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Sat Nam,

I've also thought about the "hat" thing and I think there are several reasons, although harsh and judgmental are not exactly how I would describe them. Bana is something which indicates Form, which in turn indicates identification. A turban is a marker in this way, a way for people to instantly recognize a Sikh. If a Sikh wears a hat such as a baseball cap, fedora, etc. they are not as identifiable. That is not to say that they are "bad" or "horrible" for doing so, but simply because their form is compromised. During the battles the faith has endured, keeping Form was essential to maintaining identity and commitment under the heinously harsh conditions as well as drawing on all of the functions the form serves. Each of the five Ks have an energetic as well as psychological function, and along with kesh comes the dastar, which has a specific function of keeping a focused energy flow through the 10th gate and 9 other chakras. Keeping the dastar was making a statement to not bow down to oppression and external pressure of an army of egos. And so it is today.

Some Sikhs may say that wearing a topi should never be acceptable, and some will say that it depends on the circumstance. Some also say never to remove the dastar EVER, and some will say that it, again, depends on the situation. I believe it comes from a personal understanding and approaching this "dilemma" with an open heart and mind. Ask Guru this question, if you want to. A Sikh's identity is established through their inner connection with the Guru, nothing more and nothing less. There're no "rules" or "prohibitions".

And WarriorsWill is right; it's a personal understanding and nothing to be "punished" about!

God bless you.

Sat Nam,

I've also thought about the "hat" thing and I think there are several reasons, although harsh and judgmental are not exactly how I would describe them. Bana is something which indicates Form, which in turn indicates identification. A turban is a marker in this way, a way for people to instantly recognize a Sikh. If a Sikh wears a hat such as a baseball cap, fedora, etc. they are not as identifiable. That is not to say that they are "bad" or "horrible" for doing so, but simply because their form is compromised. During the battles the faith has endured, keeping Form was essential to maintaining identity and commitment under the heinously harsh conditions as well as drawing on all of the functions the form serves. Each of the five Ks have an energetic as well as psychological function, and along with kesh comes the dastar, which has a specific function of keeping a focused energy flow through the 10th gate and 9 other chakras. Keeping the dastar was making a statement to not bow down to oppression and external pressure of an army of egos. And so it is today.

Some Sikhs may say that wearing a topi should never be acceptable, and some will say that it depends on the circumstance. circumstance (like playing a sport where the dastar can be knocked off or where a helmet is needed for safety). Some also say never to remove the dastar EVER, and some will say that it, again, depends on the situation. I believe it comes from a personal understanding and approaching this "dilemma" with an open heart and mind. Ask Guru this question, if you want to. A Sikh's identity is established through their inner connection with the Guru, nothing more and nothing less. There're no "rules" or "prohibitions".

And WarriorsWill is right; it's a personal understanding and nothing to be "punished" about!

God bless you.