Five Types of Sikhi - Which One Are You?

In Sau Sakhi (100 Stories) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Guru Sahib have given us many gems of knowledge guiding us in living the Sikh way of life, attain self realization and become one with Vaheguru. In Sakhi No 12, Guru Gobind Singh Ji enlightens their Sikhs with the knowledge of five types of Sikhs/Sikhi. Bhai Daya Singh Ji, the first Pyara of the Panj Pyare, also the dearest friend of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, in their Rehatnama (Code of Conduct) writes that, 

Briefly translated, it says, there are five types of Sikhi, one based on dealings, one by copying others, one based on greed, one based on faith and one based on emotions of love. 

1. Dhandey di Sikhi

Dhanda means dealings. Here Guru Sahib tells us that someone practising Sikhi with intentions of making deals with either other Sikhs, or even with Guru Sahib at times. The reason why people become Dhandey valey Sikh, is so that no one calls them a Nigura (without a Guru). 

Some become Sikhs so they could get married to a Sikh boy or girl, due to wealth or fame. Some do seva (selfless service), while making deals with Guru Sahib, that if You give me this or that, I will perform this certain type of seva. To think about it, it is not entirely wrong, but ask yourself this question- Is this the kind of relationship we want with our Guru Sahib? One based on dealings only?

2. Dekha Dekhi Vali Sikhi 

Dekha Dekhi means to copy others, just as the saying goes, 'monkey see, monkey do'. It's due to the feeling of wanting to belong, or to be included. Our youth these days are trapped in this type of Sikhi, where in order to belong in a certain type of group, or wanting to be included in the activities, they dress up as a Gursikh, wearing bana, big dastaar and all kinds of shastars, but deep down, there is no true love for that physical attire of Sikhi or for the One who gave us this attire. 

Dekha Dekhi vali Sikhi is more about the external than the internal. 90% of the time, we judge someone based on their appearance, and due to this fear of judgement from our own Sikh society, many of our young Sikhs end up practising this type of Sikhi. This type of Sikhi doesn't last long. I have personally seen many who have become dekha dekhi valey Sikh, and now due to heartbreak and disappointment with the sangat they were keeping and following, they have broken apart from Sikhi completely, and lost faith. Many, on the other hand, have come to true realization of this type of Sikhi, and with the Kirpa of Guru Sahib, they were able to come out of it and walk on the path of true Sikhi. 

The shabad below summarises well enough about those who practise this type of Sikhi. 

3. Hirsee di Sikhi

   

Hirsee means greed. So basically, anyone who practises this type of Sikhi, has embraced Sikhi with the motive of greed. It is no doubt, that once we walk on the path of Sikhi and Bhagti as prescribed by Guru Granth Sahib Ji,then all the mentioned gifts and boons such as the 9 types of treasures, 18 types of miraculous powers, fame in this world and the next world, basically everything will be placed at our feet for our disposal. But, a Gursikh is never bothered about these boons, rather he/she only wants the darshan (glimpse) of Satguru Ji, and to become one with Vaheguru. Many also become Hirsey dey Sikh, as they have greed of having followers, of fame in the Sikh community, and sadly most of the time, to also earn money through this way. 

If we look at our itihaas (history), all the Guru Sahibaan has all the powers, but they never once used it for their ownselves. Very rarely used, if it used, always for the good of others. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, if they wished could destroy the whole Mughal clan so they do not have to sit on the hot plate and give shaheedi. But rather, They showed a great example, of what type of Sikh we should be, one who follows Hukam and has loving fear for Vaheguru. 

4. Sidak di Sikhi 

Bhai Sant Ram Ji, working under the reign of Jahangir, was offered the hand of Jahangir's daughter in marriage due to his honesty, good nature and faith in God. But he had to accept Islam. He was also offered a high position in the court, land and wealth as he was from a poor family. Bhai Sahib Ji refused the marriage altogether, but was pressured by the officials. Bhai Sahib Ji said they would never leave Sikhi for whatever reason it may be. He was then caught and was threatened to be brought to the court of Jahangir. Bhai Sahib Ji did ardaas to Guru Sahib, that may his body remain pure and may Guru Sahib protect his honour. Bhai Sahib Ji was punished for refusing to accept Islam, and his head was chopped off. His head was brought to the court of Jahangir and the princess came to see his head. As she was about to touch, Bhai Sahib Ji's head rose in the air. The princess and Jahangir was amazed, that even after his death, his body refuses to be touched by the princess. 

Sidak here means faith. There is no point explaining, but I would suggest you to read the history of Bhai Bachittar Singh Ji, who despite being small sized, was able to win the battle against a drunk elephant which was heavily covered by iron. Bhai Sahib had so much faith in his Guru's words, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who chose him, pat his back, and gave him a spear to fight the elephant.

We have heard that faith can even move mountains, so think about what can we achieve if we embrace Sikhi with full faith in Guru Sahib. A Sidak vala Sikh, accepts the Hukam of Vaheguru, never turns his/her back to Guru Sahib and whatever happens, has full faith in the Guru Sahib. 

5. Bhav di Sikhi/Prem di Sikhi

Bhavna here means sentiments, emotions, mostly referring to the love and devotion a Sikh has towards his/her Guru. Sidak di Sikhi and Bhav di Sikhi are the accepted form of Sikhi. Guru Angad Dev Ji teaches us on how to have sentiments and love for our Guru. Guru Angad Dev Ji gave up everything, and they could never bear even a moment separation from Guru Nanak Dev Ji. They did everything Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked, even when those task seemed impossible or impractical, but love was above intellect for Guruji. 

When speaking about love, Guru Gobind Singh Ji said, those who loved, only they have obtained Vaheguru. 

    

Now, the question is Sangatji, which type of Sikh are we? As I write this, I am also reflecting upon my own Sikhi life, and wondering if perhaps I have juggled between these five types of Sikhi? What we need to do is contemplate, and if we feel that our relationship with Guru is not based on love and faith, then perhaps we need to make some changes and ask for the blessings of Guruji to guide us on the path of true Sikhi. 

You can also watch the youtube video I made on Basics of Sikhi Channel.

5 types of Sikhi

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