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In ], only ] food is served in the ], but Sikhs are not totally found to be meat-free. Only Meat killed by ritual acts like ] is banned for a Sikh, although there is debate and it is up to an individual to read the SGGS for themselves to decide the exact meaning of the word 'kuttha' which to some means ']' or 'meat', although once baptized by taking ], some groups of Sikhs (], ], ]s, ]), and Amritdharis believe that a Sikh should be totally meat free<ref>"Sikh Identity: An Exploration of Groups Among Sikhs" by Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, pg. 51, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, 2005, ISBN 0754652025</ref>
{{Quotefarm|date=January 2009}}
In ], only ] food is served in the ], but Sikhs are not totally bound to be meat-free. The general consensus is that Sikhs are free to choose whether to adopt the vegetarian or meat diet<ref>http://www.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_six.html Only Meat killed by Ritual is banned for a Sikh</ref>, although once baptized by taking ], some minority sects of Sikhs (], ], ]s, ] and the ]), believe that a Sikh should be meat free<ref>"Sikh Identity: An Exploration of Groups Among Sikhs" by Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, pg. 51, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, 2005, ISBN 0754652025</ref>, however this is not a Universally held belief amongst Sikhs. Orthodox Sikhs believe that once ] is taken, Sikh's are only prohibited from eating Kuttha or ritually slaughtered (Halal, Kosher).


], the holiest book of the Sikhs quotes first Sikh ]: ], the holiest book of the Sikhs states:
{{Quoter| {{Quoter|
'' You kill living beings, and call it a righteous action. Tell me, brother, what would you '' <br>
''First Mehl:'' <br>
''call an unrighteous action? You call yourself the most excellent sage; then who would you'' <br>
''The fools argue about flesh and meat, but they know nothing about meditation and spiritual wisdom.'' <br>
''What is called meat, and what is called green vegetables? What leads to sin?'' <br> '' call a butcher? (sggs 1103). By drinking, one's intelligence departs, and madness '' <br>
''It was the habit of the gods to kill the rhinoceros, and make a feast of the burnt offering.'' <br> '' enters his mind; then he cannot distinguish between his own and others’ — he '' <br>
''Those who renounce meat, and hold their noses when sitting near it, devour men at night.'' <br> '' remains separated from his God. By drinking, he forgets his God, and he'' <br>
'' suffers the consequences (sggs 554). They (the truest of the true) burn away'' <br>
''They practice hypocrisy, and make a show before other people, but they do not understand anything about meditation or spiritual wisdom.'' <br>
''O Nanak, what can be said to the blind people? They cannot answer, or even understand what is said.'' <br>
''They alone are blind, who act blindly. They have no eyes in their hearts.'' <br> ''They alone are blind, who act blindly. They have no eyes in their hearts.'' <br>
''They are produced from the blood of their mothers and fathers, but they do not eat fish or meat.'' <br>| Page 1289 <ref>http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=1289&english=t&id=55405</ref> ]}} '' the bonds of the world, and eat a simple diet of grain and water (sggs 467). '' <br>| Page 1103 ]}}


On the views that eating meat would be eating flesh, first Sikh ] states: On the views that eating meat would be eating flesh, the scripture states:
{{Quoter| {{Quoter|
''First Mehl:''<br> ''First Mehl:''<br>
Line 20: Line 18:


O Pandit, you do not know where did flesh originate! It is water where life originated and it is water that sustains all life. It is water that produces grains, sugarcane, cotton and all forms of life. O Pandit, you do not know where did flesh originate! It is water where life originated and it is water that sustains all life. It is water that produces grains, sugarcane, cotton and all forms of life.

|AGGS, M 1, p 1290. <ref>http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=1290&g=1&h=1&r=1&t=1&p=0&k=0</ref>}}
|AGGS, M 1, p 1289.}}


Sikhism is a liberal, tolerant faith that acknowledges personal liberty and the crucial proponent of human nature, free will <ref>http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=787&english=t&id=33605#l33605 Page 787 Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji</ref>. As such, Sikh philosophy and Scriptures are not didactic in nature, for Sikhism offers spiritual, ethical and moral guidance to a fulfilling way of life rather than a tightly-construed and strict religious discipline. As a result, it is the subject of much debate as to whether Sikhs are prohibited by the Sikh Code of Conduct, the ], from eating meat. The consensus is however, Sikhs are bound to avoid meat that is killed in a ritualistic manner<ref>"Sikhism, A Complete Introduction" by Dr. H.S. Singha & Satwant Kaur Hemkunt, Hemkunt Press, New Delhi, 1994, ISBN 81-7010-245-6</ref> e.g. ], ] etc.<ref>http://www.sikhs.org/meat_au.htm Misconceptions About Eating Meat - Comments of Sikh Scholars by Sandeep Singh Brar]</ref><ref></ref> Sikhism is a liberal, tolerant faith that acknowledges personal liberty and the crucial proponent of human nature, free will <ref>http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=787&english=t&id=33605#l33605 Page 787 Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji</ref>. As such, Sikh philosophy and Scriptures are not didactic in nature, for Sikhism offers spiritual, ethical and moral guidance to a fulfilling way of life rather than a tightly-construed and strict religious discipline. As a result, it is the subject of much debate as to whether Sikhs are prohibited by the Sikh Code of Conduct, the ], from eating meat. The consensus is however, Sikhs are bound to avoid meat that is killed in a ritualistic manner<ref>"Sikhism, A Complete Introduction" by Dr. H.S. Singha & Satwant Kaur Hemkunt, Hemkunt Press, New Delhi, 1994, ISBN 81-7010-245-6</ref> e.g. ], ] etc.<ref>http://www.sikhs.org/meat_au.htm Misconceptions About Eating Meat - Comments of Sikh Scholars by Sandeep Singh Brar]</ref><ref></ref>


