The issue of Kesh comes up often. It is an important aspect of Sikhi.

A person with Kesh has "passed" a test because he has faced the discrimination and hostility of the world around him and still kept Kesh. But what tests has he failed? I think there are many tests and aspects of Sikhi.

For example, the test of Kesh is mirrored by the test of Kirpan; doing one's duty to prevent and reverse injustice. I admit my shortcoming that I don't keep Kesh. But I feel very strongly I am tested by many things and Kesh is not the only one. If I fail or succeed at these tests, can anyone know how many tests another person faces in a day, month, or year? Should I carry a report card around so I can be accepted by sangat, that I have passed enough tests?

Whichever tests are passed, we have all failed many tests. As much as I have no idea about any person in the sangat and the tests they have failed, no one else has any more ability in that regard. And whatever all our faults, we all have full confidence in the Love of the Guru. With everything, still the Guru allows us Waheguru's Love, the greatest boon! This is an important part of Sikhi; one I hope is not lost. The sangat, to be sangat, has to have these qualities as well.

Sanjiwan Singh