TANKHAAH
Tankhaah literally: salary and Tankhaahia is a person who gets salary.
In Sikhism, term Tankhaah has been used for religious ‘punishment’ for a Tankhaahiya is one who is guilty of breach of religious discipline. In Sikh jurisprudence it is called Tankhaah because a Sikh has to accept it with the spirit and joy of accepting ‘Tankhaah’ (salary).
It is wrong to call it “punishment”. Tankhaah is granted to (imposed upon) that Sikh who has voluntarily confessed his guilt or who has been widely considered guilty of breach of Sikh Rahit (code of conduct) or for some activity against the interests of the Sikh nation. Such a person must personally appear and submit himself to the Sangat as a humble Sikh. The tradition of appearing at (or being summoned at) Akaal Takht, before its priests, is a novel addition to this institution.
After appearing before Sangat, such a person must own his guilt and have a feeling of repentance. He/She should not approach Sangat in a diplomatic manner or for a show of formality. He should declare his will (take a vow) to accept the verdict of the Sangat. The Sangat shall determine the guilt and finalize Tankhaah (Sangat can forgive him by giving a warning). After the verdict is pronounced and after he has obeyed (fulfilled) the same, he should have no grudge or feeling of resentment or humiliation; nor should the Sangat treat him as inferior (or ‘former sinner’).
Tankhah can be granted in many ways i.e.: 1. (a) Service in Langar (b) washing of dishes (c) cleaning of floor in Gurdwara (d) cleaning of the shoes of the Sangat etc. It means creating in him a feeling of humility by doing some humble job 2. Recitation of some hymns.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)