Within the Gurdwara, the Guru ka Langar (Guru's community kitchen) serves purely vegetarian food, freshly prepared from all natural ingredients for all people, at all times. The reason for serving vegetarian food is that the ] is open to all. Since many faiths and people have varying taboos on what to eat and how meat should be prepared etc, and since Sikhs accept these restrictions and accommodate people no matter their faith or culture, the safest option thought by the Sikh Gurus was to adopt vegetarian food for Langar. The exception to vegetarian langar is when ]s, ( a minor but oldest Sikh ] in India) serve meat<ref>www.singhsabha.com/holla_mohalla.htm</ref> on the occasion of ], and call it ] . Within the Gurdwara, the Guru ka Langar (Guru's community kitchen) serves purely vegetarian food, freshly prepared from all natural ingredients for all people, at all times. The reason for serving vegetarian food is that the ] is open to all. Since many faiths and people have varying taboos on what to eat and how meat should be prepared etc, and since Sikhs accept these restrictions and accommodate people no matter their faith or culture, the safest option thought by the Sikh Gurus was to adopt vegetarian food for Langar. <ref>http://www.sikhworld.co.uk/page4.html</ref>


Sikhism argues that the soul can possibly undergo millions of transformations as various forms of life before ultimately becoming human. These life forms could be a rock, vegetation or animal. Sikhism does not see a difference between mineral, vegetation and animal. The only distinction made is that between these (mineral, vegetation and animal), and human. <ref></ref> Sikhism argues that the soul can possibly undergo millions of transformations as various forms of life before ultimately becoming human. These life forms could be a rock, vegetation or animal. Sikhism does not see a difference between mineral, vegetation and animal. The only distinction made is that between these (mineral, vegetation and animal), and human. <ref></ref>


The first Sikh ] said it was a pointless argument to debate the merits of either not eating or eating meat in the context of religion, as maintaining a strict diet does not make one blessed or elevate one to a superior status, spiritually or otherwise, over another. Being a member of a religion incorporates not merely one's dietary customs but the entire way in which they govern their lifestyle. <ref></ref> He advocated a lifestyle consisting of honest, hard work and humility ], focus and remembrance of God ] and compassion for all of humanity and God's creation all around ], with these 3 key principles taking far greater precedence over one's mere dietary habits. The first Sikh ] said it was a pointless argument to debate the merits of either not eating or eating meat in the context of religion, as maintaining a strict diet does not make one blessed or elevate one to a superior status, spiritually or otherwise, over another. Being a member of a religion incorporates not merely one's dietary customs but the entire way in which they govern their lifestyle. <ref></ref> He advocated a lifestyle consisting of honest, hard work and humility ], focus and remembrance of God ] and compassion for all of humanity and God's creation all around ], with these 3 key principles taking far greater precedence over one's mere dietary habits.


*
==Sikh Intellectual Views on Vegetarianism and Sikhism==
*
*
*


Many articles have been written by many Sikh intellectuals on this issue. Cited below are extracts from various pieces of work by these experts.


{{Quoter| Throughout Sikh history, there have been movements or subsects of Sikhism which have espoused vegetarianism. I think there is no basis for such dogma or practice in Sikhism. Certainly Sikhs do not think that a vegetarian's achievements in spirituality are easier or higher. It is surprising to see that vegetarianism is such an important facet of Hindu practice in light of the fact that animal sacrifice was a significant and much valued Hindu Vedic ritual for ages. Guru Nanak in his writings clearly rejected both sides of the arguments - on the virtues of vegetarianism or meat eating - as banal and so much nonsense, nor did he accept the idea that a cow was somehow more sacred than a horse or a chicken. He also refused to be drawn into a contention on the differences between flesh and greens, for instance. History tells us that to impart this message, Nanak cooked meat at an important Hindu festival in Kurukshetra. Having cooked it he certainly did not waste it, but probably served it to his followers and ate himself. History is quite clear that Guru Hargobind and Guru Gobind Singh were accomplished and avid hunters. The game was cooked and put to good use, to throw it away would have been an awful waste. <br>|'''Sikhs and Sikhism by I.J. Singh, Manohar, Delhi ISBN-13: 9788173040580'''}}


{{Quoter|The ideas of devotion and service in Vaishnavism have been accepted by Adi Granth, but the insistence of Vaishnavas on vegetarian diet has been rejected.<br>|'''Guru Granth Sahib, An Analytical Study by Surindar Singh Kohli, Singh Bros. Amritsar ISBN : 8172050607'''}}


