Guru Ji called for an all- out revolution; the Sikh panth isn’t only made up of warriors and defenders of the faith, but also outward activists. From kesh to wearing a karaa, the outer becomes no less than the inner. There are many hot- button issues pertaining to the interpretation of the Sikh Rehit Marayda. I would like to discuss the topic of male circumcision and its relevance to Sikhi. The following was found on Sikhi Wiki:
Gurbani informs us that the body is a temple of the Lord “Within the body, the Divine Lord is embodied. The body is the temple, the place of pilgrimage, and the pilgrim. Within the body are incense, lamps and offerings. Within the body are the flower offerings. ||1||” and also: “The One who pervades the Universe also dwells in the body; whoever seeks Him, finds Him there.” (SGGS, pg. 695)
Personally, I don’t understand what part of being made in God’s image is unfashionable. In a world where Jews and Muslims are circumcised due to their religious obligations, and others due to claims of hygiene, Sikh males may feel disadvantaged mentally and physically. Generally speaking, the topic of circumcision and females is not discussed unless the story is framed as a barbaric practice, which is happening as we speak in some societies.
Not being circumcised shouldn’t affect one’s life in terms of hygiene. It is similar to an argument that keshdhari Sikhs hear — “If you don’t cut your hair, how do you take care of ‘dead hair’ and split- ends?” This fallacious thinking will discourage uncircumcised Sikh males and leave them voiceless on the topic. As long as one showers and doesn’t allow bacteria to enter via foreskin, there should be no problem in terms of hygiene.
“Because of the love of woman, circumcision is done; I don’t believe in it, O Siblings of Destiny. If God wished me to be a Muslim, it would be cut off by itself. If circumcision makes one a Muslim, then what about a woman?” (SGGS, Ang 477)
Guru Ji had addressed the topic of circumcision and gender
inequality as a ritualistic practice. Once again, we are all created in
God’s image, so if circumcision is ideal, then all males would already
be born pre-circumcised! There is a double- standard when discussing
circumcision with females. The quote above by Guru Ji came with the
recognition of inequality in the name of religion.
This topic yields discussion of sexuality, expression, comfort, gender identity, and much more, yet there are more barriers to break in public discourse when discussing these sensitive matters. Sexuality as a concept, just like gender, is a form of one’s identity. I would love to shun certain topics that are automatically considered “taboo,” such as gender identity, sexuality, comfort, and above all, one’s personal identity. Guru Ji had called for Sikhs to appreciate what is seen as God- given features.
“The Guru is the Sikh, and the Sikh is the Guru.” I have heard this so many times, but cannot grasp what looks like a simplified concept of Sikhi in a nutshell (no pun intended). Society will continue to dictate what is deemed acceptable or not; that is a temporary phase. What should not be temporary is the morality of the inner and outer temple of the Sikhs. Just like ‘Akal Murat,’ the essence of Sikhi should be timeless.
Ekta power,
Sikhsta