ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the historical sequence of expressions of Sikh rahit (way of life): verses of Guru Nanak and later Gurus in Guru Granth Sahib, pointers in the janam sakhis, precepts in the vars of Bhai Gurdas Bhalla, rahitnamas (codes of conduct), and hukamnamas (both the edicts from Gurus and more recent directives from Akal Takht). Continuities and changes in their prescriptions and proscriptions are identified as well as the present-day tensions for Sikhs between Punjabi culture, Sikh teaching, and modernity. Attention is paid to gender – reference to women or their omission in rahitnamas and to the overlaps and differences between details of the rahit advocated by such minority groups as the Namdharis, Damdami Taksal, Sant Samaj, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, and Nihangs. The implications of recent directives from the Akal Takht on diaspora Sikhs are noted.