SGGS Page 1103
{{Quoter|Commenting on meat being served in the langar during the time of Guru Angad: However, it is strange that now-a-days in the Community-Kitchen attached to the Sikh temples, and called the Guru's Kitchen (or, Guru-ka-langar) meat-dishes are not served at all. May be, it is on account of its being, perhaps, expensive, or not easy to keep for long. Or, perhaps the Vaishnava tradition is too strong to be shaken off.<br>|'''A History of the Sikh People by Dr. Gopal Singh, World Sikh University Press, Delhi ISBN 13: 9788170231394'''}}
'''ਜੀਅ ਬਧਹੁ ਸੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹੁ ਅਧਰਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਤ ਭਾਈ ॥
ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਮੁਨਿਵਰ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹੁ ਕਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਸਾਈ ॥੨॥'''


jee-a baDhahu so Dharam kar thaapahu aDhram kahhu kat bhaa-ee.
{{Quoter|As a true Vaisnavite Kabir remained a strict vegetarian. Kabir far from defying Brahmanical tradition as to the eating of meat, would not permit so much, as the plucking of a flower (G.G.S. pg 479), whereas Nanak deemed all such scruples to be superstitions, Kabir held the doctrine of Ahinsa or the non-destruction of life, which extended even to that of flowers. The Sikh Gurus, on the contrary, allowed and even encouraged, the use of animal flesh as food. Nanak has exposed this Ahinsa superstition in Asa Ki War (G.G.S. pg 472) and Malar Ke War (G.G.S. pg. 1288). <br>|'''Philosophy of Sikhism by Gyani Sher Singh (Ph.D), Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Amritsar <ref>http://sgpc.net/index-nm.html</ref>'''}}
aapas ka-o munivar kar thaapahu kaa ka-o kahhu kasaa-ee. ((2))


You kill living beings, and call it a righteous action.
{{Quoter|The Gurus were loath to pronounce upon such matters as the eating of meat or ways of disposing of the dead because undue emphasis on them could detract from the main thrust of their message which had to do with spiritual liberation. However, Guru Nanak did reject by implication the practice of vegetarianism related to ideas of pollution when he said, 'All food is pure; for God has provided it for our sustenance' (AG 472). Many Sikhs are vegetarian and meat should never be served at langar. Those who do eat meat are unlikely to include beef in their diet, at least in India, because of their cultural proximity to Hindus. '''<br>|A Popular Dictionary of Sikhism, W.Owen Cole and Piara Singh Sambhi, England ISBN-13: 978-0844204246'''}}
Tell me, brother, what would you call an unrighteous action?
You call yourself the most excellent sage; then who would you call a butcher? ((2))


{{Quoter|In general Sikhism has adopted an ambivalent attitude towards meat eating as against vegetarianism. But if meat is to be taken at all, Guru Gobind Singh enjoined on the Khalsa Panth not to take kosher meat ie. Halal meat slaughtered and prepared for eating according to the Islamic practice. In fact it is one of the kurahits for every amritdhari Sikh. One who infringes it becomes patit (apostate). <br>|'''Sikhism, A Complete Introduction by Dr. H.S. Singha and Satwant Kaur, Hemkunt Press, Delhi SBN 81-7010-245-6'''}}


SGGS Page 1128
{{Quoter|A close study of the above-mentioned hymns of Guru Nanak Dev clarifies the Sikh standpoint regarding meat-eating. The Guru has not fallen into the controversy of eating or not eating animal food. He has ridiculed the religious priests for raising their voice in favour of vegetarianism. He called them hypocrites and totally blind to the realities of life. They are unwise and thoughtless persons, who do not go into the root of the matter. According to him, the water is the source of all life whether vegetable or animal. Guru Nanak Dev said. "None of the grain of corn is without life. In the first place, there is life in water, by which all are made green" (Var Asa M.1, p. 472). Thus there is life in vegetation and life in all types of creatures.<br>|'''Real Sikhism by Surinder Singh Kohli, Harman Publishing, New Delhi ISBN 81-85151-64-4'''}}
'''ਸੋ ਜਾਗੈ ਜੋ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ॥
ਆਪਿ ਮਰੈ ਅਵਰਾ ਨਹ ਮਾਰੈ ॥੩॥'''


so jaagai jo tat beechaarai.
{{Quoter|The Gurus neither advocate meat nor banned its use. They left it to the choice of the individual. There are passages against meat, in the Adi Granth. Guru Gobind Singh however prohibited for the Khalsa the use of Halal or Kutha meat prepared in the Muslim ritualistic way.<br>|'''Introduction to Sikhism by Dr. Gobind Singh Mansukhani, Hemkunt Press, Delhi ISBN 81-7010-181-6'''}}
aap marai avraa nah maarai. ((3))


One who contemplates the essence of reality remains awake and aware.
{{Quoter|There are no restrictions for the Sikhs regarding food, except that the Sikhs are forbidden to eat meat prepared as a ritual slaughter. The Sikhs are asked to abstain from intoxicants.<br>|'''Introduction to Sikhism by G.S. Sidhu, Shromini Sikh Sangat, Toronto ISBN 0900692073'''}}
He kills his self-conceit, and does not kill anyone else. ((3))


