Becoming a Sikh is all about coming to embrace the Sikh values of community, justice, and practicality. I came to embrace Sikhi because it holds that all peoples and all faiths have value. The life of a Sikh is one of service cheerfully rendered unto others and is a celebration of the unity and strength of humanity. Sikhs view everyone as equal and their worship is part of this view. For a Sikh honest work is a form of worship. If they are honest and help others day-to-day they are following the Guru's teachings.

All of life is a spiritual journey. You many embrace this and better yourself or you may ignore it. But the journey is on, whether we like it or not, so make the most of your brief time upon the stage that is the world.

The five K’s of kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kara (iron wristlet), kirpan (sword), and kaccha (fighting shorts) will come with time. Just give yourself the time to grow.

W. Owen Cole expressed the joys of knowing the Sikh path well when he said. "Those who wish to go further must, as I do, walk with Sikhs and enjoy their sorrows and joys. If this publication has helped a single reader to embark upon the experiences and friendships that I have had, or to respect the faith that is held by followers of the Gurus, or merely to understand it, then it will have succeeded in its purpose."


When tying and wearing a turban, one must be careful not to tie it to tight where it will pinch the ears and graze the forehead. Also, the turban must not be tied so loose that it will fall from the head when running or moving about in normal life. All this will come with practice. When wearing the turban, I feel like a knight of old, it is both a symbol of what I am and is an armour against evils. The below series of photos highlights the folding of the currently popular ‘layered’ turban.

© 1999 Gurfateh Singh