In Sikhism, only vegetarian food is served in the Gurdwara, but Sikhs are not totally bound to be meat-free. The general consensus is that Sikhs are free to choose whether to adopt the vegetarian or meat diet[1], although once baptized by taking Amrit, some minority sects of Sikhs (Damdami Taksal, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Namdharis, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and the 3HO), believe that a Sikh should be meat free[2], however this is not a Universally held belief amongst Sikhs. Orthodox Sikhs believe that once Amrit is taken, Sikh's are only prohibited from eating Kuttha or ritually slaughtered (Halal, Kosher) meat.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest book talks about vegetarianism and spirituality in the following couplet:-First Mehl:
The fools argue about flesh and meat, but they know nothing about meditation and spiritual wisdom.
What is called meat, and what is called green vegetables? What leads to sin?
It was the habit of the gods to kill the rhinoceros, and make a feast of the burnt offering.
Those who renounce meat, and hold their noses when sitting near it, devour men at night.
They practice hypocrisy, and make a show before other people, but they do not understand anything about meditation or spiritual wisdom.
O Nanak, what can be said to the blind people? They cannot answer, or even understand what is said.
They alone are blind, who act blindly. They have no eyes in their hearts.
They are produced from the blood of their mothers and fathers, but they do not eat fish or meat.Page 1289 [3] Sri Guru Granth Sahib
On the views that eating meat would be eating flesh, first Sikh Guru Nanak states:AGGS, M 1, p 1290. [4]
-First Mehl:
ਪਾਂਡੇ ਤੂ ਜਾਣੈ ਹੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਥਹੁ ਮਾਸੁ ਉਪੰਨਾ ॥ ਤੋਇਅਹੁ ਅੰਨੁ ਕਮਾਦੁ ਕਪਾਹਾਂ ਤੋਇਅਹੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣੁ ਗੰਨਾ ॥O Pandit, you do not know where did flesh originate! It is water where life originated and it is water that sustains all life. It is water that produces grains, sugarcane, cotton and all forms of life.
Sikhism is a liberal, tolerant faith that acknowledges personal liberty and the crucial proponent of human nature, free will [5]. As such, Sikh philosophy and Scriptures are not didactic in nature, for Sikhism offers spiritual, ethical and moral guidance to a fulfilling way of life rather than a tightly-construed and strict religious discipline. As a result, it is the subject of much debate as to whether Sikhs are prohibited by the Sikh Code of Conduct, the Rehat Maryada, from eating meat. The consensus is however, Sikhs are bound to avoid meat that is killed in a ritualistic manner[6] e.g. Halal, Kosher etc.[7][8]
Within the Gurdwara, the Guru ka Langar (Guru's community kitchen) serves purely vegetarian food, freshly prepared from all natural ingredients for all people, at all times. The reason for serving vegetarian food is that the Langar is open to all. Since many faiths and people have varying taboos on what to eat and how meat should be prepared etc, and since Sikhs accept these restrictions and accommodate people no matter their faith or culture, the safest option thought by the Sikh Gurus was to adopt vegetarian food for Langar. The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs, ( a minor but oldest Sikh sect in India) serve meat[9] on the occasion of Holla Mohalla, and call it MahaPrashad .
Sikhism argues that the soul can possibly undergo millions of transformations as various forms of life before ultimately becoming human. These life forms could be a rock, vegetation or animal. Sikhism does not see a difference between mineral, vegetation and animal. The only distinction made is that between these (mineral, vegetation and animal), and human. [10]
The first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev said it was a pointless argument to debate the merits of either not eating or eating meat in the context of religion, as maintaining a strict diet does not make one blessed or elevate one to a superior status, spiritually or otherwise, over another. Being a member of a religion incorporates not merely one's dietary customs but the entire way in which they govern their lifestyle. [11] He advocated a lifestyle consisting of honest, hard work and humility Kirat Karni, focus and remembrance of God Naam Japna and compassion for all of humanity and God's creation all around Vaṇḍ chakkō, with these 3 key principles taking far greater precedence over one's mere dietary habits.