{{Quoter|According to the Maryada booklet 'Kutha', the meat prepared by the Muslim ritual, is prohibited for a Sikh. Regarding eating other meat, it is silent. From the prohibition of the Kutha meat, it is rightly presumed that non-Kutha meat is not prohibited for the Sikhs. Beef is prohibited to the Hindus and pork to the Muslims. Jews and Christians have their own taboos. They do not eat certain kinds of meat on certain days. Sikhs have no such instructions. If one thinks he needs to eat meat, it does not matter which meat it is, beef, poultry, fish, etc., or which day it is. One should, however, be careful not to eat any meat harmful for his health. Gurbani's instructions on this topic are very clear. "Only fools argue whether to eat meat or not. Who can define what is meat and what is not meat? Who knows where the sin lies, being a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian?" (1289) The Brahmanical thought that a religious person should be a vegetarian is of recent origin. Earlier, Brahmans had been eating beef and horse meat. In conclusion, it is wrong to say that any person who eats meat (of course Kutha, because of the Muslim rituals is prohibited) loses his membership of the Khalsa and becomes an apostate.<br>|'''The Sikh Faith by Gurbakhsh Singh, Canadian Sikh Study and Teaching Society, Vancouver ISBN-13: 978-8172051884'''}}


'''ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਹਹੁ ਮਤ ਝੂਠੇ ਝੂਠਾ ਜੋ ਨ ਬਿਚਾਰੈ ॥
{{Quoter|The above discussion leads us to the conclusion that the Sikh Gurus made people aware of the fact that it is very difficult to distinguish between a plant and an animal, therefore, it is difficult to distinguish between a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian diets and there is no sin of eating food originating from plants or animals.<br>|'''Scientific Interpretation of Gurbani, Paper by Dr. Devinder Singh Chahal<ref>www.iuscanada.com/journal/articles/art002.html</ref> '''}}


ਜਉ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਖੁਦਾਇ ਕਹਤ ਹਉ ਤਉ ਕਿਉ ਮੁਰਗੀ ਮਾਰੈ ॥੧॥'''
{{Quoter|The practice of the Gurus is uncertain. Guru Nanak seems to have eaten venison or goat, depending upon different janamsakhi versions of a meal which he cooked at Kurukshetra which evoked the criticism of Brahmins. Guru Amardas ate only rice and lentils but this abstention cannot be regarded as evidence of vegetarianism, only of simple living. Guru Gobind Singh also permitted the eating of meat but he prescribed that it should be Jhatka meat and not Halal meat that is jagged in the Muslim fashion.<br>|'''Mini Encyclopaedia of Sikhism by H.S. Singha, Hemkunt Press, Delhi.ISBN 8170102006 '''}}


bayd katayb kahhu mat jhoothay jhoothaa jo na bichaarai.
==The Sikh Code of Conduct on the Vegetarian Issue==
ja-o sabh meh ayk khudaa-ay kahat ha-o ta-o ki-o murgee maarai. ((1))


Do not say that the Vedas, the Bible and the Koran are false.
Leading Sikh intellectuals ruled on this issue in the 1920s (as some Sikh Sects confused the issue by trying to get all Sikhs to be vegetarian) and came up with the following rule or Code of Conduct for baptised Sikhs with regards to meat and Vegetarianism:
Those who do not contemplate them are false.
You say that the One Lord is in all, so why do you kill chickens? ((1))


{{Quoter| In the Rehit Marayada (http://www.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_six.html), Section Six, it states: <br>
The undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided <br>
1. Dishonouring the hair;<br>
2. Eating the meat of an animal slaughtered the Muslim way(Kutha); <br>
3. Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse<br>
4. Using tobacco.<br>|Sikh Rehit Maryada}}


SGGS Page 1375
==Historical Records and Behaviour of Sikhs and Diet==
'''ਕਬੀਰ ਜੀਅ ਜੁ ਮਾਰਹਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਕਰਿ ਕਹਤੇ ਹਹਿ ਜੁ ਹਲਾਲੁ ॥
ਦਫਤਰੁ ਦਈ ਜਬ ਕਾਢਿ ਹੈ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਕਉਨੁ ਹਵਾਲੁ ॥੧੯੯॥'''


kabeer jee-a jo maareh jor kar kahtay heh jo halaal.
There are a number of eyewitness accounts from European travellers as to the eating <ref>Siques, Tigers or Thieves Parmajit Singh Madra Singh ISBN 13: 978140396201</ref> habits of Sikhs. Although there is no prohibition on Sikhs for eating beef, it is clear that Sikhs as a mark of respect for their Hindu neighbours did not partake in eating beef:
daftar da-ee jab kaadh hai ho-igaa ka-un havaal. ((199))


Kabeer, they oppress living beings and kill them, and call it proper.
When the Lord calls for their account, what will their condition be? ((199))
{{Quoter|''The Seiks receive Proselytes of almost every Cast, a point in which they differ most materially from the Hindoos. To initiate Mohammedans into their mysteries, they prepare a Dish of Hogs legs, which the Converts are obliged to partake of, previous to admission………………..They are not prohibited the use of Animal food of any kind, excepting Beef, which they are rigidly scrupulous in abstaining from.''<br>|John Griffiths writes in February 17th 1794}}



