sikh morality code

[Guest guest]

Hi.

So I had this idea of putting together a 'morality code', initially for youth, but also for older sikhs we want to connect more with the religion and also for non-sikhs interested to learn.    I want all the rules to be based on teachings of SGGS.  Sort a basic moral guidance based in Gurbani.  I invite you all to suggest alterations and additions.  It would be good to have Gurbani quotes to go with the list, but I'm have not memorised SGGS well enough, so if anyone can help with that too, that would be good.

Moral 'guides' for sikhs:

1. Always remember God/Gods name.  This is a must.  You can do this while living your day to day life.   As per Gurbani, to do Naam Simran is to live, and to forget it is to die.  The definition of maya is whatever makes you forget God.  God and His Name are the same.  You remember one, you remember the other.  You can (and should) remember Him in a natural and unstrained manner.  Remembering Him also means remembering He is nearby.  The gradual aim is to remember Him with each breath and morsel of food and drink.

2.  Always remember God's Will.  What is Gods Will?  It is the supreme power, by which everything happens.  As per Gurbani, the definition of blindness is forgetting God's will.

3. Be an honest person. This means- don't tell lies, don't deceive people.  Its doesn't that you have to walk down the road with a megaphone, announcing your deepest darkest secrets.  But it means that you should not deceive people.  Be one person, inside and out.  Don't lead 'double lives'.  If you are an adult, earn money honestly (not by cheating or slacking off your job).

4. Don't have any hatred.  Instead of hatred, seek wisdom.

5. Don't have any fear, and don't put fear into anyone.  Have faith in God instead.  Not having fear does not mean getting into fights or climbing tall buildings or playing stupid 'dare' games- these things are actually the signs of fearful people battling repressed fears.

6. Don't slander or gossip about anyone.  Avoid anyone who does.  Do not mind if anyone slanders you, just see it as a cleansing exercise (gives you humility).

7.  Avoid bad company.  Remember that someone may seem religious externally, but may have bad characteristics.  don't judge people by external appearances.

8.  Avoid the five thieves/ demons- lust, anger, pride, enchantment (mohe) and greed.  Recognise them for what they are- demons (that posses and drive people to do evil things they wouldn't otherwise do) and thieves (that steal people's wisdom, self-control and intelligence).

9. Show kindness (dayal) and forgiveness.

10.  Believe that God exists and trust Him.

11.  Follow Gurbani instead of precepts of mind (manmukhi). 

12.  Get up early.  Keep God hygiene.  Practise Naam Simran in a seated position, with concentration in the morning.

13.  Show respect to your parents and your elders.  Don't criticise them for their flaws.  Don't deceive them, speak rudely to them.  Show them consideration.  Treat all elderly people like they are your grandparents.

14.  Speak softly, and avoid bad language.  Guru ji says talking filth is like putting filth into your mouth.  Speak only truth, but do so in a kind manner.  Know when it is better to keep quiet.

15.  Have good hygiene, show respect for the body God has given you.  Have a neat appearance.  Keep a good posture.

16.  Do all your work honestly, and work hard. 

17.  Remember the poor and needy and do something for them.  E.g. give to the homeless.  Give dasvand if you are earning money.