Kirpan

The "Kirpan" (IPA2|kɪrˈpɑn) ( _pa. ਕਿਰਪਾਨ "IAST|kirpān") is a ceremonial sword or dagger that must be worn by all baptised Sikhs (Khalsa), after a mandatory religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh "(the tenth Guru of Sikhism)" in 1699 AD.

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh told his Sikhs at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar to constantly and regularly wear a Kirpan at all times. Amrit Sanchar is a holy religious ceremony that formally baptizes a Sikh (Khalsa). Historically, the Kirpan was an article of defense which together with the other 4 Kakars formed the external visible symbols to outwardly display one's commitment to the Hukam of the tenth master. The five Kakars clearly and instantly identify a Khalsa Sikh. The Kirpan is worn on a cloth belt called a Gatra.

This injunction was primarily in order to protect the weak from tyranny and slavery, to maintain a state of harmony and security, to allow for the free development of trade, craftsmanship, arts & literature and to safeguard and protect the universal right of all beings to live their lives in a peaceful, stable and sheltered environment.

The kirpan has both a physical function, as a defensive weapon, as well as a symbolic function. Physically it is an instrument of "Ahimsa" or non-violence. The principle of ahimsa is to actively prevent violence, not to simply stand by idly whilst violence is being done. To that end, the kirpan is a tool to be used to prevent violence from being done to a defenseless person when all other means to do so have failed. Symbolically, the kirpan represents the power of truth to cut through untruth. It is the cutting edge of the enlightened mind.

A baptised Sikh, better known as a Khalsa Sikh is a "Sant-Sipahie" - a Saint-Soldier: A saint first and then a soldier. So to satisfy this term, one must first become a saint and then a Soldier. As a saint one must have total control over ones internal vices and be able to constantly be immersed in five virtues as clarified in the Guru Granth Sahib. Only then can a Sikh become a soldier. Also, the Khalsa is "Akal Purakh de fauj" - the Army of God. Guru ji clearly choose these words very deliberately - He did not state that the Khalsa was the army of the Khalsa or an army of the Sikhs or the army of Punjab - but an Army of God whose function was the protection and safeguarding of all the peoples of God.

Further details

The kirpan is the symbol crystallising the fact that when a Khalsa joins this army, he or she has left behind the docile environment of subservience and subordination and has joined the proactive and caring world of the fearless, brave and courageous defence force of Guru Gobind Singh. The recruits of this army have a dynamic and constant duty to protect and to fight for justice for all the people of the world and to side with the oppressed and offer assistance and support to all weaker inhabitants without any reference to their race, gender, caste, nationality, religion or beliefs. If this kirpan is removed, it is like removing their spiritual identity.

The Kirpan is one of the Five Ks, of the Khalsa Sikhs. "Kirpan" literal means "weapon of defence" ("Kirpa" means "mercy" and "Aan" means "bless"), as opposed to the "talwar", a weapon of offence.

Typically made from iron, kirpans range in blade size from 3 inches (7.6 cm) to over 3 feet (90 cm), though Sikhs in the west wear kirpans of about 3.5 inch (9 cm) blade size. Most Sikhs wear the kirpan under their clothes and most people observing a random Sikh would not be aware that they were carrying a kirpan. To the Sikhs, it is a highly important religious symbol; it is rarely used as a weapon.

Sikhs often protest the characterisation of the Kirpan as a weapon. Traditionally, a Sikh should never use the Kirpan in anger or for a malicious attack. However, a Sikh may use it in self-defence or to protect a person in need. Some Sikhs choose to learn the art of Gatka. This is a martial art devised by Sikh Gurus that uses circular movements to effectively swing a kirpan.

The requirement that baptised Sikhs wear the kirpan has caused problems for believers in many areas, especially where the custom clashes with local laws against carrying weapons. In cases where safety regulations conflict with wearing the kirpan, such as boarding an airplane or entering a prison, Sikhs reluctantly comply with authorities. Some regulations allow the kirpan under certain restrictions; for example, rules in some California schools require that the kirpan be blunted and riveted into a sheath. This prevents any possible use of the kirpan as a weapon, but still allows it as a physical symbol of faith.