SGGS Page 141
'''ਹਕੁ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੀਰੁ ਹਾਮਾ ਤਾ ਭਰੇ ਜਾ ਮੁਰਦਾਰੁ ਨ ਖਾਇ ॥
ਗਲੀ ਭਿਸਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਐ ਛੁਟੈ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਮਾਰਣ ਪਾਹਿ ਹਰਾਮ ਮਹਿ ਹੋਇ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲੀ ਕੂੜੀਈ ਕੂੜੋ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥੨॥'''

hak paraa-i-aa naankaa us soo-ar us gaa-ay. gur peer haamaa taa bharay jaa murdaar na khaa-ay.
galee bhisat na jaa-ee-ai chhutai sach kamaa-ay. maaran paahi haraam meh ho-ay halaal na jaa-ay.
naanak galee koorhee-ee koorho palai paa-ay. ॥2॥

To take what rightfully belongs to another, is like a Muslim eating pork, or a Hindu eating beef.
Our Guru, our Spiritual Guide, stands by us, if we do not eat those carcasses.
By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth.
By adding spices to forbidden foods, they are not made acceptable.
O Nanak, from false talk, only falsehood is obtained. ॥2॥


SGGS Page 1377

'''ਕਬੀਰ ਭਾਂਗ ਮਾਛੁਲੀ ਸੁਰਾ ਪਾਨਿ ਜੋ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਖਾਂਹਿ ॥'''
kabeer bhaaNg maachhulee suraa paan jo jo paraanee khaaNhi.
Kabeer, those mortals who consume marijuana, fish and wine

'''ਤੀਰਥ ਬਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਕੀਏ ਤੇ ਸਭੈ ਰਸਾਤਲਿ ਜਾਂਹਿ ॥੨੩੩॥'''
tirath barat naym kee-ay tay sabhai rasaatal jaaNhi. ॥233॥
- no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow, they will all go to hell. ॥233॥



== WAARAAN BHAI GURDAAS JI ==
{{Quoter|''The seiks are remarkably fond of the flesh of the jungle hog, which they kill in chase: this food is allowable by their law. They likewise eat of mutton and fish; but these being unlawful the Brahmins will not partake, leaving those who chose to transgress their institutes to answer for themselves. <br>|''William Francklin in his writing about Mr George Thomas 1805}}
The following is an Extract from an officer in the Bengal Army and is taken from the Asiatic Annual Register 1809:
{{Quoter|''Now become a Singh, he is a heterodox, and distinct from the Hindoos by whom he is considered an apostate. He is not restricted in his diet, but is allowed, by the tenets of his new religion, to devour whatever food his appetite may prompt, excepting beef.''<br>|Asiatic Annual Register 1809}}


ਪਉੜੀ 17 (ਬਕਰੀ)
The following extract from Dabistan e Mazhib
<ref>


'''ਸੀਹ ਪਜੂਤੀ ਬਕਰੀ ਮਰਦੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੜ ਹੜ ਹਸੀ॥ ਸੀਹੁ ਪੁਛੈ ਵਿਸਮਾਦੁ ਹੋਇ ਇਤੁ ਅਉਸਰਿ ਕਿਤੁ ਰਹਸਿ ਰਹਸੀ॥
Sikh History from Persian Sources: Translations of Major Texts (Paperback)
ਬਿਨਉ ਕਰੇਂਦੀ ਬਕਰੀ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਅਸਾਡੇ ਕੀਚਨਿ ਖਸੀ॥ ਅਕ ਧਤੂਰਾ ਖਾਧਿਆਂ ਕੁਹਿ ਕੁਹਿ ਖਲ ਉਖਲਿ ਵਿਣਸੀ॥
ਮਾਸੁ ਖਾਨਿ ਗਲ ਵਢਿ ਕੈ ਹਾਲੁ ਤਿਨਾੜਾ ਕਉਣੁ ਹੋਵਸੀ॥ ਗਰਬੁ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਦੇਹ ਖੇਹ ਖਾਜੁ ਅਖਾਜੁ ਅਕਾਜੁ ਕਰਸੀ॥
ਜਗਿ ਆਇਆ ਸਭ ਕੋਇ ਮਰਸੀ'''


seeh pajoothee bakaree maradhee hoee harr harr hasee. seehu pushhai visamaadh hoe eith aousar kith rehas rehasee.
by (Author, Editor), (Editor) '''ISBN-13:''' 978-8185229171</ref>
bino karae(n)adhee bakaree puthr asaaddae keechan khasee. ak dhhathooraa khaadhhiaaa(n) kuhi kuhi khal oukhal vinasee.
maas khaan gal vadt kai haal thinaarraa koun hovasee. garab gareebee dhaeh khaeh khaaj akhaaj akaaj karasee.
jag aaeiaa sabh koe marasee.


(She Goat)
{{Quoter|''Many person became his disciples. Nanak believed in the Oneness of God and in the way that it is asserted in Muhammadan theology. He also believed in transmigration of souls. Holding wine and pork to be unlawful, he had abandoned eating meat. He decreed avoidance of causing harm to animals. It was after his time that meat-eating spread amongst his followers. Arjan Mal, who was on of his lineal succesors, found this to be evil. He prohibited people from eating meat, saying “This is not in accordance with Nanak’s wishes”. '''Later, Hargobind, son of Arjan Mal, ate meat and took to hunting. Most of their followers adopted his practice'''.''<br>|Mobad’ Dabistan-I Mazahib 1645-46}}

Lion catches a goat; As the goat is dying, it begins to laugh. In awe the lion asks, why are you laughing?
Humbly the goat says: Our sons are destroyed (castrated). We only eat wild plants and suffer being slayed & skinned alive.
Those who cut our throats and eat our flesh, what will be their plight?
Proud and arrogant their bodies are a waste; inedible and fruitless. All who come to the world will eventually die.

