehli, India: Sikh Foundation.
  2. ^ "Akhand Kirtani Jatha". SikhWiki.com.
  3. ^ Singh Anant, Jaiteg (March 2004). Ghadar Di Ghoonj Te Bhai Randhir Singh. S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali-Chandigarh, India: Unistar Books Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 978-93-5068-747-5.
  4. ^ Kang, Dr. Gulzar Singh (2003). Bhai Randhir Singh: Jiwan Te Rachna. Patiala, Punjab, India: Punjabi University Patiala. ISBN 81-7380-875-9.
  5. ^ Singh, Uday (2000). Keski, Not Kes, The Kakar. Bolton, Ontario, Canada: Professor Uday Singh. ISBN 0-9696957-8-0.
  6. ^ Ashok, Shemsher Singh (1986). Article Ragmal Da Lekhak Kavi Alam Ja Tansen. p. 39.
  7. ^ Singh, Giani Gurdit. Mundavani.
  8. ^ Singh, Giani Arjan. Raagmala Nirnay.
  9. ^ Singh, Giani Sher. Raagmala Darpan.
  10. ^ Padam, Professor Pyara Singh. Article Raagmala Nirnay.

External links

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=&diff=prev&oldid=623386263

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