Item 1 in Sikh Rehat Maryada

Foundational Sikh identity and discipline

Live as a Sikh through remembrance of God, truthful conduct and disciplined practice.

Position
1
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Sikhs and Sikh institutions
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Foundational Sikh identity and discipline

Source wording

Live as a Sikh through remembrance of God, truthful conduct and disciplined practice.

Translation

Broader interpretation

Live as a Sikh through remembrance of God, truthful conduct and disciplined practice.

Practical meaning

Live as a Sikh through remembrance of God, truthful conduct and disciplined practice.

Ethical purpose

This principle is intended to guide conduct, character and relationships in accordance with the parent framework.

Variations across schools or traditions

Interpretation and application may vary across communities, translations and individual circumstances.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle should be applied with attention to evidence, consent, equality, power, foreseeable harm and realistic alternatives.

Truth By Reason analysis

Live as a Sikh through remembrance of God, truthful conduct and disciplined practice. Its ethical force depends on whether its application reduces avoidable harm and respects equal human dignity.

Ethical themes

  • Worship
  • Honesty
  • Self-control

Sources