ਪਉੜੀ 21 ( ਨਿਗੁਰਾ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਵਸ ਵਿਚ ਨਹੀ ਆ ਸਕਦਾ )

'''ਕੁਹੈ ਕਸਾਈ ਬਕਰੀ ਲਾਇ ਲੂਣ ਸੀਖ ਮਾਸੁ ਪਰੋਆ॥ ਹਸਿ ਹਸਿ ਬੋਲੇ ਕੁਹੀਂਦੀ ਖਾਧੇ ਅਕਿ ਹਾਲੁ ਇਹੁ ਹੋਆ॥
ਮਾਸ ਖਾਨਿ ਗਲਿ ਛੁਰੀ ਦੇ ਹਾਲੁ ਤਿਨਾੜਾ ਕਉਣੁ ਅਲੋਆ॥ ਜੀਭੈ ਹੰਦਾ ਫੇੜਿਆ ਖਉ ਦੰਦਾਂ ਮੁਹੁ ਭੰਨਿ ਵਿਗੋਆ॥
ਪਰ ਤਨ ਪਰ ਧਨ ਨਿੰਦ ਕਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਦੁਜੀਭਾ ਬਿਸੀਅਰੁ ਭੋਆ॥ ਵਸਿ ਆਵੈ ਗੁਰੁਮੰਤ ਸਪੁ ਨਿਗੁਰਾ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਸੁਣੈ ਨ ਸੋਆ॥
ਵੇਖਿ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਅਗੈ ਟੋਆ'''

kuhai kasaaee bakaree laae loon seekh maas paroaa. has has bolae kuhee(n)adhee khaadhhae ak haal eihu hoaa.
maas khaan gal shhuree dhae haal thinaarraa koun aloaa. jeebhai ha(n)dhaa faerriaa kho dha(n)dhaa(n) muhu bha(n)n vigoaa.
par than par dhhan ni(n)dh kar hoe dhujeebhaa biseear bhoaa. vas aavai guruma(n)th sap niguraa manamukh sunai n soaa.
vaekh n chalai agai ttoaa.

Pauri 21 (Man having no Guru is uncontrollable)

The butcher slaughters the goat; salts the meat and strings it on a skewer.
While being killed the goat laughingly says: I have come to this condition for grazing only coarse leaves of arid wild plants.
What will be the plight of those who cutting the throat with a knife eat the flesh of animals?
The perverted taste of the tongue is harmful for the teeth and damages the mouth.
The one who eyes another’s wealth or body or slanders becomes a poisonous Amphisbaena.
This snake is controlled by the Guru's mantra but the Guru-less manmukh never listens to this glorious mantra.
The Manmukh blindly moves ahead, never realizing the approaching deep pit ahead!


==See also == ==See also ==

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== References == == References ==

Revision as of 20:27, 25 February 2009

In Sikhism, only vegetarian food is served in the Gurdwara, but Sikhs are not totally found to be meat-free. Only Meat killed by ritual acts like halal is banned for a Sikh, although there is debate and it is up to an individual to read the SGGS for themselves to decide the exact meaning of the word 'kuttha' which to some means 'halal' or 'meat', although once baptized by taking Amrit, some groups of Sikhs (Damdami Taksal, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Namdharis, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha), and Amritdharis believe that a Sikh should be totally meat free

Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest book of the Sikhs states: Template:Quoter

On the views that eating meat would be eating flesh, the scripture states: Template:Quoter

Sikhism is a liberal, tolerant faith that acknowledges personal liberty and the crucial proponent of human nature, free will . As such, Sikh philosophy and Scriptures are not didactic in nature, for Sikhism offers spiritual, ethical and moral guidance to a fulfilling way of life rather than a tightly-construed and strict religious discipline. As a result, it is the subject of much debate as to whether Sikhs are prohibited by the Sikh Code of Conduct, the Rehat Maryada, from eating meat. The consensus is however, Sikhs are bound to avoid meat that is killed in a ritualistic manner e.g. Halal, Kosher etc.

Within the Gurdwara, the Guru ka Langar (Guru's community kitchen) serves purely vegetarian food, freshly prepared from all natural ingredients for all people, at all times. The reason for serving vegetarian food is that the Langar is open to all. Since many faiths and people have varying taboos on what to eat and how meat should be prepared etc, and since Sikhs accept these restrictions and accommodate people no matter their faith or culture, the safest option thought by the Sikh Gurus was to adopt vegetarian food for Langar.

Sikhism argues that the soul can possibly undergo millions of transformations as various forms of life before ultimately becoming human. These life forms could be a rock, vegetation or animal. Sikhism does not see a difference between mineral, vegetation and animal. The only distinction made is that between these (mineral, vegetation and animal), and human.

