Udasi is a Punjabi word meaning detached and hence as the name suggests Udasi comprises of sub-sect of Sikh people who tend to practice detachment from the worldly affairs. Udasis are the followers of Baba Srichand, the elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Udasis follow Matra (“Discipline”), which comprises of few verses to the name of Baba Srichand as the ultimate book of guidance. The book preaches the teachings of Baba Srichand that encircle around renunciation from worldly matters and practicing a life of celibacy. Today, Udasi Sikhs have more than 100 dehras (“centres”) for worship all across the Punjab. Baba Shri chand was the first person to spread the message of Japji sahib to people in villages. A verse from Matra Sahib when the sidhs asked Baba Sri Chand: "What types of Yoga do you practice?" Baba Sri Chand Ji replied: "Ira Main Avai Pingla Main Dhavai Sukhmana Kay Ghar Sehaj Samavai" "The Ira is the left nostril and the Pingla is the right nostril. To inhale through Ira and exhale through Pingla and where both the nostrils meet is the Sukhmana. This is where the breath is to be held. If a person merges his soul with the breath at this point and creates steadiness, this is the type of Yoga practiced by me" Replied Baba Sri Chand Ji. Mahasidha Baba Sri Chand Ji said to have lived for 135 years.
The foundation of Nirmal Panth of Sikhism is believed to be first laid down by Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself. However, the formal conception of Nirmal Path was done by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1686 at his camp in Shri Ponta Sahib. The Sikhs belonging to Nirmala Sikh Panth are said to be the wisdom pillar of Sikhism as they interpret the Sikh philosophy in the light of Vedanta and believe the right knowledge and wisdom to be the supreme asset for leading life. The rich history of Nirmal Panth is a treasure-trove today as a result of the hard efforts of five Nirmalley Sant of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who excelled at Vedas in twelve months at Kashi. As explained in Nirmal Bhekh Bhashkar by Giani Balwant Singh Kotha Guru, the Nirmalas used to be practice Ayurveda Yoga Abhiyas, Gurmat Sangeet and were proficient in Gurmat and Vedant. Nirmalas had a huge contribution in terms of literature and spreading the teachings of Guru Nanak.
Nihang Sikhs are respected and greatly revered as the warrior class of Sikh Sampardaye. The origin of Nihang Singhs date back to 1699. Nihang Sikhs are expected to be the upholders of righteousness and use the weapons they possess only for justice and protecting the vulnerable people. Nihang Sikhs were originally known for their guerilla warfare tactics and for victories in the battles even where they were heavily outnumbered. They wear blue clothes known as Khalsa Swarupa and carry some weapons like dagger (Kirpan), and iron round wrist bands (jangi kara) etc. In the ancient times Nihangs were not just considered warriors, but also the meditative souls who were aware of advanced spiritual experiences. The style of the turbans and the ornaments worn by them represented the state of their consciousness for example the huge Lotus Turbans that were worn by the Nihangs who reached the higher states of consciousness.
Sevapanthi is an eminent Sikh sect known for their selfless service towards humanity. The foundations of Sevapanthi Sikh order were laid down by Guru Teg Bahadur ji. He guided Kanhaiya to lead his life in the service of humanity. The three main doctrines of Sevapanthi order were- 1.) Resistance of war or violence. 2.) Protecting the sacred values of life. 3.) Serving mankind. The Sevapanthi order of Sikhism believes in sharing and living together in harmony. For them, life is all about serving and caring. And the service of mankind is the prime motive of life. They put their lives for the betterment of all forms of life. Though they themselves were pacifists, at the same time they believe that violent actions by Khalsa for the upholding of Dharma were also unavoidable and hence right. The centers of Sevapanthis are called Tikanas, Deras, Dharamshala or Ashrams.
Taksali sect of Sikhism is believed to consist of people who have studied from Damdami Taksal. The Damdami Taksal is said to have their own protocols known as Gurmat Rehat Maryada that focusses on teaching the authentic pronunciations and meaning of Gurbani to the students. It is also said that Damdami Taksal was set up by Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself. As compared to the other Sampardas the Taksali Samparda has a different way of living while all the Sampardas believe in one Akaal Purakh Waheguru, ten Gurus of Sikhs and Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Baba Deep Singh Ji shaheed was the first chief of the Damdami Taksal.
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