Guru Gobind Singh shows in the following Shabad the qualities that makes one fit to become part of his world mission called the Khalsa Panth. One must never shirk from conducting oneself in the most upright and considerate manner possible. The Khalsa has to be prepared at all times to willingly and consistently behave in the most impartial and just manner and to always without fail to undertake to carry out righteous and Gurmat acts; to never have any fear or show even the slightest hesitation when taking such actions; to never flinch from stepping in front of the enemy to protect the poor, weak and needy of the world - to never have any apprehension or anxiety from the righteous fight ahead. To never have any doubt or apprehension even if the opponents number 125,000 and have an unfair advantage. The Khalsa always accepts that the outcome of the fight will be in their favour. And without reservation to know and trust that Waheguru will be their support and protector and that triumph will be theirs:

Quoter | Dehi Shiva Bar Mohe Ihe
Shubh Karman Se Kabhun Na Taron
Na Daron Ari Son Jab Jai Laron
Nischey Kar Apni Jeet Karon
----O God, give me these boons
Never shall I shirk from doing good deeds
Never shall I fear when I go to fight the enemy
And with surety I shall attain victory
----
by Guru Gobind Singh. Also see Deh Shiva Bar Mohe

While the bravery of a Khalsa can never be questioned as history is witness to the steadfastness of their resolve. (see Battle of Saragarhi). However, under no circumstances is the Sikh allowed to use force in aggression. Bhagat Kabir makes this very clear in the following verse:

Quoter | Kabeer, it is tyranny to use force; the Lord shall call you to account.
When your account is called for, your face and mouth shall be beaten. ((200)) | Guru Granth Sahib page 1375

The Khalsa is expected to live by the high moral standards of the Sikh Gurus at all times as stipulated in the Guru Granth Sahib and Reht Maryada which includes such things as abstaining from smoking, drinking and other intoxicants, performing daily prayers and always maintaining the five distinctive physical symbols of Sikhism (Kakars) on them. The most noticeable of these symbols being uncut hair (Kesh) and carrying the Kirpan.

This injunction to wear the 5Ks (Kakars) appears in the Reht Maryada (The Official Sikh Code of Conduct); "Have, on your person, all the time, the five K's: The Kesh (unshorn hair), the Kirpan (sheathed sword), the Kaccha (drawers like garment), the Kanga (comb), the Karha (steel bracelet)." (Reht Maryada, Ceremony of Baptism or Initiation, Section 6, Chapter XIII, Article XXIV, paragraph (p) see SGPC Regulations)

The Reht Maryada does not specify the length of the Kirpan or the construction of the various parts of the Kirpan or how and where it is to be worn by the devotee. Traditionally, Kirpans can be anywhere from 3 feet (90 cm) blade size as carried by Sikhs on religious festivals, marriages and parades, to just a few inches (cm) in length like the regular kirpan worn by devotees in the West. They can either be worn over ones clothing or underneath. The blade is normally constructed of mild steel and the handle may be made of metal surrounded with leather or wood. The Kirpan is always kept sheathed except when it is withdrawn from its casing on such occasions as blessing of the Karah Prasad, ceremonial sweet pudding or Langar distributed during religious ceremonies.

Guru Gobind Singh in the following verses instructs the Sikhs to only draw the sword as a last resort and in response to an attack by the aggressor:

Also Maharaj in Bachitar Natak tells of the incident where he is fired upon before he responds thus:

Quoter | Hari Chand, filled with rage, drew out his bow,
he aimed and shot his arrow, which struck my horse.
He aimed and shot the second arrow towards me,
the Lord protected me, his arrow only grazed my ear. 29.
His third arrow penetrated deep into the buckle of my waist-belt.
Its edge touched the body, but did not cause a wound,
the Lord saved his servant.30.

When the edge of the arrow touched my body, it kindled my fury.
I took my bow in my hand and aimed and shot the arrow.31.
All the warriors fled, when a volley of arrow was showered.
Then I aimed the arrow on the warrior and fired.32.
Hari Chand was killed and his brave soldiers were trampled.
The chief of Kot Lehar was seized by death.33.----
Dasam Granth page 148

Legality

Canada

In most public places in Canada a kirpan is allowed but there some places where it is not clear cut. In the 2006 Supreme Court of Canada decision of "Multani v. Commission scolaire Marguerite‑Bourgeoys" the court held that the banning of the kirpan in a school environment is against Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms as a reasonable accommodation. The issue started when a 12 year old student dropped a 20 cm (8 inches) long kirpan in school. School staff and parents were very concerned, and the student was required to attend school under police supervision until the court decision was reached. In september 2008, Montreal police announced that a 13 year old student would be charged after he allegedly threatened another student with his kirpan.

