RULES OF CONDUCT

Are the guidelines for morality.

According to the Sikh scriptures, a human being has to undergo a discipline for the attainment of final emancipation. The human has three-fold duties to perform: duties for himself, duties for society, and duties in relation to his Creator. The Gurus have laid down a

definite moral code, which a disciple has to do as higher Karmas (actions).

Our perception should be devoid of the sense of possession because it creates worldly attachment and ego. We should look at the world as the creation of God (p. 922, Ramkali M.3, Anand) We should hear no evil (p. 922), we should be sweet in speech. A true disciple has to avoid all sensuous tastes and intoxicants (p.1287, Var Malar M. 1)

The Guru Granth Ji lays great emphasis on moral qualities in an individual page 765-66, Suhi M I.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji suggests that to beautify the self, one may adopt truth, contentment, mercy and piety (p. 812, Bilawal M.5). Guru Nanak Dev Ji considers humility as the best quality in an individual (p.470, Var Asa M1). It inspires in us a holy sense of service (p. 286, M 5). Above all, the godly qualities have to be imbibed ( p .756, Suhi M. 3).

The Guru Granth Ji cautions us about the five evils that inflict mankind through Maya- Kaam —lust, krodh-anger, lobh-greed, moh- attachment, ahankaar-ego. To keep these in check we are asked to repeat the Name of God with utmost devotion, to keep the company of saintly beings, to perform selfless sewa (service). Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us to pray for the good of all humanity, earn an honest living, share our earnings, abide by the will of God and meditate on God. In order to become a better human we must try to follow the rules of conduct laid down in the sacred words of the saints.