The first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji said it was a pointless argument to debate the merits of either not eating or eating meat in the context of religion, as maintaining a strict diet does not make one blessed or elevate one to a superior status, spiritually or otherwise, over another. Being a member of a religion incorporates not merely one's dietary customs but the entire way in which they govern their lifestyle. He advocated a lifestyle consisting of honest, hard work and humility Kirat Karni, focus and remembrance of God Naam Japna and compassion for all of humanity and God's creation all around Vaṇḍ chakkō, with these 3 key principles taking far greater precedence over one's mere dietary habits.



SGGS Page 1103 ਜੀਅ ਬਧਹੁ ਸੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹੁ ਅਧਰਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਤ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਮੁਨਿਵਰ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹੁ ਕਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਸਾਈ ॥੨॥

jee-a baDhahu so Dharam kar thaapahu aDhram kahhu kat bhaa-ee. aapas ka-o munivar kar thaapahu kaa ka-o kahhu kasaa-ee. ((2))

You kill living beings, and call it a righteous action. Tell me, brother, what would you call an unrighteous action? You call yourself the most excellent sage; then who would you call a butcher? ((2))


SGGS Page 1128 ਸੋ ਜਾਗੈ ਜੋ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ॥ ਆਪਿ ਮਰੈ ਅਵਰਾ ਨਹ ਮਾਰੈ ॥੩॥

so jaagai jo tat beechaarai. aap marai avraa nah maarai. ((3))

One who contemplates the essence of reality remains awake and aware. He kills his self-conceit, and does not kill anyone else. ((3))


ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਹਹੁ ਮਤ ਝੂਠੇ ਝੂਠਾ ਜੋ ਨ ਬਿਚਾਰੈ ॥

ਜਉ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਖੁਦਾਇ ਕਹਤ ਹਉ ਤਉ ਕਿਉ ਮੁਰਗੀ ਮਾਰੈ ॥੧॥

bayd katayb kahhu mat jhoothay jhoothaa jo na bichaarai. ja-o sabh meh ayk khudaa-ay kahat ha-o ta-o ki-o murgee maarai. ((1))

Do not say that the Vedas, the Bible and the Koran are false. Those who do not contemplate them are false. You say that the One Lord is in all, so why do you kill chickens? ((1))


SGGS Page 1375 ਕਬੀਰ ਜੀਅ ਜੁ ਮਾਰਹਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਕਰਿ ਕਹਤੇ ਹਹਿ ਜੁ ਹਲਾਲੁ ॥ ਦਫਤਰੁ ਦਈ ਜਬ ਕਾਢਿ ਹੈ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਕਉਨੁ ਹਵਾਲੁ ॥੧੯੯॥

kabeer jee-a jo maareh jor kar kahtay heh jo halaal. daftar da-ee jab kaadh hai ho-igaa ka-un havaal. ((199))

Kabeer, they oppress living beings and kill them, and call it proper. When the Lord calls for their account, what will their condition be? ((199))


SGGS Page 141 ਹਕੁ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੀਰੁ ਹਾਮਾ ਤਾ ਭਰੇ ਜਾ ਮੁਰਦਾਰੁ ਨ ਖਾਇ ॥ ਗਲੀ ਭਿਸਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਐ ਛੁਟੈ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਮਾਰਣ ਪਾਹਿ ਹਰਾਮ ਮਹਿ ਹੋਇ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲੀ ਕੂੜੀਈ ਕੂੜੋ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥੨॥

hak paraa-i-aa naankaa us soo-ar us gaa-ay. gur peer haamaa taa bharay jaa murdaar na khaa-ay. galee bhisat na jaa-ee-ai chhutai sach kamaa-ay. maaran paahi haraam meh ho-ay halaal na jaa-ay. naanak galee koorhee-ee koorho palai paa-ay. ॥2॥ 

   To take what rightfully belongs to another, is like a Muslim eating pork, or a Hindu eating beef.
   Our Guru, our Spiritual Guide, stands by us, if we do not eat those carcasses.
   By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth.
   By adding spices to forbidden foods, they are not made acceptable.
   O Nanak, from false talk, only falsehood is obtained. ॥2॥


SGGS Page 1377

ਕਬੀਰ ਭਾਂਗ ਮਾਛੁਲੀ ਸੁਰਾ ਪਾਨਿ ਜੋ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਖਾਂਹਿ ॥ kabeer bhaaNg maachhulee suraa paan jo jo paraanee khaaNhi. Kabeer, those mortals who consume marijuana, fish and wine

ਤੀਰਥ ਬਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਕੀਏ ਤੇ ਸਭੈ ਰਸਾਤਲਿ ਜਾਂਹਿ ॥੨੩੩॥ tirath barat naym kee-ay tay sabhai rasaatal jaaNhi. ॥233॥ - no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow, they will all go to hell. ॥233॥


WAARAAN BHAI GURDAAS JI

ਪਉੜੀ 17 (ਬਕਰੀ)

