If you want to become a Sikh but don’t know how or where to start, this article is for you. Here are the essential things you should know and the steps to take towards becoming a devoted Sikh.

Sikhi isn’t a race or a cultural identity, so there’s no such thing as being a Sikh by birth. Sikhi is a life and a rebirth that anyone who wants to be called a Sikh must adopt and surrender to.

The path of Sikhi is unique because it allows you to meet the Almighty Creator, Vaheguru, while living. This doesn’t mean finding God in a metaphorical sense, but actually meeting, seeing, and feeling Vaheguru.

Sikhi provides a path to attaining salvation while still alive, rather than working for paradise after death. All the indescribable joy and spiritual heights of paradise can be experienced while you are still alive.

Understand the Path of Sikhi

Following the path of Sikhi properly will give you tangible proof that Vaheguru is real. There’s a saying in India: when buying even a clay pot, buyers inspect it carefully.

Similarly, when adopting a spiritual guru, you should first:

• Understand his teachings
• Learn about his philosophy

Step 1: Learn About Sikhi

The first thing anyone wanting to become a Sikh should do is gain a thorough understanding of what the Sikh faith stands for.

How to start learning:

• Read about Sikh history, Sikh philosophy, and Sikh mysticism.
• Use resources like Wikipedia and SikhiWiki for basic knowledge of Sikh history, prominent personalities, and philosophy.
• For Sikh mysticism and lifestyle, read the books by Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji:
• • Autobiography of Bhai Sahib Randhir
  • Rangle Sajjan
  • English translations are often available alongside the original Punjabi.

Step 2: Experience Sikh Congregation

Visit a local Gurdwara to get a feel for Sikh congregation.

Tips:

• Sikhi emphasizes attending congregation daily if possible.
• Spend time at Gurdwaras to understand the community and practices.
• If possible, make a pilgrimage to Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in India:
  • It is the holiest Sikh shrine.
  • Going there with love and devotion brings a profound spiritual experience.
  • Spend time in solitude within the sacred premises.

Step 3: Embrace Sikh Identity

Sikhi teaches total submission to the will of Vaheguru. This is why Sikhs are prohibited from cutting their hair.

Key steps to embrace Sikh identity:

• Stop cutting your hair (keep unshorn hair)
• Learn to tie a Sikh turban

These are the most noticeable changes you’ll make as you start your journey into Sikhi.

Step 4: Learn Gurmukhi

To read mandatory hymns daily, you will need to learn Gurmukhi, the language of Sikh scriptures.

Tips:

• It’s not hard to learn if you find a good teacher
• Practice regularly to read and understand Gurbani

Step 5: Initiation – Amrit Chakna

The final step to becoming a Sikh is initiation, called Amrit Chakna. Once you take Amrit, you become an Amritdhari Sikh.

Rules for Amritdhari Sikhs include:

• Wearing the Five Ks at all times:
  • Keski – small turban
  • Kanga – wooden comb
  • Kirpan – ceremonial dagger
  • Kada – iron bangle
  • Kachara – long undergarments
• Practice wearing the Five Ks before initiation

Daily routine as an Amritdhari Sikh:

• Wake up early, before sunrise
• Read selected hymns from Sikh scriptures
• Chant the Naam mantra given during initiation
• Sleep early to maintain this schedule

Step 6: Build a Support System

Having Sikh friends and mentors can guide you in your spiritual journey.

Suggestions:

• Make friends who are practicing Sikhs
• Seek guidance whenever needed

We wish you the best in your spiritual journey to becoming a Sikh. If you need any assistance or guidance, you can contact us via email.