| abstract
| - This article is based entirely on the views expressed by the Sikh Gurus in Gurbani – and does not rely on any outside views. Guru's message is clear and unambiguous and anyone who understands Gurmukhi will be able to come to their own conclusion. Gurbani i.e. writings within Sri Guru Granth Sahib (or SGGS) are the most important spiritual guidance for a Sikh as the Bani is regarded as the Guru or "Spiritual teacher" for the Sikh. ("Bani guru, guru hai bani vich bani amrit saaray."… "Bani is Guru, and Guru is the Bani. Within Bani, all Ambrosial Nectars are found." sggs p982) To be a Sikh is to regard the SGGS as ones only spiritual guide. The message within the Guru Granth Sahib is the universal and moral guide for all of humanity and in particular for all Sikhs. No Hukamnama (order, directive or decree) by anyone other than the Sikh Guru can move the Guru's Sikh away from this stand ("Hukam rajaa-ee chalnaa naanak likhi-aa naal.." …. " O Nanak, it is written that you shall obey the Hukam of His Command, and walk in the Way of His Will". sggs p1). Gurbani offers clear guidance on this important issue. The following quotes from Varan Bhai Gurdas and Sri Guru Granth Sahib give the Sikhs clear and concise direction on what a Sikh should eat or not eat and other aspect of this important facet of a person's spiritual and moral life. Bhai Gurdas ji was the first scribe of the Adi Granth. He was responsible for writing the first compilation of the Holy Granth. While Guru Arjan Dev ji dictated the Bani, Bhai Sahib put the words to paper. He is recognised as the first "Scholar of Sikhism" and his own writings, called the Varan Bhai Gurdas were called by Guru Arjan Dev, "the Key to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib". The Varan also offer clear secondary guidance on this subject to the Sikh as well. Despite this article outlining the fact that eating meat is not in strict compliance with the principles of Sikhism, it should be very clear to all that whether one eats meat or not, is only one aspect of the life of a Sikh. So no greater importance should be given to this issue at the expense of the many other issues which are of equal importance to a Sikh. It is not an issue where one should engage in heated argument - Read Gurbani and make your own decision on this matter. This topic is very emotive and many Sikhs who cannot read or understand the original Gurmukhi text are unable to understand the Guru's clear message and will use their own Manmat (entrenched personal stand) or views of other academics to propagate their own views or views of other who have not relied on the Guru's word. When deciding on this subject or any other issue about Dharam (righteous living), a Sikh should rely only on Gurbani and disregard views of others. ("Saṯgur kī banī sat sat kar jānhu gursikhahu har kartā āp muhhu kadhāė." … "O GurSikhs, know that the Bani, is true, absolutely true. The Creator Lord Himself causes the Guru to chant it." sggs p308 )
* Also see Discussion page for dialogue on this matter
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