ਸੀਹ ਪਜੂਤੀ ਬਕਰੀ ਮਰਦੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੜ ਹੜ ਹਸੀ॥ ਸੀਹੁ ਪੁਛੈ ਵਿਸਮਾਦੁ ਹੋਇ ਇਤੁ ਅਉਸਰਿ ਕਿਤੁ ਰਹਸਿ ਰਹਸੀ॥ ਬਿਨਉ ਕਰੇਂਦੀ ਬਕਰੀ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਅਸਾਡੇ ਕੀਚਨਿ ਖਸੀ॥ ਅਕ ਧਤੂਰਾ ਖਾਧਿਆਂ ਕੁਹਿ ਕੁਹਿ ਖਲ ਉਖਲਿ ਵਿਣਸੀ॥ ਮਾਸੁ ਖਾਨਿ ਗਲ ਵਢਿ ਕੈ ਹਾਲੁ ਤਿਨਾੜਾ ਕਉਣੁ ਹੋਵਸੀ॥ ਗਰਬੁ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਦੇਹ ਖੇਹ ਖਾਜੁ ਅਖਾਜੁ ਅਕਾਜੁ ਕਰਸੀ॥ ਜਗਿ ਆਇਆ ਸਭ ਕੋਇ ਮਰਸੀ

seeh pajoothee bakaree maradhee hoee harr harr hasee. seehu pushhai visamaadh hoe eith aousar kith rehas rehasee. bino karae(n)adhee bakaree puthr asaaddae keechan khasee. ak dhhathooraa khaadhhiaaa(n) kuhi kuhi khal oukhal vinasee. maas khaan gal vadt kai haal thinaarraa koun hovasee. garab gareebee dhaeh khaeh khaaj akhaaj akaaj karasee. jag aaeiaa sabh koe marasee.

(She Goat)

Lion catches a goat; As the goat is dying, it begins to laugh. In awe the lion asks, why are you laughing? Humbly the goat says: Our sons are destroyed (castrated). We only eat wild plants and suffer being slayed & skinned alive. Those who cut our throats and eat our flesh, what will be their plight? Proud and arrogant their bodies are a waste; inedible and fruitless. All who come to the world will eventually die.

ਪਉੜੀ 21 ( ਨਿਗੁਰਾ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਵਸ ਵਿਚ ਨਹੀ ਆ ਸਕਦਾ )

ਕੁਹੈ ਕਸਾਈ ਬਕਰੀ ਲਾਇ ਲੂਣ ਸੀਖ ਮਾਸੁ ਪਰੋਆ॥ ਹਸਿ ਹਸਿ ਬੋਲੇ ਕੁਹੀਂਦੀ ਖਾਧੇ ਅਕਿ ਹਾਲੁ ਇਹੁ ਹੋਆ॥ ਮਾਸ ਖਾਨਿ ਗਲਿ ਛੁਰੀ ਦੇ ਹਾਲੁ ਤਿਨਾੜਾ ਕਉਣੁ ਅਲੋਆ॥ ਜੀਭੈ ਹੰਦਾ ਫੇੜਿਆ ਖਉ ਦੰਦਾਂ ਮੁਹੁ ਭੰਨਿ ਵਿਗੋਆ॥ ਪਰ ਤਨ ਪਰ ਧਨ ਨਿੰਦ ਕਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਦੁਜੀਭਾ ਬਿਸੀਅਰੁ ਭੋਆ॥ ਵਸਿ ਆਵੈ ਗੁਰੁਮੰਤ ਸਪੁ ਨਿਗੁਰਾ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਸੁਣੈ ਨ ਸੋਆ॥ ਵੇਖਿ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਅਗੈ ਟੋਆ

kuhai kasaaee bakaree laae loon seekh maas paroaa. has has bolae kuhee(n)adhee khaadhhae ak haal eihu hoaa. maas khaan gal shhuree dhae haal thinaarraa koun aloaa. jeebhai ha(n)dhaa faerriaa kho dha(n)dhaa(n) muhu bha(n)n vigoaa. par than par dhhan ni(n)dh kar hoe dhujeebhaa biseear bhoaa. vas aavai guruma(n)th sap niguraa manamukh sunai n soaa. vaekh n chalai agai ttoaa.

Pauri 21 (Man having no Guru is uncontrollable)

The butcher slaughters the goat; salts the meat and strings it on a skewer. While being killed the goat laughingly says: I have come to this condition for grazing only coarse leaves of arid wild plants. What will be the plight of those who cutting the throat with a knife eat the flesh of animals? The perverted taste of the tongue is harmful for the teeth and damages the mouth. The one who eyes another’s wealth or body or slanders becomes a poisonous Amphisbaena. This snake is controlled by the Guru's mantra but the Guru-less manmukh never listens to this glorious mantra. The Manmukh blindly moves ahead, never realizing the approaching deep pit ahead!

See also

References

  1. "Sikh Identity: An Exploration of Groups Among Sikhs" by Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, pg. 51, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd, 2005, ISBN 0754652025
  2. http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=787&english=t&id=33605#l33605 Page 787 Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji
  3. "Sikhism, A Complete Introduction" by Dr. H.S. Singha & Satwant Kaur Hemkunt, Hemkunt Press, New Delhi, 1994, ISBN 81-7010-245-6
  4. http://www.sikhs.org/meat_au.htm Misconceptions About Eating Meat - Comments of Sikh Scholars by Sandeep Singh Brar]
  5. Faithandfood Fact Files - Sikhism
  6. http://www.sikhworld.co.uk/page4.html
  7. Page 176 Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji
  8. Page 1289 Sri GuruGranth Sahib Ji
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