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Giani Gurbux Singh (U.K.):
The Need to Uphold and Implement the Sikh Rehat Maryada in our lives.
Basic Information about the Sikh Rehat Maryada
The Akal Takhat Rehat Maryada is the Sikh Code of Conduct published by the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee). You can see the full details of this code at Rehat Maryada (Full).
In 1915 and later in 1931, attempts were made to create a standard Rehat (or code). This effort involved several Sikh scholars who worked to produce the current version. In 1950, the “Sikh Rehat Maryada” was finally approved by the Sikh Community and the document has been accepted as the official version which provides guidelines for all Sikh individuals and communities around the world. Its implementation has resulted in a high level of uniformity in the religious and social practices of Sikhism. There is still some debate about the complete acceptance but it serves as a good base for most Sikh communities worldwide.
Sikh Rehat Maryada is based on earlier codes , the earliest of them are:
Tanakhah-nama (Nasihat Nama) Samvat 1776 (1718-19 CE), ten years after the death of Guru Gobind Singh.
The Prahilad Rai Rehat-nama
Sakhi Rehat ki: About 1735 CE
Chaupa Singh Rehat-nama: 1740-1765 CE (1700 CE according to Piara Singh Padam). Chaupa Singh was a member of the Guru’s retinue. He was entrusted with the care of infant Gobind Das by Guru Tegh Bahadur. Some members of Chaupa Singh’s family became martyrs with Guru Tegh Bahadur in Delhi and others served under the 10th Guru.
Desa Singh Rehat-nama: late 18th century
Daya Singh Rehat-nama
The main issues covered by the Sikh Rehat Maryada are :
Definition of Sikh
Sikh Living
Sikh’s Personal Life
Sikh’s Communal Life
Meditating and Holy Scriptures
Sadh Sangat and Reflecting on Gurbani
Service in Gurdwaras
Kirtan
Ardas & Guru’s Hukam
Akhand Paath and Sadharan Paath
Festivals
Living by the Guru’s Way (Gurmat Rehni)
Sikh Ceremonies
Baby Naming Ceremony (Naam Karan)
Baptism Ceremony (Amrit Sanskar)
Marriage Ceremony (Anand Sanskar)
Funeral Ceremony (Antim Sanskar)
Other Rites and Conventions
Voluntary Service (Sewa)
Communal Life & Other Matters
References
http://www.sikhiwiki.org
http://www.sgpc.net
Piara Singh Padam, Rahitname, Patiala, 1974
Sikhs of the Khalsa : History of Khalsa Rahit, W.H.Mcleod, Oxford Press 2003