Denmark

On October 24, 2006, the Eastern High Court of Denmark upheld the earlier ruling of the Copenhagen City Court by which wearing of a kirpan by a Sikh was declared illegal. By this Denmark has become the first country in the world to pass such a ruling. Ripudaman Singh, who now works as a scientist, was earlier convicted by the City Court for violating the Danish Weapons Law for publicly carrying a knife. He was sentenced to a 3000 kroner fine or 6 days' imprisonment. Though the High Court quashed this sentence, it maintained that the carrying of a kirpan by a Sikh is in violation of the Danish Weapons Law. The judge stated, "After all the information about the accused, the reason for the accused to possess a knife and the other circumstances of the case, such exceptional extenuating circumstances are found, that the punishment should be dropped, cf. Penal Code § 83, 2nd period".

Danish Weapons Law allows carrying of knives in public places if it is for fishing, hunting, sports or any other purpose recognized as valid. The High Court did not find religion as being a valid reason for carrying kirpan. It stated that "For these reasons, as stated by the City Court, it is agreed that the circumstance of the accused carrying the knife as a Sikh, cannot be regarded as a similarly recognisable purpose, included in the decision for the exceptions in weapon law § 4, par. 1, 1st period, second part".

India

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution deems the carrying of a kirpan to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion [cite web |title=Bill of Rights in the Constitution of India|publisher=Sikh Information Centre|date=2006 |accessdate=2007-02-11 |url=http://www.sikhinformationcentre.org/SikhIssues/CONST] , thus legalizing the carrying of a kirpan by Sikhs.

weden

Swedish law has a ban on "street weapons" in public places that also includes knives unless used for hobby (for instance fishing) or profession (for instance a carpenter). Knives considered harmless, like a pocket knife, are allowed, making dull kirpans legal. [cite web |url=http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=147&a=21666 |title=Dagens Nyheter: Sikh får bära dolk i skolan] [cite web |url=http://do.se/o.o.i.s/1627 |title=Ombudsmannen mot etnisk diskriminering]

United Kingdom

It is legal under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (section 139) and Offensive Weapons Act 1996 (section 3 and 4) for a Sikh to carry a kirpan with a blade for religious reasons (other reasons allowed by the Act are cultural or work related reasons). The Criminal Justice Act 1988 safeguards the rights of Sikhs to carry the kirpan as it is deemed a necessary part of their religion.

United States

There have been several court cases in the USA relating to the legality of wearing a kirpan in public places. Courts in New York and Ohio have ruled that banning the wearing of a kirpan is unconstitutional. [cite web |title=The Sikh Coalition Legal Center |accessdate=2007-01-30 |url=http://www.sikhcoalition.org/LegalUS0.asp] In recent years the Sikh practice of wearing a kirpan has caused problems for security personnel at airports and other checkpoints. Security personnel may confiscate kirpans if they feel it is necessary, but are advised to treat them with respect. [cite web |title=Kirpan Posters Come to Sikhs’ Help in US |publisher=The Times of India |date=November 22, 2006 |accessdate=2007-01-30 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/World/The_United_States/Kirpan_posters_in_US_to_avoid_Sikhs_being_targeted/articleshow/516267.cms] Sikh leaders opted out of an April 17, 2008 interfaith meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC due to their refusal to remove the kirpan. [cite web |title=Sikhs choose daggers over event with pope|accessdate=2008-03-05 |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080305/NATION/118836998/1001&template=printart]

External links

* [http://www.khalsakirpan.net/articles.html About Wearing a Kirpan]
* [http://www.sikhcoalition.org/LegalUS6.asp Advice for Sikhs on when to comply with authorities about the Kirpan.]
* [http://www.oxfordsikhs.com/SikhAwareness/91.aspx Explaining what the Kirpan is to a Non-Sikh.]
* [http://www.ots.at/presseaussendung.php?schluessel=OTS_20080828_OTS0151&ch=politik Press release VDPA Human Rights Conference, Vienna, Austria]

References

*http://www.searchsikhism.com/five.html
*http://www.kirpan.ca/

ee also