In the spiritual journey of a Sikh, the ultimate goal is to unite with Waheguru. To reach this divine union of Waheguru, Guru Sahib is our guide, our source, and the path leading to Waheguru. However, the path to Waheguru is not direct or simple. There is a necessary process that a Sikh must go through to qualify for the blessings of Naam, which is the key to uniting with Waheguru.
To meet Waheguru, one must first receive Naam from Guru Sahib. Naam is not something that can be acquired without preparation or qualification. It is a sacred gift, and to receive it, one must undergo Amrit Sinchaar. This process is crucial because Naam is what leads the devotee to Waheguru; however, Naam cannot be obtained without first undergoing Amrit Sinchaar.
Before one can participate in Amrit Sinchaar, certain prerequisites must be met. The seeker must adopt Rehit (discipline), which involves following the code of conduct laid out by Guru Sahib. This includes wearing the 5 Kakaars (the five articles of faith), donning the Khalsa Baana (attire), and presenting oneself before the Panj Piyaaray in the sacred ceremony.
During the initial presentation, the Punj Piyaaray inform the seeker about the importance of maintaining Rehit. They provide a brief overview of the Khalsa Rehit, and only when the seeker accepts these principles, does he or she become eligible to receive Amrit and Naam. The process emphasizes that without adopting Rehit, one cannot receive Naam, and without Naam, reaching Waheguru becomes impossible.
Rehit is as vital to Naam as Naam is to Waheguru. Rehit is the foundation that leads to Naam, and Naam is the foundation that leads to the realization of Waheguru. Without following Rehit, the seeker cannot receive the Naam that will guide them toward their goal of meeting Waheguru. Guru Sahib Himself bestows both Rehit and Naam, thus underlining the inseparable relationship between these two.
Rehit is also referred to as Hukam, the Divine Command of Guru Sahib. In the Khalsa tradition, following the Hukam is of paramount importance. Rehit is not merely a set of rules; it is the guiding force that shapes a Sikh’s life, ensuring that they remain on the right path towards spiritual fulfillment.
The Rehitnamas, which are the sacred texts outlining the code of conduct for Sikhs, hold the same status in the Khalsa Panth as the Hadees do in Islam. Just as the Hadees are revered as the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad Ji, Rehitnamas are revered as the teachings of Guru Sahib on how to live a disciplined and spiritually fulfilling life. These texts provide the framework within which Sikhs can cultivate their relationship with Guru Sahib and attain the ultimate goal of meeting Waheguru.
In conclusion, we must never underestimate or relax on the importance of Rehit. It is not merely an external formality, but the spiritual discipline that brings us closer to Guru Sahib and, ultimately, to Waheguru. Just as Naam is the key to realizing Waheguru, Rehit is the key to receiving Naam.
Rehit is not a burden or restriction; rather, it is the gateway to the highest spiritual state. To embrace Rehit wholeheartedly is to honor the gift of Naam and the path that leads us to Waheguru.