Sikh Intellectual Views on Diet and SikhismMany articles have been written by Sikh intellectuals on this issue. A summary of their views is cited below .Dr I. J Singh states that throughout Sikh history, there have been many subsects of Sikhism that have espoused vegetarianism however, this was rejected by the Sikh Guru's. [12]. The Sikh thinking being that vegetarianism and meat eating was unimportant in the realm of spirituality. Surinder Singh Kohli links vegetarianism to Vashnavite behaviour [13]. Dr Gopal Singh commenting on meat being served in the langar during the time of Guru Angad [14] Dr Gyani Sher Singh who was the head Priest at the Golden temple comments that Ahimsa does not fit in with Sikh doctrine [15]. W. Owen Cole and Piara Singh Sambhi [16] comment that if the Sikh Guru's had made an issue on vegetarianism, it would have distracted from the main emphasis of Sikh spirituality. Dr H S Singha and Satwant Kaur [17] comment on how ritually slaughtered meat is considered a sin for initiated Sikhs. Dr Surinder Singh Kohli comments on the "Fools Wrangle Over Flesh" [18] quotation from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by how Guru Nanak mocked hypocritical vegetarian priests. Dr Gobind Mansukhi states how vegetarianism and meat eating has been left to the Sikh individual [19] G S Sidhu comments again on how ritually slaughtered meat is taboo for a Sikh [20] Dr Gurbakh Singh comments on how non-Kutha [21] meat is acceptable for the Sikhs. Dr Devinder Singh Chahal [22] comments on the difficulties of distinguishing between plant and animalin Sikh philosophy.Dr H S Singha comments in his book how the Sikh Guru's ate meat [23]
The Sikh Code of ConductLeading Sikh intellectuals ruled on this issue in the 1920s (as some Sikh Sects confused the issue by trying to get all Sikhs to be vegetarian) and came up with the following rule or Code of Conduct for baptised Sikhs with regards to meat and Vegetarianism:Sikh Rehat Maryada- In the Rehat Maryada(http://www.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_six.HTML), Section Six, it states:
The undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided
1. Dishonouring the hair;
2. Eating the meat of an animal slaughtered the Muslim way(Kutha);
3. Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse
4. Using tobacco.
There are groups such as the Akhand Kirtani Jatha that dispute the meaning of the word Kuttha, and say it means all meat, however, in mainstream Sikhism this word has been accepted to mean, as that which is sacrificed for example Halal or Kosher.
Historical dietary behaviour of SikhsThere are a number of eyewitness accounts from European travellers as to the eating habits of Sikhs.[24] Although there is no prohibition on Sikhs for eating beef, it is clear that Sikhs as a mark of respect for their Hindu neighbours did not partake in eating beef.[25],[26] To initiate Mohammedans into their mysteries, one traveller said the Sikhs would prepare a Dish of Hogs legs.[27]According to Dabistan e Mazhib (a contemporary Persian chronology of the Sikh Guru's) Guru Nanak (this differs from Dr I J Singh's research that states that Guru Nanak ate meat on the way to Kurukshetra [28]) did not eat meat, and Guru Arjan, one of successors, thought that meat eating was not in accordance with Nanak's wishes. However, his son, Hargobind, ate meat and hunted, and his practice was adopted by most Sikhs.[29]
Bhai Gurdas who was a contemporary of the Sixth Sikh Guru, wrote Vaars (Poems/Couplets), to describe the behaviour of Sikhs at that time. In one of his Vaars actually praises the merits of goat meat [30]
See alsoThe Rehat Maryada states that Sikhs are bound to avoid meat that is killed in a ritualistic manner[30] e.g. Halal, Kosher, etc.[31][32]be vegetarian-and came up with the following rule or code of conduct for baptised Sikhs with regards to meat and vegetarianism:
Sikh Rehat Maryada - In the Rehat Maryada, section six, it states:
The undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided:
In Sikhism, only vegetarian food is served in the Gurdwara, but Sikhs are not totally bound to be meat-free. The general consensus is that Sikhs are free to choose whether to adopt the vegetarian or meat diet[1], although once baptized by taking Amrit, some minority sects of Sikhs (Damdami Taksal, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Namdharis, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and the 3HO), believe that a Sikh should be meat free[2], however this is not a Universally held belief amongst Sikhs. Orthodox Sikhs believe that once Amrit is taken, Sikh's are only prohibited from eating Kuttha or ritually slaughtered (Halal, Kosher) meat.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest book talks about vegetarianism and spirituality in the following couplet:-First Mehl:
The fools argue about flesh and meat, but they know nothing about meditation and spiritual wisdom.
What is called meat, and what is called green vegetables? What leads to sin?
It was the habit of the gods to kill the rhinoceros, and make a feast of the burnt offering.
Those who renounce meat, and hold their noses when sitting near it, devour men at night.
They practice hypocrisy, and make a show before other people, but they do not understand anything about meditation or spiritual wisdom.
O Nanak, what can be said to the blind people? They cannot answer, or even understand what is said.
They alone are blind, who act blindly. They have no eyes in their hearts.
