SAMSKAAR (SANSKAAR)
Samskaar is a Sanskrit word; it has many shades of meaning: to improve, to complete, decorations, teachings, improvement of mind-set, acts done in earlier times or previous birth, religious rites and ceremonies.
In daily life, Samskaar word is used in two meanings: the actions done in earlier times or previous birth; and, performing religious rites and ceremonies.
According to Hinduism, it also means religious practices performed for purification (or ablution) of mind. In Sikhism, meditation of God is the only Sanskaar a Sikh must practice for the purification of mind and soul. Sikhism rejects the acceptance of ritualism in achievement of any spiritual feat.
According to the Sikh Rahitmaryaada (passed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee), name ceremony for a child, marriage, death and Khanday-di-Pahul (Sikh initiation) – thesefour ceremonies are the Sikh Sanskaars.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)