Etiquette Guidelines for Visit to Gurudwara Singh Sabha in Renton, WA – Sunday, March 2, 2003

(adapted from "Research Guidelines" of the Pluralism Project, Harvard University, http://www.pluralism.org)

1. General Principles:

• Please remember that while on the field trip, you are a representative of The Evergreen State College. Identify yourself to those you meet, and briefly explain the purpose of the field trip in the context of our program.

• Before visiting this center, we contacted a lay leader in charge of interfaith relations, whose name is Tarlochan Singh Khalsa. He informed us that Sunday morning was the best time to visit for a better understanding of Sikhism, and he will guide us and present basic information about Sikhism.

• Please keep in mind that, in addition to being a student, you are also a guest. As such, please be respectful of the atmosphere of ritual or worship; always respect and follow the practices of the host community. Be sure to thank your hosts for their time and efforts on your behalf, and sign the thank you note we will send as a program.

• Closely observe the practices of community members, and when appropriate follow their example. If everyone is taking off their shoes at the door, offering a particular greeting, or speaking in hushed tones, follow suit. If unsure, ask a member of the community; inquiries often should be directed to a person of the same sex.

• Ask for permission before taking photographs, videotaping, or tape recording in any religious center. Avoid talking or note taking during a worship service. Don't take out pen and paper, camera, or tape recorder, unless you have made quite certain that it would not be intrusive or rude. Use this as an occasion to sharpen your powers of sheer observation. If the atmosphere permits, making a few notes as you visit a place will permit you to recall more accurately when you sit down later to write field notes.

• Both men and women should dress modestly and neatly; loose clothing is recommended as, in this and other centers, you may sit on the floor (long sleeves and pants for men, long skirts or loose pants, loose head scarf for women; men may use headcovering available at door—like a bandana tied in back).

• Guests at religious centers are discouraged from openly displaying jewelry with other religious symbols or images, including the cross, the Star of David, zodiac signs, pentacles, or images of people or animals.

• Wear shoes that are easily removed, as it is the practice to take off one's shoes before entering the prayer halls of gurdwaras, masajid or Islamic centers, Hindu, Jain, and Zoroastrian temples, as well as most Buddhist temples.

• In many of the aforementioned communities, feet should not be touched, should not touch another person, should not be stretched out in front, and should not point directly towards the altar, holy book, or religious leader.

• In many situations, it is appropriate to avoid physical contact, particularly with people of the opposite sex. Many religious communities discourage shaking hands with someone of the opposite sex; others, such as some Muslim communities, discourage a private meeting between a man and a woman. (This can be circumvented by working in teams, or arranging to meet with two community members at the same time.) Other communities, such as some Buddhists, might discourage touching the head of another person, even that of a child.

• Specific to Sikh Gurdwaras

• Both men and women are required to cover their heads before entering the prayer hall of a gurdwara, or during a religious ceremony in a private home. At this gurdwaras, head coverings are available at the door for men; most women drape a large scarf loosely over their head.

• Shoes should be removed before entering the gurdwara.

• It is appropriate (though not required; please opt out if uneasy) to bow before the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) on entering the prayer area, and, often, to make a small donation ($1-$5).

• Participation in worship is optional.

• During the service, food that has been blessed, "prasad" may be offered. One should accept (and eat) the "prasad" with the right hand.

• After services, a communal meal called "langar" is served. Hospitality is extremely important; guests are strongly encouraged to join in the "langar" meal.

• Religious leaders, called "Granthi," lead the community in the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.

• In some communities, the religious leadership may not speak English fluently; you may ask to speak with the president, or in our case, the interfaith relations representative.