• Comment: The referencing is too patchy. Please add more sources, especially in the lower part of the draft. Modussiccandi (talk) 13:15, 27 October 2023 (UTC)

Sodh (ਸੋਧ) Maryada is a practice followed by Namdhari sikhs that combines physical actions with the spiritual aspect of Sikh philosophy, emphasising the maintenance of a high level of hygiene and cleanliness and is broken into two types, Vaddi  Sodh  (big)  and  Chotti  Sodh (small)[1]. It's practice today is similar to Bibek in that observers of Sodh may only eat food cooked by others who are following tenants of Sodh, in extension to only eating from those who have received Naam[2][3].

Origins and Historical Significance

edit

The roots of Sodh Maryada can be traced back to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who introduced this practice to his followers[4]. During times of conflict with the Mughal Empire, Sikh warriors would cook their own food to ensure purity and avoid trusting unknown sources. This practice empowered them spiritually and instilled a sense of self-reliance. The significance of Sodh Maryada also extends to promoting cleanliness and proactive personal hygiene within the Sikh community.

ਜਹਾਂ ਕਹਾਂ ਕਾ ਛਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦ, ਸਿਖ ਨਹੀ ਮੇਰਾ ਆਦਿ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ | - Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Those who eat from anywhere and everywhere are no Sikh of mine.

ਜਾਕੀ ਰਿਹਤ ਨਾ ਜਾਨੀਏ, ਗੁਰ ਮਨਤਰ ਨਹੀ ਚੀਤ, ਉਨ ਕਾ ਭੋਜਨ ਖਾਇ ਕੈ, ਵਿਸਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਸਿੳ ਪ੍ਰੀਤ | Eating from those who have not taken Naam and their code of conduct is unknown will reduce your love for the Lord. (Rehatnama)[5][6]

In the 18th century, Sri Guru Ram Singh Ji, the founder of the Namdhari Sikh community, sent Rai Singh to Hazur Sahib to document and preserve the code of conduct of Sodh Maryada. This documentation became the basis for the Namdhari Sikhs' adherence to Sodh Maryada to this day.[7]

Key Principles and Practices

edit

Sodh Maryada encompasses various key principles and practices that guide Sikh individuals in their daily lives. These include:

1. Hygiene: Practitioners of Sodh Maryada maintain a high level of personal cleanliness, including taking a full-body shower after using the toilet (page 3)[8] and using water from natural streams or springs when available.

2. Conscious Eating: It is encouraged to consume food prepared by individuals who also practice Sodh Maryada. This practice ensures that the food is prepared and handled in a manner consistent with the principles of cleanliness and purity.[9]

3. Spiritual Connection: Sodh Maryada emphasizes the connection between physical practices and spiritual growth. It encourages practitioners to cultivate humility, engage in selfless service, practice gratitude, and recite the Lord's Name.[10][11]

4. Release that the Lord is within all and to not to consume meat, alcohol, drugs.[12]

Distinctiveness and Sources

edit

What sets Sodh Maryada apart from other related traditions or practices is its unique integration with Sikh philosophy. It combines physical cleanliness and hygiene with spiritual principles, promoting a holistic approach to personal well-being and devotion.

The main source that guides Sodh Maryada is the document compiled by Bhai Rai Singh at Hazur Sahib[13], which serves as a guide for Namdhari Sikhs in maintaining this code of conduct.

Rituals, Ceremonies, and Festivals

edit

Sodh Maryada plays a significant role in various Sikh rituals, ceremonies, and festivals. To perform rituals such as Havan (sacred fire ceremony), Varni (reading of Sikh scriptures), marriage ceremonies, or the initiation ceremony of Amrit[14], individuals are expected to observe Sodh Maryada beforehand.[15]

Evolution and Contemporary Practice

edit

Over time, Sodh Maryada has remained largely unchanged since its documentation by Bhai Rai Singh in Hazur Sahib. The principles and practices continue to be followed faithfully by the Namdhari Sikh community, with an emphasis on maintaining personal hygiene, humility, and selfless service.

Prominent Figures and Organizations

edit

Notable figures associated with Sodh Maryada include Sri Guru Gobind Singh, Sri Guru Ram Singh, Sri Guru Balak Singh, Sri Guru Partap Singh, Sri Guru Jagjit Singh, and Sri Guru Uday Singh. The Namdhari Sikh community, founded by Sri Guru Ram Singh Ji, upholds and promotes the practice of Sodh Maryada.

Popularity and Followership

edit

Sodh Maryada holds a high level of popularity and followership within the Namdhari Sikh community. The adherence to this code of conduct is an integral part of the community's identity, with practitioners valuing cleanliness, hygiene, humility, and selfless service as essential aspects of their daily lives.

References

edit
  1. ^ Sharma, Kaur, Manu, Gurjeet (2022). "Broadening The Boundaries Of Namdhari Mission: Insights From The Evolution Of Namdhari Sect In 19th-20thCentury In India". JournalofPharmaceuticalNegativeResults. 13 (9): 8525.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Raghbir Singh Kuka Sarsa. Namdhari Rehat Maryada.
  3. ^ Jacobsen, Knut A.; Myrvold, Kristina (2011). Sikhs in Europe: migration, identities, and representations. Farnham, Surrey Burlington, VT: Ashgate Pub. ISBN 978-1-4094-2434-5.
  4. ^ Santokh Singh Namdhari. Bhai Rai Singh.
  5. ^ www.DiscoverSikhism.com. Rehatnama Bhai Chaupa Singh (in Punjabi).
  6. ^ Giani Teja Singh. Santki Bhojan.
  7. ^ "Sikh Code of Conduct, Institutions & Ceremonies", International Bibliography of Sikh Studies, Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, pp. 295–310, 2005, doi:10.1007/1-4020-3044-4_13, ISBN 1-4020-3043-6, retrieved 2023-06-19
  8. ^ Namdhari Sikh Rahit Maryada.
  9. ^ Giani Teja Singh. Santki Bhojan. p. 7.
  10. ^ Singh Mann, Gurinder (2001-05-24), "Sikhs and Their Scripture", The Making of Sikh Scripture, Oxford University PressNew York, pp. 3–17, doi:10.1093/0195130243.003.0001, ISBN 0195130243, retrieved 2023-06-19
  11. ^ Giani Teja Singh. Santki Bhojan. p. 5.
  12. ^ Sikh Digital Library. Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh.
  13. ^ Santokh Singh Namdhari. Bhai Rai Singh.
  14. ^ Namdhari Sikh Rahit Maryada.
  15. ^ Dalip Singh Namdhari. Namdhari Rehat Maryada.