They are produced from the blood of their mothers and fathers, but they do not eat fish or meat.Page 1289 [3] Sri Guru Granth Sahib
On the views that eating meat would be eating flesh, first Sikh Guru Nanak states:AGGS, M 1, p 1290. [4]
-First Mehl:
ਪਾਂਡੇ ਤੂ ਜਾਣੈ ਹੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਥਹੁ ਮਾਸੁ ਉਪੰਨਾ ॥ ਤੋਇਅਹੁ ਅੰਨੁ ਕਮਾਦੁ ਕਪਾਹਾਂ ਤੋਇਅਹੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣੁ ਗੰਨਾ ॥O Pandit, you do not know where did flesh originate! It is water where life originated and it is water that sustains all life. It is water that produces grains, sugarcane, cotton and all forms of life.
Sikhism is a liberal, tolerant faith that acknowledges personal liberty and the crucial proponent of human nature, free will [5]. As such, Sikh philosophy and Scriptures are not didactic in nature, for Sikhism offers spiritual, ethical and moral guidance to a fulfilling way of life rather than a tightly-construed and strict religious discipline. As a result, it is the subject of much debate as to whether Sikhs are prohibited by the Sikh Code of Conduct, the Rehat Maryada, from eating meat. The consensus is however, Sikhs are bound to avoid meat that is killed in a ritualistic manner[6] e.g. Halal, Kosher etc.[7][8]
Within the Gurdwara, the Guru ka Langar (Guru's community kitchen) serves purely vegetarian food, freshly prepared from all natural ingredients for all people, at all times. The reason for serving vegetarian food is that the Langar is open to all. Since many faiths and people have varying taboos on what to eat and how meat should be prepared etc, and since Sikhs accept these restrictions and accommodate people no matter their faith or culture, the safest option thought by the Sikh Gurus was to adopt vegetarian food for Langar. The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs, ( a minor but oldest Sikh sect in India) serve meat[9] on the occasion of Holla Mohalla, and call it MahaPrashad .
Sikhism argues that the soul can possibly undergo millions of transformations as various forms of life before ultimately becoming human. These life forms could be a rock, vegetation or animal. Sikhism does not see a difference between mineral, vegetation and animal. The only distinction made is that between these (mineral, vegetation and animal), and human. [10]
The first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev said it was a pointless argument to debate the merits of either not eating or eating meat in the context of religion, as maintaining a strict diet does not make one blessed or elevate one to a superior status, spiritually or otherwise, over another. Being a member of a religion incorporates not merely one's dietary customs but the entire way in which they govern their lifestyle. [11] He advocated a lifestyle consisting of honest, hard work and humility Kirat Karni, focus and remembrance of God Naam Japna and compassion for all of humanity and God's creation all around Vaṇḍ chakkō, with these 3 key principles taking far greater precedence over one's mere dietary habits.
Sikh Intellectual Views on Diet and SikhismMany articles have been written by Sikh intellectuals on this issue. A summary of their views is cited below .Dr I. J Singh states that throughout Sikh history, there have been many subsects of Sikhism that have espoused vegetarianism however, this was rejected by the Sikh Guru's. [12]. The Sikh thinking being that vegetarianism and meat eating was unimportant in the realm of spirituality. Surinder Singh Kohli links vegetarianism to Vashnavite behaviour [13]. Dr Gopal Singh commenting on meat being served in the langar during the time of Guru Angad [14] Dr Gyani Sher Singh who was the head Priest at the Golden temple comments that Ahimsa does not fit in with Sikh doctrine [15]. W. Owen Cole and Piara Singh Sambhi [16] comment that if the Sikh Guru's had made an issue on vegetarianism, it would have distracted from the main emphasis of Sikh spirituality. Dr H S Singha and Satwant Kaur [17] comment on how ritually slaughtered meat is considered a sin for initiated Sikhs. Dr Surinder Singh Kohli comments on the "Fools Wrangle Over Flesh" [18] quotation from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by how Guru Nanak mocked hypocritical vegetarian priests. Dr Gobind Mansukhi states how vegetarianism and meat eating has been left to the Sikh individual [19] G S Sidhu comments again on how ritually slaughtered meat is taboo for a Sikh [20] Dr Gurbakh Singh comments on how non-Kutha [21] meat is acceptable for the Sikhs. Dr Devinder Singh Chahal [22] comments on the difficulties of distinguishing between plant and animalin Sikh philosophy.Dr H S Singha comments in his book how the Sikh Guru's ate meat [23]
The Sikh Code of ConductLeading Sikh intellectuals ruled on this issue in the 1920s (as some Sikh Sects confused the issue by trying to get all Sikhs to be vegetarian) and came up with the following rule or Code of Conduct for baptised Sikhs with regards to meat and Vegetarianism:Sikh Rehat Maryada- In the Rehat Maryada(http://www.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_six.HTML), Section Six, it states:
The undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided
1. Dishonouring the hair;
2. Eating the meat of an animal slaughtered the Muslim way(Kutha);
3. Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse
4. Using tobacco.
There are groups such as the Akhand Kirtani Jatha that dispute the meaning of the word Kuttha, and say it means all meat, however, in mainstream Sikhism this word has been accepted to mean, as that which is sacrificed for example Halal or Kosher.
