Page 36 - Gurmat Book 5

Lesson 17: Difference between a Sikh and a Khalsa

A Khalsa is different from a Sikh in the same way as a soldier of a country is
different from a good law-abiding citizen.

Both serve their country in their own way. A soldier however enjoys greater
respect from the people and the government of the state because of his duty to
protect their freedom at the risk of his life.

The Khalsa is a soldier, not of any country, but of God.

^wlsw Akwl purK kI &Oj ]

The physical distinction of wearing the uniform with the Panj Kakkaar by a Khalsa
is the same as a soldier wearing the uniform and looking different from other
citizens of the state. Sikhs without the Panj Kakkaars are like the regular
citizens doing the duty of a soldier. They do so without joining the defense

department, without putting on their uniform, and without observing the code of
discipline required of the soldiers. Such people, even when doing better services
than the soldier, are not recognized as soldiers, but as good citizens.

A person living a pious life as expected of a Sikh will be recognized as a holy man,
but not a member of the Khalsa, unless s/he wears the uniform and observes
other codes of the Rehit.

One more example illustrates this point. Think of a sports team. Who is a better

member of the team, the one who wears a uniform, but does not play the game,
or the one who does not wear the uniform, but plays the game well? Each is
deficient; one needs to learn how to play and the other needs to wear the
uniform to become a member of the team.

Similarly, we can say a Khalsa by appearance, but not by actions is deficient; and

a Sikh by actions but not by appearance is deficient. We need both appearance
and actions to become Khalis or pure in Guru Ji’s terms and to achieve the
highest powers within.

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 5G 2023 Edition Page 34