Historical dietary behaviour of SikhsThere are a number of eyewitness accounts from European travellers as to the eating habits of Sikhs.[24] Although there is no prohibition on Sikhs for eating beef, it is clear that Sikhs as a mark of respect for their Hindu neighbours did not partake in eating beef.[25],[26] To initiate Mohammedans into their mysteries, one traveller said the Sikhs would prepare a Dish of Hogs legs.[27]According to Dabistan e Mazhib (a contemporary Persian chronology of the Sikh Guru's) Guru Nanak (this differs from Dr I J Singh's research that states that Guru Nanak ate meat on the way to Kurukshetra [28]) did not eat meat, and Guru Arjan, one of successors, thought that meat eating was not in accordance with Nanak's wishes. However, his son, Hargobind, ate meat and hunted, and his practice was adopted by most Sikhs.[29]
Bhai Gurdas who was a contemporary of the Sixth Sikh Guru, wrote Vaars (Poems/Couplets), to describe the behaviour of Sikhs at that time. In one of his Vaars actually praises the merits of goat meat [30]
See alsoSikhs have no food taboo's. The only food they are forbidden from eating is "Kuttha" or that which is ritually killed (like Halal or Kosher).
In the Rehit Marayada (http://www.sgpc.net/rehat_maryada/section_six.html), Section Six, it states:
The undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided
1. Dishonouring the hair;
2. Eating the meat of an animal slaughtered the Muslim way(Kutha);
3. Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse
4. Using tobacco.
Sikh Rehit Maryada
There are no food taboos in Sikhism. This is after all a young, modern, vibrant faith, very practical in its doctrines and sensible in its beliefs. But there is always a hooker.
History provides us some sensible ways of looking at what we believe and what we do. Indeed Sikhs observe no food taboos as are found among the Jews, Muslims or Hindus, among others. Of the two dominant religions in India, the Hindus eat no beef while the Muslims will not come near pork. The Sikhs find common ground by finding both kinds of flesh acceptable. It is true nevertheless, that a great majority of Sikhs do not eat beef since many of them come from a Hindu background. In fact in Punjab, before India was partitioned in 1947, neither beef nor pork was easily available in deference to the strong beliefs of the two majority religions. Also many, if not most Hindus are obligatory vegetarians. Consequently, most Sikhs never acquired a taste for either beef or pork but are content with chicken, mutton or lamb. Landlocked Punjab does not have much of a variety in fish, but it is enjoyed in the limited quantity that it is available.
Throughout Sikh history there have been movements or subsets of Sikhism which have espoused vegetarianism. I think there is no basis for such dogma or practice in Sikhism. Certainly Sikhs do not think that a vegetarian's achievements in spirituality are easier or higher. It is surprising to see that vegetarianism is such an important facet of Hindu practice in light of the fact that animal sacrifice was a significant and much valued Hindu Vedic ritual for ages.
Guru Nanak in his writings clearly rejected both sides of the arguments --- on the virtues of vegetarianism or meat eating --- as banal and so much nonsense, nor did he accept the idea that a cow was somehow more sacred than a horse or a chicken. He also refused to be drawn into a contention on the differences between flesh and greens, for instance. History tells us that to impart his message, Nanak cooked meat at an important Hindu festival in Kurukshetra. Having cooked it he certainly did not waste it, but probably served it to his followers and ate himself. History is quite clear that Guru Hargobind and Guru Gobind Singh were accomplished and avid hunters. The game was cooked and put to good use, to throw it away would have been an awful waste.
Sikhs also do not respond to the Semitic commandment on avoiding animals with cloven hoofs. And one Semitic practice clearly rejected in the Sikh code of conduct is eating flesh of an animal cooked in ritualistic manner; this would mean kosher and halal meat. The reason again does not lie in religious tenet but in the view that killing an animal with a prayer is not going to ennoble the flesh. No ritual, regardless of who conducts it, is going to do any good either to the animal or to the diner. Let man do what he must to assuage his hunger. If what he gets, he puts to good use and shares with the needy, then it is well used and well spent, otherwise not.
The community meal (langar) that the Sikhs serve in their Gurudwaras has several purposes. Much of India even now is bound in traditions of caste. In the Hindu Caste System, the high and the low castes do not mix socially; do not eat from the same kitchen. The food of a Brahmin is considered defiled if the shadow of an untouchable falls upon it. Sikhism set out to break these barriers. In the Gurudwara, the meal is served to people who sit in a row. You may not chose who to sit next to; it may even be an untouchable. You may not ask to be served by someone special. The food is prepared by volunteers from the community in a community kitchen. Men, women and children, rich and poor alike, work together to cook and to serve. This is where young and old, children and adults learn the concept of service. The food is available to all; kings and the homeless have partaken of it. Akbar who ruled India in the sixteenth century enjoyed such a meal. In this country, most Gurudwaras do not have langar service operating all day but one that serves only one meal at the conclusion of a service. Therefore, whatever food is left over is either carted home by those who wish, or is delivered to a center for the needy. In the sixties many hippies trekking through India found Gurudwaras an easy place for a quick and free meal; countless homeless people enjoy this Sikh hospitality every day. It is a way for the ordinary Sikh to thank God from whom all blessings flow. Service to the needy and sharing ones blessings with others is a cornerstone of the Sikh way of life and it starts in the community kitchen. It is a recognition of the principle that even God has little meaning or relevance to an empty belly. The prayers of the congregation and their spirit of service make the meal special, not the variety in the menu.
The usual menu in a Gurudwara is simple --- one vegetable, some beans, a handful of rice and one or two pieces of flat bread (chapatis. This is what the poorest people in Punjab eat. The ingredients are what the simplest home in Punjab would have. Fancier dishes are avoided even if one can afford them for the purpose is not to instill envy in others or to show off ones own riches. If meat is avoided it is not because of any canon but because the menu should be such that everybody can afford and anybody can eat; something nobody will have any compunctions or reservations about. Remember that Gurudwaras are open to all and often frequented by Hindus and Muslims alike. The menG for the langar at the Gurudwara has to provide the least common denominator in the Indian cultural tradition.
Some historians contend that meat was often served in langar at the time of Guru Angad. History has it that Guru Amar Das, well before he became a Guru, visited Guru Angad. On that day, some Sikh had donated a large quantity of fish which was being served in the community meal. Amar Das had been a devout Hindu and a vegetarian until that time. Some historians say that he was somewhat squeamish about it but, now that he had become a Sikh, accepted the fish as a gift from the Guru's kitchen. Others suggest that Guru Angad, knowing full well that Amar Das was a vegetarian, directed the sevadars not to offer him the fish. Considering the love of nature and of God's creation in the writings of the Gurus, wanton killing of animals would not be condoned, not would be their ritual sacrifice for gustatory satisfaction or otherwise.
There are other benefits to a simple but sufficient lunch after a service. The attendees know that they do not have to rush home and feed the kids or themselves. The mind is not distracted by the chores waiting at home; time off from them is a welcome respite, however brief. One can relax and enjoy the service single-mindedly. Hindus have often debated if what you eat determines your spiritual status. Sikhs do not believe that. Guru Nanak offered only two criteria for food taboos, both are based on common sense. Anything that will harm the body or mind is to be shunned. And all things edible are available and permissible in moderation.
Sikhs are not allowed to eat halal or kosher meat because they believe that it is wrong to sacrifice animals to God, ritually.
Sikhs can eat rice and wheat products. They also eat milk products but some Sikhs do not eat meat
Yes, Sikhs are allowed to eat meat according to their dietary guidelines. However, many Sikhs follow a vegetarian diet as a personal choice or as part of their commitment to non-violence and respect for all living beings.
Pork is not allowed to eaten by Jews, Muslims. Hindus are allowed to eat pork but many choose not to very often. Sikhs are also allowed to eat pork but chose not to very often
Baptised (Amritdhari) Sikhs are not allowed to consume meat/liquor/or any intoxicating substance. Sikhs who are not baptised may or may not eat meat according to their personal preference.
Sikhs in a Gurdwara are vegetarians. Only during occasions of Holla Mohalla when Nihangs serve meat, and call it Mahaprasad.
Sikhs that are "full Sikh's" (Baptist Sikh) can not eat any kind of meat nor eggs. Sikhs that are normal can eat meat and eggs but they can not eat halal nor beef.
No!
Orthodox Jews are only allowed to eat kosher foods.
Meat and dairy.
Muslims aren't allowed to eat pork.
Sikhs eat sweets on Diwali. the sweets include laddoos, barfi etc.
In the Langar, you eat only plant foods, such as fruits, berries and vegetables. Everybody is allowed to eat with them. They only eat after they pray in the Gurdwara.